Lowland Expedition Leader
£499.00
This comprehensive Level 3 Lowland Expedition Leadership (LEL) course is designed for anyone looking to lead groups on lowland walking expeditions with confidence and competence. Delivered by experienced, Mountain Leader-qualified tutors, the course covers leadership skills, safety and risk management, navigation, expedition planning, and campcraft.
We run the course 4 times a year for 6 days, you can choose to do all 6 days in one go or split them over different sessions. Make your selection below.
Choose to pay online or by invoice at the checkout
Description
Learn to lead safe, enjoyable, and self-sufficient walking expeditions in lowland terrain.
The Level 3 Lowland Expedition Leader qualification is designed for individuals who want to develop the skills, confidence, and competence to lead walking groups on day and overnight journeys in lowland countryside and woodland. This nationally recognised course combines theory with hands-on practice, helping you grow as an effective, responsible outdoor leader.
🗓️ Course Structure Overview
📍 Days 1–3: Classroom-Based Learning (No accommodation included)
The first part of the course takes place in a classroom or indoor venue, where key leadership principles are explored through discussion, reflection, and practical indoor activities.
🧭 Day 1 – Introduction to Leadership
Welcome and course admin
Introductions to participants and programme structure
Understanding the responsibilities of a lowland expedition leader
Self-evaluation: identifying current skills and development goals
Practical leadership tasks and group exercises
⚠️ Day 2 – Planning and Risk Management
Using industry standards and organisational requirements
Identifying and managing common hazards during a lowland walk
Interpreting expected vs. actual weather conditions when planning
Consolidatory walk: applying leadership and risk management in the field
🎒 Day 3 – Equipment, Wellbeing and Expedition Prep
Clothing, kit, and equipment selection for lowland expeditions
The role of personal fitness in expedition leadership
Managing food and drink during an expedition
The benefits of outdoor activity on mental and physical wellbeing
Evening activity: pitch campsite and cook evening meal
Understanding the practical requirements of overnight expeditions
⛺ Days 4–6: Practical Outdoor-Based Learning (Accommodation under canvas included)
The second half of the course takes place at a local campsite, where participants put skills into practice during walks and overnight expeditions.
🗺️ Day 4 – Navigation and Technology
Daily weather discussion and route review
Map reading and using navigation techniques in lowland terrain
Using digital tools and technology for navigation
Afternoon walk: applying navigation and leadership in context
Evening planning session: preparing for a self-led trek
🚶♂️ Day 5 – Remote Supervision and Trek Planning
Understanding remote supervision techniques and responsibilities
Preparing for and leading an overnight expedition
Afternoon: group-led consolidation trek (with kit)
🥾 Day 6 – Consolidation and Reflection
Final stage of consolidation trek
Group discussion: reflecting on leadership decisions and expedition delivery
Clarifying expectations for the post-course consolidation period
Q&A session: feedback and next steps toward assessment
Key Features:
- Nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
- Split course format: May & July blocks
- Expert instruction from ML-qualified tutors
- Mix of theory, practical tasks, and real expedition experience
- Support through consolidation and assessment preparation