Trail Leader Award: guide groups on proper trails
British Cycling's Trail Leader Award (formerly Level 2) lets you lead up to 8 riders on trails in non-remote places, in intermediate weather.
In this guide
- What it is: British Cycling's leadership award for trails, developed from the old Level 2 award.
- What you need first: British Cycling membership, and you must be 17 to attend (18 to lead on your own). You need to be fit for a day's riding and handle features generally comparable to red-graded trail-centre trails.
- What you'll learn: Group management, planning rides, navigation, managing risk and emergencies, trailside repairs and core techniques.
- How long it takes: 2 to 3 hours of e-learning and 2 days of training, then an online module and a 1-day assessment. You have up to two years after training to be assessed.
- Cost: British Cycling lists training at £370 to £550 and assessment at £250 to £350, set by each provider.
- What's next: Leader track: Mountain Bike Leader Award.
Red-grade trails, a group of up to eight and you in charge. British Cycling calls this the entry point for most aspiring off-road leaders.
Your logbook
On or before assessment day, show evidence of recent rides in suitable terrain. British Cycling recommends at least 15 quality rides, four of them 4 hours or more.
Once you've passed
To be covered by British Cycling insurance once you've passed, you need to be a current paid British Cycling member, hold a two-day outdoor first aid certificate, and complete safeguarding training appropriate to the country you lead in.
Already hold another leadership award? British Cycling has a Recognition of Prior Learning route to Trail Leader assessment.
Source: Trail Leader Award (Level 2) and First Aid requirements, British Cycling, checked October 2026.
Governing body: British Cycling. It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for mountain biking, so it's the official place to find out more.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
