A logo for Lake District Mountain Guides features a person standing on top of a mountain peak, with the mountain depicted in dark and light shades of green and grey, encased in a circular border with the text "Lake District Mountain Guides" around it.

Climbing Courses in the Lake District

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Line graph showing an upward trend followed by a downward trend
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Join our climbing courses in the Lake District and throughout the UK designed for all ability levels. Whether you’re new to outdoor climbing or looking to refine advanced techniques, our professional guides offer expert instruction to help you build confidence, improve skills, and reach your next climbing goal.

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Beginner Courses

If you are at the beginning of your climbing journey these courses are for you! Develop fundamental skills with our experienced instructors at Lake District Mountain Guides.

Two climbers ascending a steep, rocky cliff using safety ropes under a clear blue sky.

Learn to Trad Climb

Learn to trad climb independently // develop both multi pitch and single pitch techniques in the beautiful Lake District or Peak District // 4 days course with experienced instructors // Dates throughout the summer

Learn to Trad Climb
Multi pitch rock guiding near Taghia in Morocco.

Learn to Sport Climb

Join us in the Yorkshire Dales for our 2 day learn to sport climb course // Learn how to climb multi pitch and single pitch sport routes // Learn all the key skills to climb independently // Dates year round

Learn to Sport Climb
Intermediate level instructional courses.

Intermediate Courses

Our intermediate climbing courses are designed for those with some outdoor climbing experience who are ready to build on their existing skills. A solid understanding of basic climbing techniques will help you get the most from these courses.

A client rock climbing on a steep cliff by the ocean in Pembroke.

Sea cliff skills

Learn to sea cliff climb // develop complex skills in beautiful Pembroke // 2 day course with experienced instructors // Dates in Spring and Autumn

Sea Cliff Skills
A woman climbing a steep rock face wearing a blue helmet and climbing gear, with a person in the background belaying her, surrounded by green forest canopy.

Rescue Skills

Learn rescue skills // Build confidence to handle tricky situations // Perfect prep for remote climbing trips // 2 day course with experienced instructors // Dates available throughout the summer

Rescue Skills
A person wearing a blue jacket, black pants, and a helmet is ice climbing on a snow and ice-covered mountain, using an ice axe and climbing gear.

Alpine Skills

Learn Alpine skills // Perfect preparation for your first Alps trip // 2 days course with experienced instructors // Dates throughout the spring

Alpine Skills
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Advanced Courses

Our advanced courses are designed for experienced climbers who want to take their skills to the next level. Whether you’re aiming to push your grade, refine your technique, or gain confidence on more adventurous routes, these courses provide expert coaching and tailored instruction to help you progress safely and effectively.

A man rock climbing on a steep surface on a mountain with a rock face and green trees below, with a valley and mountains in the background.

Performance Coaching

Push your grade // Learn skills to improve your climbing performance and climb harder // with experienced instructors // Dates throughout the summer

Performance Coaching

Interested? Get in touch to start planning your next adventure with us

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Logo with mountain illustration and a person at the summit, surrounded by the text 'Lake District Mountain Guides'.

Bespoke Climbing Instruction and Guiding

Want a private, bespoke course? Not found what you’re looking for? We can organise a trip just for you

Get in touch

Interested? Get in touch to start planning your next adventure with us

Any Questions?

Find some typically asked questions below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for contact us here, or check our more comprehensive FAQ page.

  • We provide all the essential climbing equipment, including harnesses, helmets, ropes, and technical gear. The only thing you’ll need to bring are your own climbing shoes or boots, along with suitable clothing, food, and drink.

    We’re usually out in the mountains for around eight hours each day, so make sure to pack a good lunch, some snacks, and at least a litre of water.

    If you’d like advice on what clothing to bring, feel free to get in touch or check out our kit lists.

  • We can usually run our courses even in wet or windy conditions, as there are plenty of sheltered venues throughout the Lake District. If the forecast looks cold and wet, make sure to bring extra layers and good waterproofs.

    Wet weather means we get colder faster and use more energy, so it’s worth packing a bit more food than you would for a normal day out. If the weather becomes unsuitable, we’ll reschedule your course for another date or offer a full refund.

  • If you need to cancel more than 4 weeks before the course, you’ll receive a full refund. Cancellations between 2 and 4 weeks incur a 50% refund, minus a £10 admin fee. Unfortunately, cancellations less than 2 weeks before the course are non-refundable.

  • We usually meet at a local car park or cafe in the morning. This gives us a chance to introduce ourselves, discuss the plan for the day, and get to know you so we can tailor the course to your goals and experience.

    If an early start is needed, we’ll arrange a quick call a day or two beforehand to confirm the details.

  • Lake District Mountain Guides is led by James Boothroyd, who delivers the majority of our courses. You can learn more about James and the rest of the team here.

    We also work with a trusted group of professional freelance instructors — all fully qualified, experienced, and insured. Your guide will get in touch before the course to introduce themselves, outline the plan, and answer any questions you may have.