May go for it this summer. Just wondering if it is hard and what kind of opportunities it can open up?

Got my TCL a couple of years ago, specifically so we could run a small biking club as part of our youth work. I didn’t find it too challenging, although I learnt a lot of good stuff and found the interaction with the instructor and other trainees a very positive experience

Did mine with Jules Fincham at CycleWild in Aviemore, and would recommend him if you’re in the area.

details here

I did not find it hard but I could read maps and had a few other training type courses and qualis which made the course work easier

As for opportunities I have not gone looking but had had to turn down an opportunity to lead the Mabie Women on Wheels group on Sunday coming 🙄

I do quite a bit of volunteer stuff with local Go-Ride club and schools with cycling scotland

I work shifts making it possible to do stuff during on weekdays

+1 for Jules. Have done a course with him and our club use him when needed.

Other options are CTC and BC.
You can do a level2 coaching course and then add on an mtb module.

All depends what you want to do and where, different areas have different needs.

I am aware of 3 or 4 “companies” set up to offer skills/guiding in my area but doubt if any of them make any money out of that alone.

If you are an averageably capable MTBer, can navigate competently with a map and compass, and can do basic bike maintenance you will not find TCL a problem. MBL a bit tougher but by no means a stretch

I’ve got the Mountain Bike Leader Award. Did it to cover me for running a MTB Club at the school I work in. We run approx 9-10 rides a year and a weekend residential to Wales.

The award gave me the necessary paperwork for this, but i’m not sure it would open up any opportunities outside work, other than perhaps youth work / club rides.