Intro to lead climbing

Lead climbing is not for everyone; a lot can be learned and great satisfaction gained by becoming a very good belayer and Second. That said, there is nothing to stop anyone going out and giving it a try. The purpose of this course is to allow you as an individual, or two of you as a climbing pair, to learn safe climbing techniques that will let you to progress knowledgeably in your pursuit of harder climbs.

Clients will be encouraged to progress at their own pace and climb routes towards the limits of their ability whilst improving their skills in a safe learning environment.

The course can take place in a variety of locations, including Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, the Gower Peninsula, Peak District, North Wales, Lakes and Scotland, depending on time of year and instructor availability.

 

• Location - throughout the UK - recommended North Wales, Lakes, Peak District and Scotland - call to request a location!
  

• Duration - Two nights' accommodation, two days climbing.

• Meet on Friday evening, finish Sunday afternoon/evening.

• Trip possible from April to November.

• We provide all technical equipment apart from rock climbing shoes.

• Experience - This course is for those with some climbing experience who may be looking to discover longer mountain routes.

Some of the topics that may be covered over the two days of the course include:

• Course Outline

• Safety and Security

• Communication skills

• Setting up Anchors

• Belaying the Leader

• Different runners & their placement

• Single versus twin ropes

• Reading a Guidebook & descriptions

• Route selection

• BMC participation statement

• Gear racking

• Pros & Cons of different equipment

• Tying in to Anchors

• Belaying the Second

• Removing runners

• The psychology of leading: Hazard v. Risk

• Grading Climbs

• "Pushing the Grades"

• Improving technique

• Basic self-rescue techniques

• Abseiling off

• "Escaping the system"
  

We normally run this trip over the weekend, Friday night to Sunday, however if you would like to do this at any other time then please contact us.

You will meet your instructor when you arrive at your accommodation. At this time they will go through plans for the weekend and carry out an equipment check to ensure you have everything you need to enable you to enjoy the following days.

A typical tour itinerary may look like this:

Day	Activity
Friday	arrive at venue; meet with your instructor and the rest of your group.
Saturday	basic skills overview and safety briefing, then further tuition on site.
Sunday	further training and practice of learned skills.

Please note: This itinerary is a guide only. It can be subject to change dependent upon viability, course members' fitness, weather conditions or for any other reason the guide may deem necessary.

It is possible to join this course with little previous experience of climbing, though it would be preferable either to have completed the "Single Pitch Intro to Rock Climbing" and, or have plenty of lead climbing experience indoors. In this way maximum benefit will be gained from the course.

Be prepared for 2 really active days with a lot of general stretching and perhaps using leg and arm muscles that would not ordinarily be exercised at an everyday gym session.

This course can be completed anytime from April until the end of November.

This trip is available for individuals and groups. You can request the date for when you want to take part in the trip by clicking on the link below.

For 1 person booking on a trip we will advertise the trip here and upon meeting minimum numbers (2) confirm the trip.

For 4 people booking we will run an exclusive trip.

All requested dates are unconfirmed until minimum numbers have been booked.

Create Your Own Trip Dates

• Professional organisation of the event

• Minimum qualifications of instructors are single pitch award or a Mountain Instructor Award. Ratio of instructor to clients is a maximum of 1 : 4.

• Briefings, instruction, route planning and equipment checks to make sure that you have everything you need.

• Two nights' twin hotel accommodation with breakfast. Single rooms are available for a supplement.

• All ground transport during the course to the course locations and back to the hotel.

• Transfers from airports will be available for a supplement.

• Use of all technical equipment including ropes, harnesses, safety equipment and hard hats, except climbing shoes.

• Group first aid with qualified first aiders.

2010 price : £399 per person