ABOUT

Sam is highly qualified, fully insured and first aid trained. He holds:

WMCI award (the highest award for UK climbing and mountaineering)
BA (Hons) degree Outdoor Leadership (from the University of Cumbria)

Sam is the owner/lead instructor at Lake District Mountaineering - specialising in instruction and guiding for climbing, mountaineering, navigation and hill walking in both summer and winter conditions.

With 15+ years of experience in hill walking, rock climbing, and mountaineering both professionally and personally, Sam brings a deep passion for outdoor learning. He holds a BA Honours degree in Outdoor Leadership and is committed to sharing his enthusiasm for the natural environment.

Sam's diverse experience includes extensive climbing, mountaineering and hill walking in summer and winter across the UK, rock climbing in North America (including Yosemite), alpine climbing in Europe, snowshoe guiding in the Dolomites and glacier guiding in Iceland.

He is eager to share his technical skills and mountain expertise, providing an inspiring and educational experience.

Sam plays a key role in the development, training, and assessment of aspiring instructors as a Mountain Training course director on the Mountain Leader scheme.

He also delivers skills courses for Mountain Training as an approved tutor.

Mountain Training is the UK’s official awarding body for climbing and mountaineering and courses are quality assured and moderated through the scheme.

You can hire Sam for private guiding across the Lake District and Peak District in summer, and throughout the Lake District and Scottish Highlands during winter.

Rest assured, you're in expert hands.

Passionate about inspiring others

At Lake District Mountaineering, we are committed to offering high-quality, customer-focused skills courses, guided experiences, and instructional days. Our goal is to provide lifelong memories, inspire you in breathtaking environments, and equip you with the skills to confidently explore the UK mountains on your own.

Most of the adventures are led by Sam Marsland (WMCI), and when he's unavailable, we partner with a select group of outdoor professionals. Our team brings extensive experience, ensuring every adventure is memorable. All instructors are fully qualified, insured, and first-aid trained.

We carefully choose our locations using local knowledge to customise experiences that meet your expectations. With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy personal attention from your instructor for an immersive experience.

Lake District Mountaineering is a proud member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) and Mountain Training (MTA), reflecting our commitment to safety, industry best practices, and professional standards.

Read more about AMI here: About AMI

These organisations oversee the training and qualification process that LDM has progressed through.

The equipment supplied by Lake District Mountaineering is high quality, and has been chosen from selected premium brands within the outdoor industry, guaranteeing you a safe and comfortable experience.

Rock Climbing Nutset, Climbing nuts on an outdoor map.jpg

Lake District Mountaineering are an approved course provider for Mountain Training skills courses.

This means our courses with the Mountain Training stamp are professional and moderated to standard, therefore they come with a stamp of approval and quality assurance from the UK awarding body for outdoor training and qualifications.

Joining an approved Mountain Training course guarantees you are receiving the best training from skilled and experienced instructors.