Rock Improvers Courses in the Lake District

Is this the course for me?

You've done some leading - trad, sport or indoor - and you want to move on to harder routes or multi-pitch routes.

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 will improve your efficiency in all areas of climbing, including:

• building belays

• rope management

• leading

• multi pitch belays

• abseils

• movement coaching

• guide book interpretation

What's the maximum ratio?

1:2

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?

I'm not sure how many times I have been out with Chris but I have never had any reason (or heard anyone in my group give any reason) to consider going with a different provider. Chris managed to come up with a programme that allowed everyone from the regular members of our party to a complete novice to be full involved for both days. Having climbed with Chris for many years and John for the last few years it still amazes me how professional and knowledgeable they both are. They also manage to be a friend, part of the group and in charge all at the same time. I'm already looking forward to next time. 
Richard Bryant, September 2016

Every time we come up to the Lakes, Chris will come up with a new challenge for us, interspersed with the patented Chris Ensoll teaching skills on how to dynamically walk upright with purpose, etc. Chris exudes confidence and takes time to support those in the group who may need extra attention or support, he instinctively knows each person's strengths and weaknesses, constantly encouraging everyone. No one wants to let Chris down and therefore everyone achieves more than they initially thought they were capable of, which leads to an enormous sense of satisfaction and boost in self belief. 
Tony Robinson, September 2016

The booking process 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. Thank you so much! 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

We have used Chris many times over the years and the days out he devises are perfect for our mixed level of experience/ability and whatever the weather throws at us. Lead climbing, scrambling, top roping, indoor climbing wall and ghyll scrambling are always pitched at the right level. Chris and John Kettle have been taking us out for many years, they are both very professional and experienced, but likeable and approachable, we always have a great time and learn something new. We have been using you for years and have no desire to switch to anyone else.
Tony Robinson, September 2021