
Rock Climbing in the Lake District & the UK
Rock climbing is a popular and fast growing sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. Being based in the Lake District means that we are luckily spoilt for choice when it comes to rock climbing.
When people ask me what rock climbing is like, I normally answer that it is similar to what Yoga would be like if you took it to the rock face....the endless movement potential, body tension and overall feeling of freedom is fantastic. Of course like most sports you can make it as easy or as hard as you want to, the choice is yours.
Whether this is your first time rock climbing or you are already a competent climber looking for some coaching or wanting to push your grade, then we can offer a day that will suit.
All of the courses can be run from anywhere in the UK. If you prefer to meet and climb at a nearer and more convienient location to you then please feel free to get in touch.
Introduction to Climbing
Designed to suit a beginner to rock climbing, so no climbing experience necessary. The day will involve looking at the basics needed to start out in climbing, and of course climbing as much rock as we can throughout the day. We will generally be using crags that are low level and require a short walk in, this is so that we can concentrate on getting on as much rock as possible. Equipment is provided for those who need it.
Abseiling
Used by climbers as a means of descent whilst climbing, many non climbers love the feeling abseiling gives them. Some people find it quite easy to go against your natural instincts not to lean back over a steep cliff edge, and some people find it a real challenge, one that really tests their fears and pushes their comfort zones to the limit. Once mastered the buzz is great...normally leaving them wanting another go!!

From Resin To Rock
This is aimed at those people who so far have done most of their climbing on an indoor wall and now feel that they want to venture outdoors but are not entirely sure what happens when they do. We will cover the essentials needed for moving outside onto real rock.

Multi Pitch Climbing
This is available for beginners through to seasoned climbers. These are popular climbing days, as you get the opportunity to climb longer and bigger climbs in some amazing locations throughout the Lake District and UK. We can also look at skills needed and used whilst multi pitch climbing. Topics include; route finding; equipment needed; belays; rope work; and stance management.

Learning to Lead
This is for those people who want to lead climb outdoors, or for people who may already be lead climbing but feel they need a little extra help when it comes to placing gear on the lead, or better and improved ways of builiding and constructing belays when at the stance. Even if you have been climbing for years I will guarantee you will come away with some new skills and hopefully even gain experience to push your climbing grade.
Classic Climbs
Climb some 'classic climbs' suggested either by me, or maybe you have a classic in mind that you have heard about or always wanted to climb. Whatever/wherever it is, we can discuss and take it from there. Some suggestions of classic Lake District climbs would be:
- Little Chamonix-Shepherds Crag Borrowdale-70m VD
- Troutdale Pinnacle-Black Crag Borrowdale-105m Severe
- Giants Crawl-Dow Crag Coniston-115m D
- Eliminate A-Dow Crag Coniston-107m VS
- Needle Ridge-Great Gable-114m VD
- Bridge’s Route-Esk Buttress Eskdale-71m HS
- Moss Gill Grooves-Scafell-79m MVS

Sea Cliff Climbing
These days are designed for climbers who lead or second climb to a VS standard and would like to venture out onto the costal sea cliffs. We will most likely use the beautiful Welsh sea cliffs for our climbing, Gogarth or Pembroke, but can venture to a different location. Maybe you always fancied having a go at a sea stack.....now's your chance!
Improvised Rescue & Rope Work
Ever been on a crag or a route and wondered ‘what would I do if it all went wrong?' - well this where you learn some of the ‘nuts and bolts’ needed for these types of emergencies. We will go through the stages of how to rescue a climbing partner in various situations, either on a single pitch or multi pitch, depending on where you mainly climb.

Bouldering & Movement Coaching
This massively growing and popular sport was first used as a training aid by climbers so that they could get 'climbing fit' for single and multi pitch climbing. Now bouldering is a sport in itself. If you have never tried it then this is a great way to start. Bouldering is a no nonsense sport requiring minimum equipment.
For the beginner we will look at; what we need to get started; when and where to go bouldering; guide book orientation; various rock types and how that effects the way we climb; plus movement skills.
For the intermediate boulderer we will concentrate more on better technique and ways of improving on what you have learnt already.
