Intro Rock Climbing Courses in the Lake District

Is this the course for me?

Previous rock climbing experience is not needed for this course. Some mountain walking or indoor climbing experience is useful but not essential. 

What level of fitness do I need?

Fitness level 1: you exercise regularly through the week for short periods, and regularly do more, eg a half day walk in the hills at the weekend.

What does the course cover?

The course covers all the basics of rock climbing:

• using a harness and helmet

• movement skills

• belaying

• rope management

• climbing calls

• setting up top ropes

• building anchors

• tying into belays

• taking out gear

• abseils

What's the maximum ratio?

1:6 on single pitch crags, 1:3 on multi pitch crags.

Where do the courses take place?

Please check out the Essential Info for the Lake District page.

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, what about transport, and what do I need to bring?

Please check out the Essential Info for the Lake District page.

What do our clients say about us?

Thank you for a wonderful and enlightening experience. We both got so much to take away from it and really enjoyed the day throughout. We spent the evening recalling parts of the day and feeling a different kind of tiredness, very full. Leon was struck by your kindness and I think for him it was a truly positive and spiritual encounter.
Terry O,Connor, with 14-year-old son Leon, April 2014

We will definitely climb with Chris again in the future, he was just brilliant, very patient and challenged us on the rock.
Tariq Sheikh & Maya Sutedja, July 2016

My first research was via the web, having no recent climbing club contacts to use and the web site is excellent. Lots of info and the subsequent e mail conversations were prompt and informative. I was after an independent guide as it fits our small local business ethos. I didn't look further than Chris and Anne, and probably never will. Chris listened to what we hoped to achieve (lots of classic rock up to VS standard, to get a feel of outdoor rock rather than indoor climbing wall problems). Chris's huge knowledge and competency as a guide was more or less expected, but turning this into a fast, no faffing approach to cover a lot of climbing in just one day was appreciated. Also, treating Lucy (12) as the real client with all the background advice was excellent.
Mark & Lucy Sainsbury, July 2016

Everything was clear and straightforward with lots of information on the website and quick and helpful responses to all our emails. Chris's phone call to run through things the day before so he could make a plan for our two days left us in no doubt we had made the right choice. Our main goal was to hopefully learn the basic skills needed so that we could climb together as a couple, outdoors. However, we learnt more in two days than we could ever have hoped for. Not only did Chris teach us all the core elements - anchors, belaying, abseiling, placing gear etc - but even just walking down hill and what clothes to wear to keep warm and dry; Chris never missed an opportunity to teach us something and we will take so much away. Being able to complete our first lead trad (in the rain!) knowing Chris was by our side keeping us safe was an unforgettable experience. We can't wait to start putting all our new skills into practice both indoors and out. We felt exceptionally lucky to have found Chris. His passion for teaching was obvious from the start and it was an absolute pleasure to have been able to spend two days with him. We are so impressed at how he put together such a perfect two days for us despite the weather and how much we covered in such a short space of time without feeling overloaded. His calm and positive approach gave us both the confidence to push ourselves and we are so grateful for his patience and encouragement.
Jake & Polly Sweeney, October 2020

Alex was my instructor, he was very easy going. Good pace and instruction, didn’t over-teach, and allowed me to progress at my pace whilst also challenging me. Superb day. To anyone thinking of booking - do it!
Stuart Rushton, July 2022

Chris Moore was great, patient, great ropework instruction and really good with kids. Nice guy too!
Beth Hall-Thompson, August 2023