A new partnership between Plas y Brenin and The Snowdonia Society has resulted in subsidised training Mountain Leader places being made available to local people. Cymdeithas Eryri and Plas y Brenin have joined forces to offer this mountain leadership award at a discounted price.

This offer is part of the Society's initiative to strengthen the links between local people in Snowdonia and the special qualities of the National Park and also aims to encourage further training in a sustainable sector for people living in the National Park.

You can take advantage of this offer by booking online using the this link. Restricted in number and available on a first come, first served basis the places are 'non residential, enjoying all the benefits of Plas y Brenin's great instruction facilities and equipment without having to stay at the centre'. The Society asks (but does not insist) that people benefiting from this course are or become members of the Charity. Membership is available from just £12 per year and gives access to substantial discounts at outdoor stores such as Cotswolds and Joe Brown.

The training course is based around the ML syllabus and the particular needs of candidates. In particular we will look at the practical skills and techniques required when leading groups hill walking and camping in the mountains of the UK including aspects of navigation, group management, supervision on steep ground, risk assessment and emergency use of the rope. Consideration of the weather, mountain rescue, the environment and other related topics will also be covered. The majority of the course is practically based, however, some is of a theoretical nature. At times you may find yourself outdoors in adverse weather and you should be prepared for this. There will be an overnight camp and night navigation exercise.

The Society will also offer participants the opportunity to get practical experience of leading groups on its programme of hill walks on local mountains. This is an essential feature of the period leading up to final assessment, but sometimes it's difficult for individuals to get suitable groups (example pictured) together.

The Society wishes to thank the Sports Council for Wales for its support via a Sportsmatch award.