Introduction to Rock Climbing
This is the ideal course for the complete beginner or those with some experience indoors who are now looking to head outside and get to grips with real rock.
From the fundamentals of movement and balance, to the more technical aspects of anchors and abseiling, this short course covers all the basics for you to be enthused about rock climbing and start experiencing climbing outdoors on your own.
“We had a great time climbing with Beyond the Edge, completed a 2 day introduction to rock climbing and had a fantastic time. Instructors were friendly, helpful and patient. All equipment was provided if needed. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn some rock climbing skills. :)” Joe Blackler
Who is for ?
This course is for those with either no experience or those who have climbed indoors a few times but not got to grips with climbing outside. The course is accessible to everyone. Average fitness is all that is required.
If you just want the Mountain Training Rock Skills one day course, book below and in the free text box state “one day”.
Introduction to Rock Climbing – Course Overview
A highly practical two days with lots of time climbing.
The Mountain Training course Rock Skills Introduction is the first day. Day two takes the skills further and consolidates the learning.
Once basic safety systems have been learnt, participants will be encouraged to go at their own pace, climbing routes within their ability, and become inspired to pursue the sport further.
Beyond the Edge are one of the most experienced providers of Mountain Training courses in the UK. We think its important that the courses run in a fun and friendly manner and take great pride in the very high percentage of individuals who return for further courses.
Introduction to Rock Climbing – Course Format
After the course introductions at 9am and over a cuppa we will talk about climbing equipment, how to fit it and how to use it safely before heading outside to put the theory into practice.
Its a very short drive from where we meet to the crag. On the walk in we can discuss rock climbing guidebooks and how we might selected a specific crag and a route. Once we are there we will start climbing! We look at balance and movement in the vertical realm and learn the skills to safely climb routes suitable for our level of ability. In the afternoon, we also look at abseiling.
We aim to finish the first day at around 5pm.
The second days builds on the first. We meet again at 9am and head out, normally to a different crag. We learn more advanced rock climbing skills and allow you to show off the ones you have honed. As skills and confidence progress, we will tackle slightly more challenging climbs and start to learn some of the skills required to climb under our own steam. We guarantee some good instagram moments!
We aim to finish this second day a fraction earlier at about 4:30pm to allow those not lucky enough to live in the Peak District some time to get home.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £105/175 per person
- Duration: 1 or 2 days
- Ratio: 1:6
- Level: Introduction
More Information
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Course Dates
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Bespoke Dates and Locations
If there are no dates suitable and there are two or more of you that want to sample rock climbing, please contact the office and we will arrange some dates and a location to suit your diary
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Meeting Point
The course will meet at The Sir William Hotel at 0900 in the village of Grindleford. The village has good bus and train links with Sheffield and good train links to Manchester.
The hotel has ample free parking.
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Equipment Required
The fee includes the use of specialist equipment and all training materials. We encourage you to use your own gear if available so you get confident with it, but are happy to loan any equipment that you may need e.g. helmet, harness or boots, free of charge. Simply let us know what you need on your booking form.
A suggested kit list together with some tips and links to gear reviews is in the joining instructions.
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Recommended Reading
It is not required to read anything before the course (apart from the joining instructions!) but The BMC booklet New Rock Climbers is highly recommended. It can be downloaded here.
More detailed suggestions together with a host of helpful links and videos are contained in our Introduction to Rock Climbing Joining Instructions.
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Fitness Level
You certainly don’t have to be super fit to enjoy the course, and it’s a common misconception that you need arms like Popeye. Its much more efficient to use the stronger leg muscles to push you up than your weaker arm muscles to pull you up. We will teach you at the beginning that its all about balance and body position.
In fact, one famous climber says there are a hundred routes on Stanage that you don’t even need to use your hands to climb!
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Accommodation Options
This Beyond the Edge course is non-residential to allow you to select between a thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require.
There is lots of accommodation in the Hope Valley and we recommend The Sir William which offers BtE clients a discount and this course runs from there.
Further details and other options are listed on our Accommodation page.
If you are struggling to find something or want something special, contact the office and we will endeavour to assist.
FAQs
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How do I book ?
The best way is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options on the above and then submit your booking and request an invoice or pay. If your course is under six weeks away you must pay the full amount.
For bespoke events get in touch first so we can check diaries and if required give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
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Does the course include accommodation ?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
In the Peak District we work out of the The Sir William hotel. This is a comfortable Inn with stunning views over the Hope valley and it also serves great food. We recommend that you stay here as they are well versed in looking after walkers and climbers, offer a 10% discount to BtE clients and it’s a 30 second commute from the breakfast table to our meeting room!
Further details and other options are on our accommodation page.
For bespoke courses and events we can arrange whatever you desire from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
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Children, Parking, Dogs, COVID and everything else...
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage.
