Jan 74 min read

Is it a mountain or a hill?

Updated: Jan 8

An Teallach - no arguing about this one!

Quality Mountain Days: What’s Changed and What You Need to Know

I’ve been having a few conversations recently about what makes a “quality mountain day.” You’d think this topic would be tired and outdated, but it keeps coming up. And in truth, no matter what I say in this piece, if you head up a mountain you’ve never been to before and get out on a good walk, you’re already gaining a quality mountain day.

The simple act of choosing a new mountain, figuring out parking, deciding your route, and finding the start of your climb should be enough for a day to be well on the way towards QMD status. However, the definition of what qualifies as a "quality mountain day" has been tweaked in recent years. What used to be a more lenient set of guidelines is now a strict checklist, and to tick the boxes, you’ll need to meet all of the following criteria:

The individual participates in planning and leadership.
An unfamiliar locality is explored.
A mountain is ascended.
Navigation skills are required.
Knowledge is increased, and relevant skills are practiced.
Judgement and decision-making are necessary.
The journey lasts five hours or more.

So, achieving all seven targets does require some planning. However, I’ll still maintain that simply heading to a mountain you’ve never climbed before will put you on the right track. You need to make decisions and judgments along the way, and that’s what matters. But the length of time you spend and the specific criteria need to be taken seriously. For example, if you're out for a quick navigation practice day, that won’t count as a "quality mountain day." Similarly, if you’re revisiting a mountain you’ve climbed before, it’s probably not a valid choice. And, yes, a walk that lasts just 4.5 hours likely doesn’t qualify – but let’s be honest, no one’s going to measure it, and it’s unlikely to be scrutinized by others.

However, here’s a word of caution: I’ve heard of a candidate who was told by an assessor that their walk didn’t qualify because according to the OS Mapping app, the journey time should have been less than five hours. While I don't know any assessors who would take such a hardline approach, it’s a reminder to be careful and follow the rules. Again, a mountain you’ve never climbed before should naturally take more than five hours to complete, so we shouldn’t even be having discussions about the duration.

When it comes to the areas where quality mountain days are recognized, the list includes iconic locations like Eryri, the Lake District, and the Scottish Highlands. That’s not to say other areas can't offer valuable mountain experiences, but they may not always meet the same standard. For instance, areas like the Berwynion or the Yorkshire Dales are not on the official list, and while these regions do have high terrain, they don’t always meet the criteria of "mountainous" areas. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially for those who love the Dales or the Berwynion, but it’s an important distinction. Bannau Brycheiniog on the other hand is on the list but doesn’t feel greatly differ to the aforementioned hill/mountain areas. The official list uses the words ‘mountainous country includes…’ suggesting that it is not a comprehensive list, yet I know one candidate who’s had a day turned down because the area it was in was not on the list!

I’d prefer it if the Dales, the Berwynion, Bannau Brycheiniog, and the Mourne Mountains ( and probably a couple of the other Irish ones too) were ‘officially’ hill and moorland leader terrain. I think that would help the HML qualification and make a clear statement about which areas are mountainous for the purposes of QMD’s. But I don’t make the rules! – The Training Board politicians do.

If you’re serious about becoming a Mountain Leader, or staying current in the qualification, you should be venturing to Scotland, for example, even if it’s not the most convenient choice. Eryri, the Lake District, and Scotland should be on your must-visit list. If you’re in Ireland, head to places like Kerry or Donegal. All of these areas offer the sort of terrain that will really test and hone your skills.

To recap: The definition of a quality mountain day has become more specific. Now, you must meet all the listed criteria, not just some. Leadership, planning, an unfamiliar location, mountain terrain, navigation, and at least five hours of walking — all these elements should be present for it to count as a “quality mountain day.” So, get out there, explore new peaks, make decisions on the go, and make sure your logbook reflects your experience.

If you’re unsure about whether your day qualifies, don’t hesitate to send your logbook to your assessor before the assessment. An assessor should review your logbook beforehand — if they refuse to do that, find a different assessor. It’s critical to have everything in order before you even step foot in an assessment. I hate those deferrals for an incomplete consolidation period, especially when the candidate has passed!

Happy walking, and good luck on your mountain adventures! And try the quiz below!