Lowland Expedition Leader

Lowland Expedition Leader (LEL)

£545
  • Registration with LSF
  • Course Materials
  • 6 Days LEL Training
  • 2 Day LEL Assessment
  • Freelance Instructor Support
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About the Course

We are proud to deliver the Lowland Expedition Leader (LEL) qualification through the Leadership Skills Foundation. This nationally recognised award equips you to lead walking groups and overnight expeditions in lowland areas, making it ideal for supervising Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver expeditions.

Course Benefits

  • Gain nationally recognised qualifications
  • Build leadership and navigation skills
  • Enhance employability and freelance opportunities
  • Support safe and inclusive outdoor experiences
  • Encourage representation in outdoor leadership
  • Promote confidence and community engagement
  • Foster inclusive group management skills
  • Provide accessible pathways into outdoor education for underrepresented groups
  • Empower individuals to lead with authenticity and cultural awareness

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

  • Teachers and school staff involved in outdoor education
  • Youth group leaders (e.g., Scouts, Guides, DofE)
  • Freelancers in the outdoor, health, and fitness sectors looking to expand their portfolio
Course Overview

The Lowland Expedition Leader (LEL) course includes 6 days of training followed by a separate 2-day assessment.

Training Options:

  • Intensive: 6 consecutive days of training 
  • Split Weekends: Spread over 3 weekends (usually last full weekend of month).

Assessment:

  • You’ll complete a 2-day overnight expedition where your leadership, navigation, and safety skills are observed.
  • You’ll also submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your competence in planning, managing, and delivering lowland expeditions.

Day 1: Leadership Foundations & Industry Standards

  • Introduction to the LEL qualification and its scope.
  • Explore the responsibilities of a lowland expedition leader.
  • Reflect on personal leadership style and create a development plan.
  • Practical leadership activities and understanding organisational procedures.

Day 2: Safety, Risk Management & Weather

  • Learn to identify hazards and create effective risk assessments.
  • Strategies for managing incidents and emergencies.
  • Understand how weather impacts planning and decision-making.
  • Afternoon: Apply leadership and safety principles during a short walk.

Day 3: Equipment & Campcraft Essentials

  • Selecting appropriate kit for leaders and participants.
  • Campcraft fundamentals: tents, stoves, and overnight expedition setup.
  • Group dynamics and promoting wellbeing during expeditions.
  • Practical session on packing and preparing for multi-day journeys.

Day 4: Navigation Skills

  • Core navigation techniques: map reading, compass use, timing.
  • Using technology for navigation (strengths and limitations).
  • Practical navigation exercises in lowland terrain.
  • Leading short routes to build confidence in group navigation.

Day 5: Route Planning & Group Management

  • Plan safe and enjoyable routes for lowland expeditions.
  • Supervision strategies for unaccompanied groups.
  • Managing group behaviour and maintaining safety throughout.
  • Afternoon: Lead a walk applying planning and leadership skills.

Day 6: Consolidation & Assessment Preparation

  • Review key skills and knowledge from the course.
  • Guidance on completing your portfolio and preparing for assessment.
  • Q&A session and next steps for the 2-day assessment phase.
  • Final practical leadership activity to consolidate learning.

Assessment Details

Separate 2-day expedition assessment after training

 Includes:

    • Leading a group on an overnight expedition
    • Demonstrating navigation, safety, and group management
    • Submission of a portfolio of evidence

Assessment is booked once training and consolidation are complete

What’s included in the course and what do I need to know before booking?

Included:

    • Registration with Leadership Skills Foundation
    • 6 days of LEL training
    • 2-day assessment
    • Course materials
    • Campsite fees (food and personal kit not included)
    • Tutor support throughout

Before You Book:

    • Minimum age: 17 for training, 18 for assessment
    • No formal prerequisites (outdoor experience helpful)
    • A 16-hour outdoor first aid course is recommended (not included)

Location, Location, Location!

Location: To Be Confirmed

Our primary location is Sevenoaks (Kent), but we aim to choose a venue that is convenient for all candidates. Other potential locations include:

  • Newlands Corner (Surrey)
  • Dartford (Kent)
  • Upminster (Essex)

Once confirmed, the venue will remain the same for the entire course. You will receive confirmation no later than 4 weeks before the course start date.

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Supporting Inclusive Outdoor Leadership

Our approach aligns with the broader aims of Mountain Training and other national training bodies to increase participation and representation in outdoor leadership. We are committed to:

Female Leadership

Creating welcoming and empowering spaces for women to develop leadership skills and take on guiding roles in the outdoors.

Disability Inclusion

Designing training that is accessible and adaptable, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate fully and confidently. Visit our Inclusive DofE section to learn more about our inclusive practices.

Diversity

Encouraging participation from underrepresented communities and fostering a culture of respect, equity, and belonging in all our training environments.

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