DAC Education
Lowland Expedition Leader Level 3
DAC Education
Ideal for DofE Supervisors, School Staff and all outdoor Enthusiasts
The Level 3 Lowland Expedition Leadership qualification is designed for individuals who want to develop the skills, confidence and competence to lead safe, enjoyable and self-sufficient expeditions in lowland terrain. This nationally recognised qualification equips you with essential leadership, navigation and campcraft knowledge, preparing you to guide groups in outdoor environments.
Equipping you to guide others through the outdoors.
Be the leader others rely on in the outdoors. The Level 3 Lowland Expedition Leadership qualification empowers you to guide groups safely through lowland terrain, teaching key expedition skills like navigation, planning, risk management and campcraft—while building your leadership confidence every step of the way.
6 days training and 2 days assessment
DAC Education
Courses delivered by professionals
All course leaders and coaches are at least Mountain Leader (ML) qualified
Learn from an exceptional team of Mountain Leader-qualified instructors with real-world expedition experience. Whether you’re new to the outdoors or a seasoned pro under canvas, our expert tutors are here to support your journey. From map-reading basics to advanced night navigation skills, we’ll help you build confidence and capability every step of the way.
Become a Lowland Expedition Leader
Option 1 – Broken into 3×2 day stints
Monday May 26th – Tuesday May 27th Days 1-2
Saturday June 14th – Sunday June 15th Days 3-4
Saturday July 5th – Sunday July 6th Days 5-6 Campsite overnight for Saturday 5th July.
Option 2 – All in one week
Monday July 21st – Saturday July 26th Days 1-6 Campsite overnight for Friday 25th July.
Day 1 introduces participants to the Level 3 Lowland Expedition Leadership course and explores the key responsibilities and remit of a lowland walk leader. Delegates will begin to reflect on their own leadership skills and create a personal development plan.
The afternoon includes practical leadership activities and an introduction to working within industry standards and organisational procedures. The focus is on building confidence in leadership and understanding the expectations of a safe, effective walk leader.
Day 2 focuses on managing common hazards and assessing risk before, during, and after a walk. Delegates will explore practical strategies for identifying hazards, creating risk assessments, and responding to incidents effectively.
The afternoon covers how to plan and adapt walks based on weather conditions, followed by a consolidatory walk to apply leadership skills and risk management in a real-world setting. This provides an opportunity to put theory into practice and build confidence in a group leadership environment.
Day 3 begins with a weather discussion followed by practical sessions on selecting appropriate clothing and equipment, and understanding the importance of fitness for safe and enjoyable walks. Delegates will explore how to prepare themselves and others effectively for time outdoors.
In the afternoon, a light-pack walk provides the context to discuss nutrition, hydration, and the wellbeing benefits of outdoor activity. The day concludes with a practical campcraft session—pitching tents and cooking an evening meal—introducing the key requirements for leading an overnight expedition.
Day 4 focuses on navigation, starting with a daily weather discussion and practical map-based activities to develop confidence in reading and interpreting maps in lowland terrain. Delegates will also explore how technology can support navigation and consider its advantages and limitations.
In the afternoon, a light-pack walk provides the opportunity to apply navigation skills in context and consolidate learning. The day concludes with a session on planning walks and expeditions, with time set aside to begin preparing a trek route either on-site or as homework before the next session.
Day 5 begins with a weather discussion and a collaborative review of route cards, with groups selecting and preparing routes for the day. The focus is on planning and preparing for overnight expeditions, with practical application of leadership and logistical skills.
In the afternoon, delegates explore approaches to remote supervision before heading out on the first leg of a consolidatory expedition. This experience provides valuable insight into the expectations and standards required for the final assessment expedition.
Day 6 continues with the second day of the consolidatory expedition, starting with a weather discussion and building on all skills developed throughout the course. Delegates will have the opportunity to further apply their leadership, navigation, planning, and group management skills in a real expedition context.
The course concludes with an open discussion to review expectations for the consolidation period, clarify any outstanding questions, and ensure all delegates feel confident in the next steps towards their final assessment and qualification.
Map reading
Make sure you can locate yourself accurately on a map to effectively lead your groups
Navigation Skills
Chose the right route for you and your groups in any weather, day or night and get to your destination
Campcraft Skills
Campsite selection, Campcraft skills for comfortable camping for your groups
Expedition Leadership
Learn how to get the most our of your expedition groups as well as manage morale & wellbeing
DAC Education
LEL Level 3 qualification
Ideal for those wanting to lead Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
£499 pp excluding VAT (Awarding body fees and campsite fees for 1 night during training and 1 night on assessment included. Does not include food and drink)
Following the taught element of the course, participants enter a consolidation period designed to put learning into practice and build confidence ahead of final assessment. During this phase, delegates are expected to complete a minimum of 15 hours of independent leadership, including leading two different lowland expeditions. This allows participants to refine their skills in real-world settings and demonstrate their ability to plan, lead, and evaluate safe and effective expeditions independently.
The consolidation period also provides time to finalise any remaining elements of the Delegate Evidence Record (DER), reflect on personal development goals, and gather supporting evidence of leadership competence. It is a valuable opportunity to apply feedback, practice leadership techniques, and prepare thoroughly for assessment. Tutors remain available for guidance during this period, ensuring delegates feel supported as they progress towards qualification.
The final stage of the Level 3 Lowland Expedition Leadership course is the assessment expedition. This is a practical assessment designed to confirm that delegates can confidently and competently plan, lead, and manage an overnight expedition in lowland terrain. It builds on all the skills developed throughout the course and during the consolidation period.
During the assessment expedition, delegates are required to demonstrate effective leadership, sound navigation, appropriate risk management, and strong group management skills. They must also show proficiency in campcraft, food and equipment planning, and minimising environmental impact. Assessment is carried out by an approved tutor who will observe leadership behaviours, decision-making, safety considerations, and interaction with participants. This expedition represents the final opportunity to showcase readiness for qualification as an independent lowland expedition leader.