This award is for leaders of walking groups in summer conditions in non-mountainous hilly terrain, known variously as upland, moor, bog, hill, fell or down. Such areas are often subject to harsh weather conditions, requiring an element of self-sufficiency and this scheme will help you develop the necessary skills and experience.

Registration Requirements:

• Minimum 18 years of age and 12 months hill walking experience
• Membership of an affiliated mountaineering club or a mountaineering council (you can join at a discounted rate using this PDF form).
• An interest in leading groups.

Training
In order to attend a training course you must have logged a least 20 days hill walking. Providers run courses throughout the upland areas of the UK at most times of year in a variety of course formats, which involve a minimum of 30 hours contact time. Navigation skills, group management, environmental awareness and the overnight experience are covered during the course (wilderness camping is not part of the course). If you have an exceptionally high level of experience you may apply for exemption from the training course. Candidates who have already completed ML training are exempt from WGL training provided they have registered on the WGL scheme before attending an assessment.

Consolidation
At the end of your course the training staff will develop with you a personal action plan that will guide you through this phase of the scheme (usually a period of at least six months).

Assessment
Assessment courses have at least 30 hours of contact time. You must have completed an absolute minimum of 40 hill walking days and hold a valid First Aid qualification. You must also have completed a WGL training course or successfully gained exemption from training. Candidates who have completed ML training may take WGL assessment provided they have registered for WGL.

ML or WGL?
ML involves wild camping, movement on steep ground and some rope work whereas WGL does not involve steep or rocky terrain and includes valley camps and the overnight experience. WGL assessment candidates have to navigate with the same accuracy as on ML, but over ‘moorland’ terrain. WGL terrain is well defined by obvious boundaries, such as roads and coastlines and any hazards within it are identifiable and avoidable.