summer mountaineering: intro
This course is designed as a first step into roped scrambling and alpine-style climbing. You’ll learn how to move confidently in boots on easy rock and alpine terrain, gaining experience on scrambles up to Grade III and climbs up to Diff (D) grade.
Over two days, you’ll be guided through some of the Lake District’s best summer mountaineering routes, building skills in rope techniques, movement, and mountain awareness.
This course would be great for those preparing for an alps trip or heading to Skye and looking to get some roped mileage on rock.
This course is delivered by mountain professionals that are affiliated with the Association of Mountaineering Instructors
2 DAY COURSE
PRICES:£260pp
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course is designed for those aiming to progress onto grade III scrambles and easy mountain rock climbs, building the skills and efficiency needed for challenging terrain—whether in the UK, the Alps, or iconic routes like the Cuillin Ridge.
Our aim is to equip you to handle a wide range of scrambling and mountaineering terrain. LDM will provide hands-on guidance, building your confidence on more challenging scrambles while enhancing your overall mountain movement skills.
COURSE OUTLINE:
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Guided Technical Scrambling:
Over two full days, immerse yourself in the experience of moving confidently on challenging scrambling routes with expert guidance. This course is all about developing your ability to stay composed on the rope, handle gear smoothly, and read the terrain. You’ll learn to navigate varied rock and mountain features while building skills in protection placement, efficient movement, and managing exposure with calm assurance.
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Gear and Equipment Essentials:
Explore the key gear choices for technical scrambling and summer mountaineering, including helmets, harnesses, ropes, and footwear. Learn how to properly fit and adjust your equipment to be safe, and understand technical gear such as nuts, cams and hexes.
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Scrambling Techniques:
Develop precise footwork, use of handholds, and effective body positioning tailored to technical and exposed terrain. We’ll also introduce controlled down-climbing techniques, teaching you how to safely retreat or navigate tricky descents.
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Rope Work for Scramblers:
Gain foundational skills in rope management, including tying essential knots (Figure 8, overhand and clove hitches). Experience roped team movement on exposed ground, with your guide demonstrating how to lead scrambles safely while maintaining clear communication and efficient systems.
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Use of Protection and Anchors:
Learn how to identify, place, and assess both natural and artificial protection to safeguard your progress. We’ll cover the basics of anchor building and the critical skills of abseiling and lowering techniques for managing steep descents or retreating from difficult terrain.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
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Hands-on coaching in scrambling movement and techniques
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Managing exposure and building confidence on airy ground
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Moving as a roped team in exposed situations with MCI+ guides
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Personalised instruction in a 1:2 ratio
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Supportive environment to ask questions and progress at your pace
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Led by qualified MCI+ instructors with extensive UK scrambling experience
SKILLS COVERED
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Tying in: figure‑8,
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Belaying: belaying a leader, direct belays & body‑belays
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Reading terrain, choosing lines, interpreting guidebooks
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Footwork, handholds, and balance on rock
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Technical gear overview: helmets, harnesses, rope, slings, karabiners
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Placing/removing protection (nuts, hexes, cams, slings)
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Racking and gear organisation
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Roped team movement: travelling as a partnership and groups of 3
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Rope‑work: short roping and moving the rope, short pitches, pitched rock climbing and systems
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
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Hillwalkers looking to progress onto steeper, more technical terrain
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Mountaineers seeking to build safe scrambling systems using gear and ropes
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Outdoor folk preparing for alpine or high mountain routes
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Individuals looking for guided experience on exposed and challenging scrambles
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People keen to understand gear, rope work, and abseil techniques essential for UK scrambling
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Those looking to undertake the Cuillin Ridge Munro's with a guide and need some preparation
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Anyone aged 16+ (under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).
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Participants should be confident mountain walkers with good fitness levels
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Ideally with some experience of grade I scrambles
dates
These courses are popular, if a date is full please still enquire.
Or we can create a group booking for you!
COURSE RATIOS
4 spaces available per course
1:2 instructor-to-client ratio for safety and personalised coaching
Open course – a chance to meet and learn with like-minded individuals
Larger groups welcome – extra instructors can be provided (1:2 ratio maintained)
Minimum of 2 bookings required to run the full course
Solo bookings secure 1 day of instruction; you can upgrade to 2 days by covering the full instructor rate
PRE-REQUISITES
Ages 16+ (Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian)
Recommended: Confident mountain walker with at least three Grade I scrambles completed
Ideal for those ready to progress to Grade III scrambling and easy rock climbs (up to Diff)
Unsure if you're ready? Start with our Intro to Scrambling course, then progress to this roped course
EQUIPMENT
Helmets, harnesses, and technical gear provided if needed
Helmet use is required on all scrambles
Kit list provided at booking
Wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear with good grip
La Sportiva TX4, Scarpa Mescalito are good scrambling boots if looking to purchase specific mountain footwear.
VENUE
Day 1 based in Langdale
Meet at 9:00am at Stickle Ghyll National Trust car park
Langdale offers quick access to excellent scrambling terrain, including valley classics
Day 2 will explore a classic Lake District scramble/easy climb such as:
-Giants Crawl
-Pinnacle Ridge
-Needle Ridge
-Cam Crag Ridge
-Pillar Rock
-Grey Crags, Buttermere
OTHER COURSES OF INTEREST...
Hire our Lake District Mountaineering instructors for private and tailored programmes.
Experiences suited to your goals & ambitions to make the most of YOUR time in the mountains.
Summer & Winter guiding available - tackle the mountains all year round.
Day rates:
1:1 £250
1:2 £150pp
CONTACT
We look forward to hearing from you and working towards your mountaineering ambitions and helping to achieve your goals.
Phone or WhatsApp:
07458353048
If calls are missed we will respond when possible, please leave a WhatsApp or text message so we can respond to your enquiry.
Thank you