During these unprecedented times as we all do our bit to try to suppress the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic, we all face many challenges. MTA has advised its workshop providers to cancel upcoming CPD sessions and this will be reviewed towards the end of April. This is because travel to and from workshops, possible alternative accommodation arrangements and a close quarter learning environment are now difficult to justify in light of recent government advice. If you are booked on a workshop in the coming weeks, you will be contacted by the workshop provider.
As we all adapt to the rapidly changing landscape and new ways of working, we wanted to offer up some ideas for continuing to develop yourself as an individual and as a leader, which may help you stay connected to our community.
Advice on walking and rock climbing from the mountaineering councils
Is it ok to go for a walk or go rock climbing? Here’s the latest advice from the mountaineering councils:
BMC (British Mountaineering Council)Mountaineering IrelandMountaineering Scotland
Please read this guidance and be a responsible walker/climber.
E-learning
We have five e-learning modules that are available through your
CMS (Candidate Management System) account:
Planning a walk looks at how to prepare for a trip in the hills and is useful for those new to hill walking as well as those thinking about teaching others.
Mountain Weather was designed and built by the Met Office specifically for our candidates. It’s very thorough and some people may prefer to complete it in several sittings rather than in one session. Once you’ve completed the module, there’s a test that should help you review your learning and give you half a CPD point if you are an association member. You can then use what you’ve learned to interpret mountain weather forecasts and plan some days out. These could be journeys you’re able to undertake soon or ones for the future.
Mountain building covers a basic understanding of how mountains are created and plate tectonics.
Mountain landscapes and rock types covers a basic understanding of various rock types and how they appear in the landscape.
Mountain destruction explores the ways in which weathering and erosion slowly dismantle mountain ranges and should help you spot signs of the on-going processes of mountain destruction.
Each of the modules has a short test at the end, which if passed will earn you a quarter of a CPD point.
More about our e-learning modulesWebsite resources
The Mountain Training website contains lots of useful sources of information such as:
We recognise that these resources are written, which isn’t the most effective way for some people to absorb information so we will be adding some audio and video options in the coming months.
DLOG
If you now find yourself with some spare time, it could be a good opportunity to reminisce about the adventures you’ve had and the routes you’ve done and put them into DLOG! While none of us know when the current situation will improve, no one can take away the experience you’ve already gained, so it’s a good time to create a record of it in DLOG.
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of using DLOG:
CMS and DLOGContact us
All Mountain Training and MTA staff are now working from home, but regrettably some tasks such as certificate printing and fulfilment of shop orders and membership cards can no longer be undertaken. We’re able to answer email queries as normal and have a system in place to manage incoming calls, although this has not been fully tested so please bear with us and
email if you can.