The changes are meant to reflect realistic situations for Mountain Leaders

Would-be Mountain Leaders will find life a little simpler after recent changes to the training scheme.

Candidates for the Mountain Leader Award will no longer be expected to be able to improvise a harness from a rope to lower a person down rock faces.

And the techniques for using a rope for river crossing will not have to be demonstrated by men and women who want to gain the qualification, taken by thousands of hillwalking leaders.

It means an end to fathoming out how to tie a Thompson Knot – essentially a huge butterfly-shaped rope configuration into which both arms and both legs can be slipped to be lowered down a vertical face.

And although river crossing safety will still figure in ML training and assessment, it will not be necessary to use ropes, as previously required.

Mal Creasey, development officer with Capel Curig-based Mountain Training, the official body overseeing the qualification, said the changes should reflect realistic situations and equip candidates with appropriate skills to deal with everyday situations quickly and efficiently.

“As we approach the 50th anniversary in 2014 we must continue to ensure our awards are fit for purpose for the next 50.

“Previously candidates were taught, and expected to improvise a harness, usually a Thompson Knot, for situations where lowering from a waist tie would be uncomfortable or impractical.

“Now they will be taught to protect someone up – or down – steep ground with the ‘casualty’ using hand and footholds, however, protected from above with an overhand or similar knot around the waist.”

The changes took place last month.

Mr Creasey said: “Reaction from providers and course directors so far has been favourable with many commenting on the need to bring these changes to fruition.

“Inevitably there will always be that one-in-a-million chance where all the lemons line up; however, due diligence and awareness are going to be far more useful than all the rope tricks in the world.

“Some will regret the demise of the Thompson Knot and other similar improvised techniques. However they will still have their uses at Mountain Instructor Award and Mountain Instructor Certificate level and if you are saddened by their loss, just ask yourself how often, if ever, you have used one when you have been acting as a Mountain Leader in the UK, or use a rope in a river crossing situation?”

The Mountain Leader Award is the recognised UK qualification for people who want to lead walking groups in the hills and mountains.