Guides.. that's a difficult word.. a Guide is a qualification..
Even using the term 'Running Guide' was questioned.. but as we use the term running.. we clearly step away from the climbing side.. even now, officially we remain 'Snowdonia Running Guides' but now go by 'Run Snowdonia' as it removes the use of the term guide.. when you get into outdoor qualifications you have to know your own and other qualifications.. which I think such knowledge was lacking in some incidences..
But a 'Mountain Guide' is far more from a 'Mountain Leader'.. a mountain guide would be qualified to take people climbing etc, in terrain an ML wouldn't or shouldn't operate. It's outside of our remit. We may guide (with a g) in such terrain off experience. I wouldn't. I'm not experienced enough to take clients into such terrain, I'd feel outside my comfort zone.
But if UKA/FRA want such 'leaders' the courses are woeful. Not fit for purpose. Group management and Nav should be the two core parts of that, with associated First Aid.. There is no need for such courses anyway, there is scope for experience. Poorly defined and created courses, designed to reduce liability, actually increase liability.. do something properly or not at all. This is just a box ticking excersise, sufficient for road running or on the track, not in the fells..
Reply With Quote