Essential Information for the Lake District

Where do the courses take place?

All our courses are based around the Lake District, but we also work in other areas of the UK by arrangement, eg the Peak District, north Wales, Yorkshire, the Scottish Highlands. We choose a venue for each day depending on the aims of the day and the weather forecast. You will need to arrange your own accommodation, and we usually recommend Ambleside as a convenient location. Info and ideas can be downloaded here: Lake District travel and accommodation

How do I know which rock climbing course is best for me?

Have a look through the different courses listed here, or download a comparison chart here.

What dates are available?

You choose the date, and we tailor the programme for you. Available dates are shown in the Climbing & Mountaineering in the Lake District section on the calendar.

How much will it cost?

In 2024:
1:1 - £240 per full day, £160 per half day
1:2 - £260 per full day, £170 per half day
1:3 - £280 per full day, £180 per half day
1:4 - £300 per full day, £190 per half day
1:5 - £320 per full day, £200 per half day
1:6 - £340 per full day, £210 per half day

In 2025:
1:1 - £248 per full day, £165 per half day
1:2 - £268 per full day, £175 per half day
1:3 - £288 per full day, £185 per half day
1:4 - £308 per full day, £195 per half day
1:5 - £328 per full day, £205 per half day
1:6 - £348 per full day, £215 per half day

All returning clients get 5% off these prices.

What about transport?

We will either arrange to meet you at the venue for the day, or we'll pick you up from your accommodation if you are based in the Ambleside or Windermere area.

What do I need to bring?

We provide all the specialist equipment for each activity. Each participant must come to the activity with the correct clothing - detailed downloadable equipment lists are available here:
Rock Climbing in the Lake District kit list
Mountaineering in the Lake District kit list
Classic Rock Challenge kit list (if you're doing it as a four-day or six-day challenge)
Winter Mountaineering & Climbing in the UK kit list

If you’re in Ambleside and need to buy any kit, try The Climbers Shop in Compston Road, where you’ll get a 10% discount if you mention that you are my client. You can also shop online at The Climbers Shop

Useful blog posts about equipment:
How To Stay Dry Whatever The Weather #1: Waterproofs
How To Stay Dry Whatever The Weather #2: Boots
How To Stay Dry Whatever The Weather #3: Walking In The Rain
How To Kit Yourself Out For Winter In The Mountains
Build your first climbing rack
My Top Three Favourite Rucksacks and Why I Like Them
My Top Five Approach Shoes and Why I Like Them
7 Things You Should Never Leave Out Of Your Rucksack
My Favourite Climbing Helmet: the Petzl Meteor (And How To Choose A New Helmet)
Paramo or Goretex? What's My Preference And Why?
Crampon Review and Comparison
Crampon Review & Comparison: Petzl Vasak Lever Lock, old vs new
What’s The Next Best Thing To A Perfect Pair Of Winter Mountaineering Gloves?
Top Tips For Choosing An Ice Axe
Top Tips About Waterproof Trousers
Climbing Harness Review & Comparison (& How To Choose A New Harness)
Everything You Need To Know About Crampons

Useful blog posts about climbing and mountaineering

Essential Information for the Lake District – Chris Ensoll