Description

British Cycling Trail Leader Award

Become a Certified MTB Leader with Ridelines

Ridelines is one of the UK’s leading centres for mountain bike leadership training. Our British Cycling Trail Leader Award course is the official industry-standard qualification for those who want to lead inspiring, safe, and well-managed mountain bike rides.

Delivered in Innerleithen—the heart of the Tweed Valley—this course is perfect for riders looking to work in the outdoor sector, volunteer with cycling clubs, or simply gain the confidence and credentials to lead group rides responsibly.

What Is the British Cycling Trail Leader Award?

This two-day practical training course is the first serious step on the British Cycling mountain bike leadership pathway. After the training, a one-day assessment is available once you’ve consolidated your learning over a period agreed with your Ridelines tutor.

This qualification is part of the official British, Scottish, and Welsh Cycling national programme for MTB leadership and has replaced what was previously known as the Level 2 Award.

What You’ll Learn on the British Cycling Trail Leader Course

At our dedicated training HQ in Innerleithen, you’ll gain real-world leadership experience on terrain that includes a variety of technical challenges. The course blends practical riding with leadership scenarios to help you manage groups confidently and safely.

You’ll cover:

• Planning and delivering appropriate rides for a variety of groups

• Group leadership and guiding techniques

• Navigation and map reading while on the move

• Managing accidents and emergency situations

• Equipment checks and trailside repairs

• Core mountain biking techniques and group riding strategies

• Risk management and decision-making

• Access legislation across England, Scotland, and Wales

Course prerequisites

To enrol in the British Cycling Trail Leader Award training, you must:

• Be 17 years or over (you need to be over 18 to operate autonomously)

• Have experience riding MTB in mixed terrain and weather

• Be confident riding red-grade trails or similar natural terrain

• Be fit enough to ride approximately 40km over two days

• Own a modern, fully serviceable mountain bike and carry suitable kit

Trail Logbook Requirement

You may need to provide your tutor with a logbook of recent trail experience before your assessment. We recommend a minimum of 15 quality rides in the past 12 months, including 4 rides lasting 4 hours or more.

The logbook, which you’ll receive upon registration, should detail:

• Route details, conditions, and terrain

• Your personal reflections on performance, decision-making, and challenges faced

• Any group incidents or risk management decisions

What Is a Nav-Pack and Do You Need One?

While the Nav-Pack is not essential for training, we strongly recommend it. It includes the navigation and planning tools required for your Trail Leader assessment, and helps reinforce key skills learned during the course. The pack includes both the 1.25000 scale and 1.5000 scale ordnance survey maps for the local area as well as a Silva brand Expedition 4 long base plate compass.

If ordered with your course or assessment, your Nav-Pack will be ready for collection when you arrive. If you prefer to have it posted, just leave a note at checkout—postage is free.

Need First Aid Training?

If you don’t yet hold a two-day outdoor first aid certificate you can still attend the training. However once you have taken and passed your assessment you will need this to validate the qualification.  You can book a 2 day outdoor first aid course with our friends at First Aid Borders.

Ready to Book?

Take the next step in your mountain bike journey and get qualified with Ridelines. Our team of experienced, accredited tutors will support you every step of the way. Book Your Place on the Trail Leader Course Now. All available date are above.