Introduction to Bouldering
Experience world class Peak District bouldering only minutes from our door as we develop your climbing technique and teach you how to become a safe boulderer.
Who is it for ?
This course is not designed for the complete beginner (see our Introduction to Rock Climbing course for this) but for someone who has bouldered or climbed a small amount (indoors or out) and wants to safely enjoy the thrill of bouldering outdoors.
Introduction to Bouldering – Course Outline
We look at the fundamentals of movement and balance, mat types and placement and how to spot our mates safely. We visit a couple of different Peak District bouldering venues exploring guidebooks and importantly the environmental considerations, ethics and etiquette of this fast growing sport. In fact we cover everything for you to be enthused about bouldering and start experiencing the Peak District classics on your own.
Beyond the Edge are one of the most experienced providers of Mountain Training courses in the UK. We think it’s important that the courses are 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 Bouldering – Course Format
After the course introductions at 9am and over a cuppa, we will talk about some basic safety considerations and equipment before heading outside. Its a very short drive from where we meet to the crag.
Once there we will start bouldering! 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 visit a second venue and develop our technique, scaling progressively harder problems.
We aim to finish the day at around 4:30pm.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £95
- Duration: 1 day
- 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 or you have a specific requirement you can hire one of our experienced instructors, for some Peak District bouldering (or anything hill / mountain related) just 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 (climbing shoes and bouldering mat) and all training materials. We do however encourage you to use your own gear if available so you get confident with it. 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 your Peak District bouldering 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 Bouldering Joining Instructions.
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Fitness Level
Average fitness is all that is required, together with a small amount of climbing experience.
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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 discounted rate and this course starts from here.
Further details and other options are listed on our Accommodation page.
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 pay the deposit.
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 discount to BtE clients and it’s a 30 second commute from the breakfast table to our meeting room!
Further details and other options can be found 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
