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.
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.
ποΈ Course Structure Overview
π Days 1β3: 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.
π§ Day 1 β Introduction to Leadership
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Welcome and course admin
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Introductions to participants and programme structure
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Understanding the responsibilities of a lowland expedition leader
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Self-evaluation: identifying current skills and development goals
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Practical leadership tasks and group exercises
β οΈ Day 2 β Planning and Risk Management
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Using industry standards and organisational requirements
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Identifying and managing common hazards during a lowland walk
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Interpreting expected vs. actual weather conditions when planning
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Consolidatory walk: applying leadership and risk management in the field
π Day 3 β Equipment, Wellbeing and Expedition Prep
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Clothing, kit, and equipment selection for lowland expeditions
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The role of personal fitness in expedition leadership
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Managing food and drink during an expedition
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The benefits of outdoor activity on mental and physical wellbeing
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Evening activity: pitch campsite and cook evening meal
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Understanding the practical requirements of overnight expeditions
βΊ Days 4β6: 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.
πΊοΈ Day 4 β Navigation and Technology
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Daily weather discussion and route review
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Map reading and using navigation techniques in lowland terrain
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Using digital tools and technology for navigation
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Afternoon walk: applying navigation and leadership in context
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Evening planning session: preparing for a self-led trek
πΆββοΈ Day 5 β Remote Supervision and Trek Planning
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Understanding remote supervision techniques and responsibilities
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Preparing for and leading an overnight expedition
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Afternoon: group-led consolidation trek (with kit)
π₯Ύ Day 6 β Consolidation and Reflection
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Final stage of consolidation trek
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Group discussion: reflecting on leadership decisions and expedition delivery
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Clarifying expectations for the post-course consolidation period
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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


