On July 29-30, MID’s Rural Recreation Officer (RRO) joined colleagues in seven other counties for a Lowland Leader training course hosted by Mountaineering Ireland.
Delivered over two days in the beautiful environs of the Burren in Co. Clare, the course, led by Brian Bateson and Sinéad Pollack-Orr, covered a range of topics including:
- Group Management
- Leadership
- Navigation
- Environmental Knowledge
- Weather
- Planning
- Equipment
- Access and Conservation
- Hazards/Incident Management/Emergency scenarios
Participants learned how to lead a group safely on a marked trail, anticipate dangers, model responsible behaviour, navigate with map and compass, and enhance the walking experience for groups in their care.
We also saw wonderful examples of how sustainable locally-sourced materials can be used to create trail infrastructure, including gates and stiles made of hazel wood and waymarkers made of stone on the Lough Avalla Farm Loop.
Special thanks to the trainers and to Helen Lawless, of Mountaineering Ireland’s Access and Conservation Office, and to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for funding the training.
Training Courses Available
If you are a member of a local walking group or are simply interested in becoming a walk leader and maybe even a professional tour guide, Mountain Training offer a range of courses, including the Lowland Leader training described above.
Mountain Training covers the UK and Ireland and offers training and qualifications in mountain skills, rock-climbing, and walk leading in all kinds of terrain. Learn more at the links below.
