Would you like to become a walk leader?

Would you like to become a qualified walk leader, help lead Muslim Hikers events, and inspire more people from your community to explore the great outdoors?

We’re excited to share that applications are now open for Cohort 3 of the Walk Together Pathway, a fully funded programme designed to equip aspiring walk leaders from People of the Global Majority with the skills, training, and confidence to lead community walks.

At Active Inclusion Network & Muslim Hikers, we’ve seen firsthand how transformative the outdoors can be – and we’re committed to increasing access to nature for all. This is your opportunity to be part of the change!

What is the Walk Together Pathway?

The Walk Together Pathway is a training and mentorship programme aimed at increasing the number of walk leaders within underrepresented communities. Through this initiative, successful applicants will have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised walk leader qualifications, develop essential outdoor skills, and receive ongoing support and networking opportunities.

What’s Included?

✅ Walk Leader Training & Assessment (Mountain Training-certified courses)
✅ Outdoor First Aid Course
✅ Kit Assistance & Memberships
✅ Networking & Development Opportunities

If you love the outdoors and want to lead walks for your community, this is your chance to step up, build confidence, and develop key leadership skills.

Which Courses Are Available?

The Walk Together Pathway offers training in three key leadership levels:

🔹 Lowland Leader
🔹 Hill & Moorland Leader
🔹 Mountain Leader

Why Should You Apply?

✔️ Build confidence as a walk leader.
✔️ Develop essential skills to lead safe and engaging walks.
✔️ Receive expert training & assessment from Mountain Training.
✔️ Join a supportive community of like-minded walkers & leaders.
✔️ Help make the outdoors more inclusive for all communities.

Course Dates:

Lowland Leader*

Location: Peak District

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May​

Saturday 10th – Monday 12th May​

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May​

Saturday 17th – Monday 19th May​

Location: South Downs

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May

Saturday 31st May & Sunday 1st June

Location: Wye Valley

Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June

Hill & Moorland Leader

Location: Peak District

Thursday 29th May – Sunday 1st June

Mountain Leader

Location: Plas Y Brenin, Eryri

Saturday 3rd – Thursday 8th May

You will need to be available on all days of your chosen course.

*Lowland Leader courses are offered over 2 or 3 days.

Choosing a Course Webinar

Not sure which course is right for you? We recently held a Choosing a Course Webinar with Mountain Training, breaking down each qualification and what to expect.

🎥 Watch the recording here

How to Apply?

Applications are now open and will close on Monday 10th February at 12:00 GMT.

📌 Apply Now

The form includes questions about your walking experience, motivation, and the community you’d like to lead walks for. If you prefer to submit your application as a video or audio recording, please email us at walktogether@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Friday 28th February.

Additional resources:

Walk Together Info Pack

Walk Together FAQs

This programme is made possible through a Gift in a Will to the National Trust, with support from delivery organisations including Muslim Hikers, Bristol Steppin Sistas, Black2Nature, Black Girls Hike, Mosaic Outdoors, Peak District Mosaic, NYCE, and Sheffield Environmental Movement.

Additionally, it is supported by Beyond The Edge, Mountain Training, Ordnance Survey, Plas Y Brenin, Sport England, The Ramblers, and the YHA.

This is your chance to lead, inspire, and help shape a more inclusive outdoor community.

Apply now and take your first step towards becoming a qualified walk leader!

“I am pursing the Mountain Leader qualification because I rarely saw anyone who looked like me leading hikes. In the UK, less than 1% of outdoor leaders come from ethnic minority backgrounds, and the statistics for qualified female leaders are similarly low. This lack of representation motivated me to take action and show that we all belong in the outdoors. In order to be it, we need to see it.

The training gave me essential skills, boosted my confidence, and taught me how to navigate both the physical and mental challenges of hiking. It also empowered me to lead others, knowing that every step I take helps pave the way for greater inclusivity in mountaineering. Most importantly, it reaffirmed my belief that change is happening, and we’re making a real difference for the future of the outdoors.” – Zahra Rose – Mountain Leader Training, Cohort 2