MLT Weekend

Despite what some readers may think, MLT is not a special Welsh version of a BLT (as in mutton rather than bacon) but rather an acronym for Mountain Leader Training, of which I am a MLTW course provider for the Climbing Wall Award and Single Pitch Award. Friday had me heading up the winding wintery road to Dinorwic for a MLT Course Provider Workshop day, as organised by Bry Williams, the MLTW's National Development Officer along with and Mal Creasey from the MLTE.

The day was held at Blue Peris Mountain Centre, whose head of centre, Mark ‘Baggy’ Richards, is the man behind the popular winter blog for North Wales. In fact, Baggy has been working hard with Si Panton of Ground Up on a new interim guide. North Wales Winter Climbing is due out in December, so just in time for Christmas. However, there were remarks about it being a shame it wasn't available already, considering how much snow we had to contend with :o)

Part of the day was spent catching up with MLT business and future developments, whilst the rest was spent looking at more practical issues, In this case, we strolled over to Bus Stop Quarry after donning duvet jackets and extra warm layers to discuss a number of Single Pitch Award matters including personal safety at the top of the crag as well as problem solving scenarios.

The weekend that followed saw 4 candidates present themselves for assessment, and with the assistance of Paul Poole, we managed to make the most of it, all things considered.

After meeting with Chrissy, Sam, Rebecca and Simon on Saturday morning at Pete's Eats to check over paperwork and the weather, we made our way to Holyhead Mountain on Anglesey. This is still one of the most ideal venues for examining personal climbing ability at the grade and is actually a very pleasant location. So despite Snowdonia being knee deep in snow, Anglesey was bathed in winter sunshine that took the edge of the frosty NE wind.

Sunday saw the group meet us at Lion Rock, another classic venue for to assess group management, rope systems and problem solving. A huge contrast to Friday, when snow was coming down heavily, today had a frosty feel but was actually quite warm in the sunshine. The assessment finished with a visit to the Beacon Climbing Centre. On this occasion it is pleasing to say there are now four more competent award holders in the world. Well done team :o)

Further information about the award can be obtained by visiting the Mountain Leader Training UK website.

Get in touch if you are interested in completing the Single Pitch Award or just wish to look at your skills development on the rock.

More pictures of this course available here.