Become a Certified Level 3 Mountain Bike Leader
The Mountain Bike Leader Level 3 Course is a two‑day-plus programme designed to equip experienced riders with the skills to safely lead group rides in mountainous terrain as defined by Mountain Training UK.
The curriculum includes advanced route planning and navigation (Maps & GPS), group management over extended, remote routes, dynamic risk assessment in unpredictable environments, and legal/access awareness.
Leaders are expected to demonstrate advanced bike handling; managing steep, uneven, or rocky terrain with drop‑offs up to 1 m, along with trail‑side repair, emergency procedures, and environmental stewardship.
The award is administered by the Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme (MIAS), a respected organisation that provides leadership and instructor training for mountain bikers in the UK. The MIAS scheme offers a progressive pathway for those looking to work or volunteer as mountain bike leaders in outdoor education, tourism, and recreational settings.
The Mountain Bike Leadership Level 3 Course is designed for experienced mountain bike leaders who wish to guide groups in remote, mountainous, and technically demanding environments.
The course content focuses on advanced leadership skills, including detailed route planning for mountain and wilderness terrain, use of a map, compass, and GPS for navigation, and dynamic risk assessment in unpredictable conditions.
Leaders develop strategies for managing groups on steep, rocky, and exposed trails, often far from immediate assistance. Technical riding skills are refined to handle significant obstacles such as drop-offs, loose ground, and narrow singletrack.
The course also covers advanced trail-side repairs, incident management in remote locations, emergency procedures, and environmental responsibility to promote sustainable riding practices. Emphasis is placed on self-reliance, sound judgement, and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the group in challenging settings.
Duration: 2-day residential course
Location: CCAT Capel Curig, Snowdonia National Park
CCAT Halton near Lancaster, Lake District & Yorkshire Dales National Park
Course fee: £40
Eligibility: CFAVs
To register for the MIAS Mountain Bike Leadership Level 3 (MBL3) award, candidates must:
- Age & Prior Qualification: Be at least 18 years old and hold the MIAS Level 2 Leader award (or equivalent) before registering.
- Riding Experience: Have a minimum of 12 months of off-road riding experience, with substantial evidence of frequent rides in mountainous terrain logged in their MIAS logbook.
- First Aid: Possess a valid first aid certificate (minimum 16 hours), presented at the start of training or assessment.
- Registration & Logbook: Register with MIAS and receive the MIAS logbook, which candidates must document experience, including leadership practice in technical, remote terrain between the training and assessment events.
In essence, to register, you need appropriate prior qualifications, age, riding experience, first aid certification, registration with MIAS, participation in approved training, and documentation of logged mountain biking leadership experience.
MIAS qualifications are widely recognised throughout the UK and show others that you have reached a nationally accredited standard recognised by:
- Health and Safety Executive (UK)
- Health and Safety Authority (Republic of Ireland)
- Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (UK)
- Coaching Ireland
- Ofqual (England)
- SQA (Scotland)
Please speak to your detachment or contingent commander if you are interested in attending this course.