Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Can I teach people to navigate if I’m not qualified — if the group covers my travel costs? I’ve had this question sent in an email from David, a member of a small walking group
It’s a great question, and the answer is… well, not entirely straightforward.
I don't think there is any specific law preventing anyone from teaching anyone else something in the UK, even if you’re being paid. The problems will come if something goes wrong.
In this video, I explain the difference between sharing a skill and being responsible for others in the hills. We look at what changes legally when money (or any kind of benefit) is involved — and why leading a group in potentially hazardous environments without proper training could put you at risk.
⚠️ Just to be clear:
I’m not a lawyer, so this isn’t legal advice — it’s simply how I understand things as someone who works in the outdoor industry.
We cover:
• What counts as “working” under the law
• What it means to be professionally responsible
• How risk and responsibility change when you're in the hills
• A real-world example of a mountain rescue incident
• Why formal qualifications matter — not just as a badge, but for legal protection
• And how to verify someone’s qualifications before joining a course
🎒 Whether you’re teaching friends, volunteering for a club, or running paid sessions — it’s crucial to know where the legal and ethical boundaries lie.
🚁 I also show how a rope can be used as a simple safety backup on steep, slippery ground — but stress why this kind of thing should never be learned from YouTube alone. Training with a qualified provider is essential.
🧭 If you’re looking for navigation training, I’ve linked some respected providers below. And yes — you can check my own qualifications online too.
👇 Got thoughts or questions? Leave them in the comments. And if you are a lawyer — feel free to correct anything I’ve got wrong!
Here are a two two Tube Channels I would recommend. I have watched quite a few of their videos and they are excellent - also if you're looking for leadership training, the feedback I have is that their course are definitely worth it:
Abacus Mountain Guides
youtube.com/@abacusmountainguides3295?si=sce7N8bdMZttH77j
JB Mountain Skill
youtube.com/@JBMountainSkills?si=NcpCQ2Bz7OPun6VJ
Also, of course, the two UK Outdoor Centres offer every type of course there is:
Plas y Brenin
youtube.com/@plasybrenin?si=dVZTf8Fxzd87PSu8
Glenmore Lodge
youtube.com/@glenmorelodge?si=aS9T6jseZPKegbP2
NOTE - I have no connection at all to any of the 4 YT channels mentioned.
Can I teach people to navigate if I’m not qualified — if the group covers my travel costs? I’ve had this question sent in an email from David, a member of a small walking group
It’s a great question, and the answer is… well, not entirely straightforward.
I don't think there is any specific law preventing anyone from teaching anyone else something in the UK, even if you’re being paid. The problems will come if something goes wrong.
In this video, I explain the difference between sharing a skill and being responsible for others in the hills. We look at what changes legally when money (or any kind of benefit) is involved — and why leading a group in potentially hazardous environments without proper training could put you at risk.
⚠️ Just to be clear:
I’m not a lawyer, so this isn’t legal advice — it’s simply how I understand things as someone who works in the outdoor industry.
We cover:
• What counts as “working” under the law
• What it means to be professionally responsible
• How risk and responsibility change when you're in the hills
• A real-world example of a mountain rescue incident
• Why formal qualifications matter — not just as a badge, but for legal protection
• And how to verify someone’s qualifications before joining a course
🎒 Whether you’re teaching friends, volunteering for a club, or running paid sessions — it’s crucial to know where the legal and ethical boundaries lie.
🚁 I also show how a rope can be used as a simple safety backup on steep, slippery ground — but stress why this kind of thing should never be learned from YouTube alone. Training with a qualified provider is essential.
🧭 If you’re looking for navigation training, I’ve linked some respected providers below. And yes — you can check my own qualifications online too.
👇 Got thoughts or questions? Leave them in the comments. And if you are a lawyer — feel free to correct anything I’ve got wrong!
Here are a two two Tube Channels I would recommend. I have watched quite a few of their videos and they are excellent - also if you're looking for leadership training, the feedback I have is that their course are definitely worth it:
Abacus Mountain Guides
youtube.com/@abacusmountainguides3295?si=sce7N8bdMZttH77j
JB Mountain Skill
youtube.com/@JBMountainSkills?si=NcpCQ2Bz7OPun6VJ
Also, of course, the two UK Outdoor Centres offer every type of course there is:
Plas y Brenin
youtube.com/@plasybrenin?si=dVZTf8Fxzd87PSu8
Glenmore Lodge
youtube.com/@glenmorelodge?si=aS9T6jseZPKegbP2
NOTE - I have no connection at all to any of the 4 YT channels mentioned.
