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Rock skills introduction course - learn to climb outside

rock skills

introduction

A Rock Skills Introduction course is ideal for beginner climbers; those who have never climbed on rock and those with limited experience of climbing indoors.   

We will cover putting on a harness and tying in to a rope, belaying, abseiling and moving on rock.  Good for beginners, families and those that just want to have a go!

Accreditation

Our Rock Skills climbing courses are accredited by Mountain Training.  

You will receive accreditation for this course, we will register you on the scheme with Mountain Training and create an account for you

www.mountain-training.org  

Participant Handbook - Click Here

1 DAY COURSE

PRICES: £80pp

View Dates

Itinerary PDF - Click here

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OVERVIEW

A Rock Skills Introduction course is designed to provide participants with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for safe and enjoyable rock climbing. This introductory course typically covers basic climbing techniques, equipment, safety procedures, and an introduction to rock climbing environments. 

This course is ideal for those new to climbing, or for folk looking at moving from indoors to outdoors and take their climbing to the next level. It will set the perfect foundation for the intermediate course, which we often run on the back of this introductory course.  

COURSE OUTLINE: 

Background and Planning

An awareness of the types of places you can climb in the UK and Ireland, how to use guidebooks and mobile devices to find

crags and routes, crag etiquette and the work of the mountaineering councils.

Climbing Skills

Fundamental movement skills and climbing style explored through a bouldering session.  Our instructors are on hand to offer coaching and introduce a foundation of climbing movement skills to you that will help towards your climbing progression. 

Footwear and Equipment

Footwear and equipment selection and how to use the kit you choose. E.g. types of shoes, harnesses and technical gear such as: cams, nuts, hexes and ropes. 

Technical Skills

Tying into a harness, belaying, spotting and how to abseil.  These are all fundamental climbing skills and we will teach you up to date best practice and build your understanding towards being independent and autonomous with these key skills. 

Environmental Knowledge

The impact of climbers at the crag, ethics, access and environmental considerations for climbers.  Looking at the BMC RAD app and the leave no trace ethics of mountaineering and climbing. 

Hazards and Emergency Procedures

Identifying hazards, managing risk, understanding common injuries, how to get help and the role of Mountain Rescue and associated emergency services.

SKILLS COVERED: 

Movement and technique

Footwork, handholds, weight transfer, smearing and momentum

Bouldering

Spotting, matt arrangement and route reading 

Rope climbing

Wearing a harness, tying in, belaying, lowering and abseiling 

Gear

Introduction to trad gear; nuts, cams and hexes and the placement of this gear

intro to rock climbing in langdale
Introduction to rock climbing

BY THE END OF THE COURSE, YOU CAN EXPECT TO:

Have covered the course content in a safe and enjoyable outdoor environment and classroom-style setting.

Have climbed outside for a good proportion of the day on an appropriate crag.

Be in a strong position to take a climbing wall belay test.

Be ready to attend a Rock Skills Intermediate course

WHY CHOOSE US?

Small Group Sizes:

Our low instructor-to-participant ratio ensures personalised attention and maximum learning opportunities.

Certified Instructors:

Our experienced and certified instructors are dedicated to your safety and skill development.

Real-World Application:

The course is designed to equip you with practical skills for independent rock climbing adventures.

Beautiful Locations:

Enjoy learning in some of the most scenic rock climbing environments in the Lake District.

COURSE AFFILIATION

We will register you with Mountain Training, once this has been done you will receive: 

Access to all four courses with any approved provider (Introduction, Intermediate, Learn to Lead Sport & Trad) 

Lifetime use of DLOG (the digital logbook) for recording all climbing related activities

A certificate of attendance for each course attended

A copy of New Rock Climbers - to be handed out on the course 

dates

4th April 2025

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3rd May 2025

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9th June 2025

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1st August 2025

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8th September 2025

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Course Ratios

1:6 Ratio 

This is an open course designed for you to meet like minded individuals and learn to climb together  

An instructor can teach up to 6 people on this course - we can provide additional instructors adhering to a 1:6 ratio. 

Minimum of 2 participants for courses to run

Pre-Requisites 

16yrs+ to attend this course

Under 18's must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian

 

We can accommodate under 16's on private days.  This means you can attend as a family for example. (12+) 

No experience necessary

This course is designed to teach you the basics 

If you wish to climb 1-1 or 1-2 with an instructor, we offer

Guided Climbing Days 

Equipment

Harness, helmet, ropes & climbing hardware are available to use and included in the price

We will share kit lists with you during the booking stage

You will need to wear suitable outdoor clothing and have your own rock shoes. 

Click here for a rock shoes buyers guide

Venue

This course is delivered in the Langdale Valley.

We will meet at the Sticklebarn National trust car park for meetings and course outlines.

We will use a single pitch venue for the day such as Sticklebarn Crag, Lower Scout Crag, East Raven Crag.

It will be possible to car share to get to these venues if necessary or use public transport from Ambleside

this course is accredited to mountain training

Mountain Training is the collection of awarding bodies for skills courses and qualifications in walking, climbing and mountaineering that operates across the UK and The Republic Of Ireland.

Our qualifications train and assess people to look after other people in these environments, whether that's leading a walk in the mountains, coaching in a climbing wall or teaching multi pitch rock climbing. People who hold our qualifications have been assessed at a nationally agreed standard. 

www.mountain-training.org

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Our Vision

A diverse and active outdoor society, supported by inspirational leaders, instructors and coaches.

Our Mission

To inspire, enable and develop people in walking, climbing and mountaineering through the provision of nationally and internationally recognised skills training and leadership qualifications.

Our Ethos - Click here to view 

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Image by Patrick Hendry

Support for people 

Mountain Training is committed to ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity to attend our courses. We work in close partnership with the mountaineering councils and a key strand of their work is to ensure that participation is open to all. The BMC Equity Steering Group and initiatives like Adventure for All have been central to this and are an excellent source of information.

Reasonable Adjustment Guidance 

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Not quite what you're looking for?

Hire our Lake District Mountaineering instructors for private and tailored programmes.

Suited to your goals & ambitions to make the most of YOUR time in the mountains. 

Day rates: 

1:1 £225

1:2 £125pp

Climbing in Langdale in the Lake District

CONTACT

We look forward to hearing from you and working towards your mountaineering ambitions and helping to achieve your goals. 

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Phone or WhatsApp:

07458353048

If calls are missed we will respond when possible, please leave a voicemail or text message where possible.

Thank you

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