5 tips to make you a great hiking guide
Whether you’re an experienced mountain leader or preparing to lead your first walking group, these tips will make you a better guide
14 May 2015
1. Learn people’s names
It’s the least you can do! And when you need it, calling someone by their name gets their attention.
2. Involve the group
Get the group you’re leading involved in your decisions and actions. They learn loads and you share a small part of the burden. Plus, saying it out loud can help you clarify your plan.
3. Never hold back your enthusiasm
If the hills inspire you then make sure everyone knows it – unashamedly share your particular interests.
It’s the least you can do! And when you need it, calling someone by their name gets their attention.
2. Involve the group
Get the group you’re leading involved in your decisions and actions. They learn loads and you share a small part of the burden. Plus, saying it out loud can help you clarify your plan.
3. Never hold back your enthusiasm
If the hills inspire you then make sure everyone knows it – unashamedly share your particular interests.
Make time for your own adventures (Photo: Shutterstock)
4. Allow yourself your own adventures
Leading groups is satisfying, but you’re not going to push the boundaries of what’s possible in this role. Schedule in your own adventures every season.
5. Never think you’re infallible
Be cautious, be your own worst critic and have good coping strategies for when it all starts to go wrong so you’ve time to go back to the drawing board and revise your plan.
The Wanderlust World Guide Awards celebrates the best guides in the travel industry – click here to see the 2015 shortlist and send us your testimonials for the awards.
Words by John Cousins, mountain guide, mountaineering instructor and CEO of Mountain Training UK. Registration for the Mountain Leader and Hill & Moorland Leader schemes is £39. You must be 18 and have a year’s experience.
Main image: Group of hikers in the mountains (Shutterstock)
