Trad Climbing: Multi-Pitch Skills Course | Lake District Mountaineering

Trad Climbing:

multi-pitch skills

This course is designed for climbers looking to transition confidently into multi-pitch terrain. You’ll learn how to build safe belays at intermediate stances, manage ropes efficiently, place and manage gear on longer pitches, and plan safe descents. Gain the skills and confidence for adventurous days on classic mountain routes.

This course is delivered by mountain professionals that are affiliated with the Association of Mountaineering Instructors

2 DAY COURSE

PRICES:£260pp

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COURSE OVERVIEW

This course is for climbers with a solid foundation in single-pitch climbing who are ready to progress to more complex, multi-pitch routes. Ideal for those looking to transition into longer climbs, develop skills for alpine objectives, or simply expand their climbing toolkit to be safe on longer climbs - this course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to operate safely and efficiently on multi-pitch terrain.

COURSE OUTLINE

Guided Multi-Pitch Climb:
Experience a full multi-pitch climb with direct coaching along the way. We'll focus on movement technique, gear placements, and the key decisions that keep a team moving safely and efficiently up the route.
Core Skills & Fundamentals:
We’ll begin with the building blocks - what multi-pitch climbing actually involves, how it differs from single-pitch, and what systems are essential. You'll get hands-on with ropes, belay devices, slings, protection, and learn how to rack up effectively for a longer, more involved climb.
Anchor Building & Stance Management:
Learn how to build solid and safe anchors in a variety of settings, and manage belay stances and changeovers. We’ll cover how to stay organised at stances, keep the rope running smoothly, and reduce tangles and time lost during changeovers.
Communication & Route Strategy:
On longer routes you need clear communication and systems. You’ll develop strategies for selecting belay stances & reading the line ahead. Knowing 'the story' and being in sync with your partner is key, even when they’re out of sight or earshot.
Workshopping Multi-Pitch Climbing & Stances:
We’ll run mock scenarios to practice leading and seconding in a controlled environment. This is a chance to refine your systems, tidy up your gear management, and build a smooth, efficient flow between pitches.
Lead Climbing on Multi-Pitch Terrain:
For those ready to take the sharp end, we’ll look at placing gear, managing rope drag, extending runners and staying on route in more complex terrain. You’ll practice making safe, timely decisions while leading in a multi-pitch context.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Two full days of practical, hands-on coaching on real multi-pitch routes
Focused instruction to improve your systems, efficiency, and decision-making
Low 1:2 ratio for personalised guidance and support throughout
Delivered by experienced MCI-qualified instructors with extensive multi-pitch expertise
A structured and encouraging environment to build your technical skills and confidence for longer, more committing climbs

SKILLS COVERED

Route planning and reading multi-pitch topos
Building safe, solid belay anchors
Belaying and using guide mode
Belay transitions and stance management
Rope management for double and single rope systems
Efficient communication techniques on longer routes
Leading and seconding on multi-pitch terrain
Placing protection and extending runners effectively
Safe descent and abseiling
Managing exposure and maintaining composure on longer routes

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

Trad climbers confident on single-pitch routes
Sport climbers looking to transition into trad and multipitch terrain
Climbers aiming to progress to longer, more committing routes
Those preparing for alpine, sea cliff, or big mountain objectives
Anyone wanting to improve their efficiency and safety on multi-pitch climbs
Climbers seeking to build confidence in stance management,and belay transitions
Pairs of climbers looking to operate more smoothly as a team on longer routes

Anyone aged 16+ (under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Participants should have basic climbing experience, including confident single-pitch trad or sport climbing skills, and be comfortable with rope work and belaying.