South West Moorland Leader Training Scheme (SWMLTS)

What the SWMLTS is

The SWMLTS provides appropriate training and assessment for leaders of groups in the south west region who do not need a national walking leader qualification.

The scheme will help leaders develop a range of skills and knowledge to safely manage groups. This could be for day walks or multi-night trips in summer or winter conditions.

What the scheme involves

South West Moorland Leader training equips the leader to plan and lead safe outings and expeditions on foot. The Coastal & Countryside award is ideal for those looking to deliver the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award or looking to take young people out in low level, easy to access terrain. 

The Moorland Leader award allows the leader to lead groups in more challenging terrain including Dartmoor which many use for Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions or Ten Tors.

SWMLTS syllabus

Find more information on the different levels in the SWMLTS syllabus.

Who can use the scheme

Anyone can join the scheme, this includes:

• local authority employees wishing to lead young people
• organisations who want to certify their own staff*
• voluntary organisations
• the Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) award
• schools and colleges
• further and higher education establishments

*The local authority will accept no liability for use outside their legal areas of responsibility.

Training courses

Register online

Register with the SWMLTS to take part in training courses. There is no fee to register.

Start now

Apply for a SWMLTS course

Please contact Serena Unsworth to request a course place.

SWMLTS course dates in 2025

Moorland Leader combined training/assessment with camping endorsement 2025

You can attend any of the Moorland Leader courses as training or assessment.

If you are applying for assessment, at least 2 weeks before the course, you will need to submit:

• your logbook of experience
• a route card, minimum 10k
• a generic risk assessment which details the foreseeable risks associated with the route you’ve chosen

Dates

The dates are Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March 2025.

Venue

Dartmoor

Cost

The costs are £242 per person.

Moorland Leader combined training/assessment with camping endorsement 2025

Dates

The dates are Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October 2025.

Venue

Dartmoor

Cost

The costs are £242 per person.

Coastal and Countryside Leader combined training/assessment with camping endorsement for 2025

You can attend any of the Coastal & Countryside Leader courses as training or assessment.

If you are applying for assessment, at least 2 weeks before the course, you will need to submit:

• your logbook of experience
• a route card, minimum 10k
• a generic risk assessment which details the foreseeable risks associated with the route you’ve chosen

Dates

The dates are Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May 2025.

Venue

Carey Outdoor Education Centre

Cost

The costs are £242 per person.

Coastal and Countryside Leader combined training/assessment with camping endorsement for 2025

Dates

The dates are Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August 2025.

Venue

Carey Outdoor Education Centre

Cost

The costs are £242 per person.

Bespoke courses

We can arrange bespoke courses for groups. Contact the centre for further details and a quote.