Mountain Training

20/08/2026

Can we do more than leave no trace? As leaders and instructors outdoors, we're committed to practising and encouraging sustainable and sympathetic use of the outdoors by all users. The idea of positive trace principles is a good one 🌿

The principles of Leave No Trace weren't designed for the ecological challenges facing Britain's abused upland landscapes. Now, more than ever, we should question whether they are fit for...

19/08/2026

Check out our brand new Mountain Training x BMC OutdoorHer article on post-partum training for hill walking and climbing by post-partum specialist coach Jemma Powell 🧗‍♀️

Exploring some of the significant physical changes that occur during pregnancy and how they could impact your return to hill walking and climbing, we’ll highlight ways to: progress your exercise, outline the main things you might want to focus on, and identify when you may need to exercise caution to best support your postpartum recovery.

📸 LittleLife

This article aims to explore some of the significant physical changes that occur during pregnancy and how they could impact your return to hill walking and climbing. We’ll highlight ways to progress your exercise, outline the main things you might want to focus on, offer some top tips and identify...

12/08/2026

Get qualified or attend a training course, with help from one of our funding projects which aim to help support our equity, diversity and inclusivity aims. Different options are available to people in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland who meet the eligibility criteria.

Scroll though to see if you could apply to any of them. Link below for full details.

Max Swinhoe (slide 1, bottom left) is an inclusive participation advocate and qualified Mountain Leader who actively leads in the mountains. Proud to represent upper limb difference in the outdoors, she is passionate about making outdoor spaces more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
Matthew Phillips (slide 3) is a three-time world champion British paraclimber, route setter and qualified Development Coach with an upper limb difference.
Neither Max nor Matthew were beneficiaries of any of these funding streams, their images are used with permission to promote inclusive participation.

https://www.mountain-training.org/help/support/funding-for-qualifications/

07/08/2026

Here's the latest on accessing the Cairngorms. It's good news and we recognise the efforts of everyone involved in tackling the wildfires as well as the businesses affected in recent weeks. Hopefully this is the start of a successful August 🤞

The cordon around the Glenmore area affected by the Cairngorms wildfire has been lifted to allow local businesses to reopen.

We urge all visitors to take extra care as we expect the terrain to be very rough underfoot with paths and tracks churned up and washed out from helicopter drops. Navigation could also be trickier than usual due to obscured or unpleasant path conditions, and you may need to consider alternative routes.

Efforts continue to dampen down any remaining hotspots and some areas remain restricted for safety reasons. Please observe any closure or diversion signs as these are likely in place for safety reasons such as unstable trees. Also be aware that there may still be a residual smell of burning in the area depending on wind direction.

Access Updates:

🔸 Areas that are open include Loch Morlich, Lochside, and the Loch Morlich beach, the Hayfield, Sugarbowl and Coire Cas car parks and all facilities at Cairngorm mountain.

🔸 Access to the summit of Meall a’ Bhuachaille is possible from the west only, starting from Glenmore Visitor Centre (return the same way).

🔸 The Coire na Ciste motorhome stopover area and hillwalkers car park will remain closed to assist the firefighting operations.

🔸 Routes to Bynack Mor via the Ryvoan Pass and from the Ciste Car Park are currently unavailable.

As this remains a dynamic situation, check online for updates in advance of your visit.

01/08/2026

Mountain Training UK & Ireland is recruiting for two trustee vacancies, one to join the MTUKI board and one to serve as MTUKI's nominated trustee on the Mountain Training Trust board that runs Plas y Brenin.

Full details on our vacancies page:

MTUKI are recruiting for two trustees/company directors.

27/07/2026

The latest regarding the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park 👇

🚨 Wildfire update [Posted 4.30pm on Monday, 27 July]

Progress has been made in tackling the Cairngorms wildfire as aggressive firefighting operations continue today, Monday, 27 July.

It is estimated that the fire has affected an area of around 25 square kilometres, following an aerial assessment.

Improved weather conditions and a targeted effort to tackle the wildfire in key areas has resulted in a reduction in visible flames, however smouldering areas and burning spots in the ground remain.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will maintain a significant presence in the area until the incident is brought to a safe conclusion.

Firefighting is ongoing alongside partners and heavy machinery in the North and West of the incident, supported by helicopter waterbombing.

Around 70 firefighters remain on scene, with nine fire appliances, specialist wildfire resources and Wildfire Tactical Advisors.

Members of the public, walkers, and visitors are urged to continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations.

Image credit: Thurso Community Fire Station

16/07/2026

If you're in or travelling to the northern Cairngorms please stay up to date with the fire situation there. Follow Mountaineering Scotland and/or Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for the latest advice.

[Update at 3.30pm on Thursday, 16 July]

Six fire appliances, a specialist wildfire unit and an additional 4x4 vehicle remain at the scene today, Thursday, 16 July, as crews continue to respond to the incident.

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Emergency services continue to respond to a six square kilometre wildfire near Glenmore in the Cairngorms National Park, and we are urging the public to stay away from the area.

A strict cordon remains in place, and road closures continue to support the emergency response. People must not travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing.

Firefighters worked overnight to protect nearby homes, businesses and the surrounding area. This includes creating firebreaks alongside landowners and partner agencies to contain spread and protect infrastructure. RSPB rangers are also supporting the response, including using a drone to monitor the incident.

A number of properties and visitor centres remain evacuated as a safety precaution due to their proximity to the wildfire. Any additional evacuation measures will continue to be assessed as the incident progresses and in line with changing conditions. If asked to evacuate, members of the public and local residents should do so immediately.

Evacuation decisions are taken only where there is genuine risk to public safety.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ian McMeekin said: "This remains a protracted incident, and I want to thank our firefighters for their continued commitment and determination in challenging conditions. I would also like to thank our partner agencies, landowners and local organisations whose support has been invaluable throughout this response.

"The safety of our communities remains our priority, and we will continue to assess the need for any further evacuations alongside multi-agency partners as the incident progresses.

"The wildfire risk across Scotland remains high. We are asking everyone to follow the advice in place, stay away from the affected area and help reduce the risk of further wildfires while our crews continue their work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."

Police Scotland Highland & Islands The Highland Council RSPB Scotland

16/07/2026

Following our disability and neurodiversity survey at the end of 2025 in collaboration with Access Sport, the results have been analysed and we're pleased to share the report including key findings and recommendations. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey, we have some work to do.

The results from a nationwide survey conducted in partnership with Access Sport in October 2025.

07/07/2026

Amendment: training for the 2026 cohort is 5 days of in-person contact time, with online training sessions as well. Apologies for any confusion.

Performance Coach applications for the next cohort are now open! 🥳

Are you looking to make the next step in your coaching journey? 📈 The Performance Coach qualification is ideal for experienced climbing coaches who want to deliver bespoke sessions to help climbers make tangible mid to long term improvements. 🧗🏻‍♀️

Find out more on the Performance Coach qualification page on the Mountain Training website (including training session dates and further information).

23/04/2026

Mountain Training is looking for a Customer Service and Operations Manager.
The Customer Service and Operations Manager leads a small and busy customer service team in our Siabod Cottage office, as well as providing operational support for the whole office.

This is a part-time role. 28 hours per week (4 days).

Application closing time and date: 9am, Wednesday 13th May, 2026.

For more information:

We're recruiting for a Customer Service and Operations Manager to join our team in Siabod Cottage