Lead Climbing Introduction 5 Days
This learn to lead climb course is for people with some experience of rock climbing who want to develop their skills, tactics and techniques and take the sharp end of the rope. Unlike many other providers, we also cover multi pitch climbing during the course.
During the course we will tackle some of the classic Peak District climbs to give you a thorough technical grounding and a week of amazing experiences.
Who is for ?
An average learn to lead climb course participant will have some climbing wall experience and possibly may have led climbs indoors. They may also have climbed outdoors and may know some of the basics about placing protection and rigging anchors.
By the end of the week you will have the skills and knowledge to lead sport and trad rock climbs.
Lead Climbing Introduction – Course Overview
The learn to lead week is five days of practical climbing. We build on your existing knowledge and develop your tactical, technical, psychological and even physical skills to allow you to start leading rock climbs.
It is not just about the up (although we cover this in both trad and bolted). We also cover how to go down either at the end of climb or if things get a wee bit tricky before you get to the top.
Beyond the Edge is one of the most experienced providers of rock climbing courses in the UK. Our instructors are both highly qualified and hugely knowledgable. Most importantly, our courses are fun and run in a relaxed manner. You will be encouraged to go at your own pace and climb routes within your ability whilst improving your skills in a supportive environment.
Lead Climbing Introduction – Course Format
The course will be flexible depending on individuals desires and the prevailing weather conditions. As a rough outline, the course will start by spending a few days refreshing you on your rock climbing and belay building skills. As the week progresses, we will introduce more skills so that you are ready to start leading in your own right initially under our careful guidance.
We often start with a few bolted routes so you are fully conversant with all the styles of leading.
During the course, you will learn / revise how select routes appropriate to your ability, set up belays safely and efficiently, use runners, lead rock climbs and how to retreat safely both as a planned retreat and also if things start to get a bit exciting. We also discuss the mental aspects of lead climbing and how to set yourself up for success. If desired, we also dedicate a day to multi pitch techniques.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £555 per person
- Duration: 5 days
- Ratio: 1:4 then 1:2
- Level: Advanced
More Information
-
Course Dates
-
Bespoke Dates and Locations
If there are no dates suitable, and there are two or more of you that want to learn to lead climb, please contact the office and we will arrange some dates to suit your diary.
-
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.
-
Equipment Required
The fee includes the use of ropes and all training materials. Whilst we encourage you to use your own gear if available, we are happy to loan any other equipment that you may need e.g. helmet, harness or boots, free of charge just let us know on your booking form.
A suggested kit list together with some tips and links to gear reviews is in the joining instructions.
-
Recommended Reading
Whilst it is not required to read anything before the course (apart from the joining instructions!) We give some suggestions below, but more detailed suggestions together with a host of helpful links and videos are contained in our Learn to Lead Joining Instructions.
The BMC booklet New Rock Climbers is highly recommended. It can be downloaded hereThe official handbook of Mountain Training (National Governing Body) for climbing schemes contains lots of useful information. It is:
Rock Climbing, essential skills & techniques. Libby Peter. -
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
-
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.
-
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 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.
-
Children, Parking, Dogs, COVID and everything else...
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage.
