Learn to Lead Trad Climbs
Learn to Lead traditional rock climbs in two amazing days climbing on the world famous gritstone crags of the Peak District.
This learn to lead trad course is for people with some experience of rock climbing who want to progress to leading routes on natural rock and placing gear, outside.
For those that just want to learn about leading sport routes see our Learn to Lead Sport Course and for those that want do to everything our Learn to Lead week course.
Who is it for ?
An average course participant will have some climbing wall experience (leading routes inside). They will have climbed outdoors as a second and be a competent belayer. Ideally you would have completed our Rock Climbing Introduction or Intermediate Rock Climbing courses.
Learn to Lead Trad – Course Overview
During the course, you will learn / revise how to set up belays safely and efficiently, use runners, and lead climbs, whilst understanding the potential dangers involved. You will be encouraged to go at your own pace and climb routes within your ability whilst improving your skills in a supportive environment.
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.
Learn to Lead Trad – Course Format
The two days are flexible to suit your desires and the prevailing weather conditions, a rough outline is below:
Day 1
We meet at 9am and after introductions over a cup of coffee we discuss rock climbing equipment, and how to use it safely. Depending on the weather, we cover knots and the basics of setting up anchors and belaying and leading climbs inside or outside. We then put all this theory into practice on the rock, learning to place gear, practicing anchors, perfecting our climbing movement and learn about falling safely.
We aim to finish at around 4:30pm.
Day 2
Another 9am start and we head straight out and get on with the climbing. If you feel ready and under our close supervision maybe making your first lead climbs. As your confidence and skills increase you can increase the difficulty at your own pace. We will also cover abseiling and preventing common problems.
We finish the day slightly earlier at around 4pm to allow those who are travelling longer distances a bit of extra time.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £255 per person
- Duration: 2 days
- Ratio: 1:3
- Level: Advanced
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 lead 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 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.
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Recommended Reading
Whilst it is not required to read anything before the learn to lead course (apart from the Joining Instructions!) We give some suggestions below. 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 here
The 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
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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 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.
