Lowland Leader

Finally got around to undertaking Lowland Leader Assessment last month - thankfully with success!  I did the training way back in April and built up a good portfolio of qualifying walks over the last 6 months. The qualification is a practical, hands-on award designed for people who want to safely guide groups along low-level trails — the forests, valleys, coastal paths, and heritage-rich routes that make Ireland’s landscapes so special. It’s perfect for anyone who loves sharing the outdoors, whether that’s the colours of a woodland in spring or the stories hidden in ancient hillsides.

Run through Mountaineering Ireland, the qualification teaches you how to plan walks, navigate confidently, and manage groups with different needs. You learn to read the land, understand weather and terrain, and make safe decisions on the move. But it also encourages leaders to notice and interpret the natural world — the trees, plants, wildlife, and geology that shape the places you walk.

For those drawn to Ireland’s history, the Lowland Leader award is a brilliant way to bring local heritage to life. Many routes pass old monastic sites, ringforts, abandoned villages, and landmarks with centuries of stories behind them. Being able to share this enriches the experience for everyone.

After training, you log walks, build experience, and complete an assessment. The assessment is over 2 days where you lead legs, demonstrate your group management & navigation skills, and just walk and talk providing insights into the natural world and culture & heritage.

The Lowland Leader is ultimately about safety, nature, heritage, and good leadership — helping others enjoy the outdoors in a meaningful, welcoming way.