Understanding Quality Mountain Days (QMDs)
If you’re working towards the Mountain Leader Award, you’ve likely come across the term ‘Quality Mountain Day’ (QMD). But what actually is a QMD?
That question often prompts weird and wonderful discussion, especially amongst ‘more experienced’ mountain leaders – understanding the (updated) criteria is really important for aspiring Mountain Leaders.
In simple terms, a Quality Mountain Day is a full day spent in mountainous terrain, that fulfils specific criteria that help develop your skills and experience as a Mountain Leader.
Sounds a bit tedious, but – that definition is important.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re exploring a completely new area or working on your navigation all day long, new experience is integral to your progress as an aspirant Mountain Leader.
The Criteria for a Quality Mountain Day
To meet the standards of a QMD, your day must satisfy all seven of the following criteria:
Source: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-a-quality-day/
1. Planning and Leadership
You must take an active role in planning and leading the day. This includes choosing the route, preparing for potential challenges, and making decisions as the day unfolds. Being part of a led group does not count.
2. Exploring Unfamiliar Terrain
Your chosen route should take you into an area you haven’t explored before. Familiarity with the location may detract from the overall learning experience. An entirely new area, a new mountain, a new distinct route up a hill.
3. Mountain Ascent
The day should include ascending at least one mountain.
4. Navigation Skills
The route must challenge and improve your navigation abilities. Get used to using a paper map, compass, GPS, and your phone – on their own and in partnership. Maps get blown away, phones get damaged or run out of battery – have options. Navigating effectively is central to being a Mountain Leader.
5. Skill Development
A QMD should contribute to your personal growth, enhancing your mountain skills and knowledge. You should experience something new, you should learn something new.
6. Judgement and Decision-Making
You’ll need to assess risks, adapt to changing conditions, and make sound decisions throughout the day. You should be, mostly, calling the shots all day long.
7. Duration of Five Hours or More
The day must involve a minimum of five hours of journeying. Shorter outings or quick practice sessions typically won’t qualify. Journeying IS subjective – if you have a decent walk but are practicing your navigation loads, you’ll probably walk a bit slower and cover a bit less distance.
Why Meeting the Criteria Matters
The updated guidelines for QMDs are stricter than in the past, emphasising – thorough preparation and meaningful experiences that contribute to learning and development.
Days that don’t meet all the criteria – such as revisiting a familiar mountain, practicing navigation on a quick hike, or completing a shorter walk—are unlikely to count.
A Word of Caution
Some assessors take a more hardline approach, checking through logbooks carefully to make sure that your QMD’s are QMD’s.
An assessor is MUCH more likely to scrutinise individual log book entries if your log book is sparsely populated without much information about each day out.
If you’ve only got 41 Quality Mountain Days in your log book, and your entries aren’t very detailed, your assessor will almost certainly ask for more info.
An assessor might reject a day if the journey’s duration falls short of five hours, even by a small margin. To avoid problems (and frustration) , aim to exceed the minimum requirements and make sure your logbook is up to date, accurate and detailed.
Approved Areas for Quality Mountain Days
Not all areas qualify as suitable locations for QMDs. Recognized mountainous regions include:
- Eryri (Snowdonia)
- The Lake District
- The Scottish Highlands
While other areas, such as the Berwynion, Yorkshire Dales, and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), may offer valuable experiences, they don’t always meet the criteria for ‘mountainous’ terrain as defined by the Mountain Leader Award.
If in doubt – consult your assessor or training provider.
Tips for Aspiring Mountain Leaders
1. Logbook Preparation
Keep a detailed and accurate logbook. Include specifics such as location, duration, conditions, and key decisions made. Sharing your logbook with your assessor before the assessment can help identify any potential issues (ask for feedback before assessment).
2. Plan Varied Experiences
Explore different regions and areas to broaden your skills. While walks in areas that your familiar with or that are easy to get to might be great – venturing into areas further afield will provide a more challenging experience that’ll help enhance your learning.
3. Stay Updated
Guidelines for QMDs evolve over time. Regularly review the latest information from Mountain Training to ensure your days meet current standards.
Final Thoughts
Quality Mountain Days are more than just ticking boxes; they’re about gaining meaningful experience in the mountains. By meeting the criteria and embracing new challenges, you’ll progress towards your Mountain Leader Award AND become more skilled and confident in the hills.
Plan your next adventure, explore new mountains, and make every day in the hills count.
Preparation is key – a detailed and diverse logbook is one of your best tools on the journey to becoming a Mountain Leader.
Happy walking, and good luck.
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