Bespoke Mountain Guiding and Instruction throughout the UK

Rock

We offer rock climbing courses and guiding in the Lake District and across the UK, Whether you’re completely new to climbing, looking to build confidence, or aiming to push your limits, we’ll tailor the experience to you! All of our days are run by professional guides who prioritise both safety and enjoyment. Learn more about our courses below:

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Scrambling

Check out our scrambling courses and guiding across the UK, from classic routes to hidden gems. Learn how to scramble independently with expert instruction, or join our professional guides to enjoy great days out on some of the country’s finest scrambles.

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Winter

We run winter climbing and mountaineering courses in Scotland, from the Cairngorms to the West Coast. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, our courses are tailored to your level. Come and explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands in winter with our experienced guides. Find out more below:

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Why Lake District Mountain Guides?

Lake District Mountain Guides Ltd is dedicated to providing high-quality climbing experiences throughout the UK. We truly enjoy sharing our passion for climbing, helping people challenge themselves, and seeing the joy that comes from being outdoors. .

Bespoke small ratio guiding ensures your time with us is fully tailored to your goals, allowing you to get the most our of your time in the mountains.

Our Guides are all professionally qualified climbers, trained to guide and instruct using the best industry practices. All our guides have extensive experience across all disciplines of climbing so we can offer expert guidance tailored to your aims.

Lakes based, all our guides are based in or on the outskirts of the Lake District, so we know the best spots and crags to visit, all the secret gems and places to go if the weather doesn’t play ball.

Contact Us to discuss ideas and ambitions; all we ask is that you are fit and adventurous. Guiding is available year round, for any level of ability and experience, for individual days or dedicated courses.

Our Reviews.

James is a patient, encouraging, unflappable guide in all kinds of mountain situations. Just three days of climbing instruction with him changed my confidence and gave me the boost I needed to take my leading to the next level. You can definitely trust him for leadership while developing your own skills

Andrew, Edinburgh, who joined us on a bespoke Multi Pitch Trad course in July 2024
James provided great instruction in the fundamentals of trad climbing, helping us successfully lead our first trad routes. His experience and knowledge has equipped us with skills that have improved both our climbing skills. We can't recommend him enough!

Lucas and Freya, Llanberis, on our learn to Lead course in June 2024
James has been amazing at helping me improve my climbing indoors and develop confidence outdoors with climbs and scrambles! He chose the perfect routes that were the right level of a challenge and really enjoyable (and great views)! He was always so encouraging and got me up things I never thought I’d be able to climb! Highly highly recommend for anyone wanting to gain climbing/ scrambling experience

Evie Rothwell, on a Intro to Scrambling course in May 2024
I had a great day climbing with James at Tremadog last year, we climbed One step in the Clouds and looked at progressing my own trad climbing skills

Joe Clark, on a guided rock climbing day in North Wales in August 2024
I have been lucky to climb with James a few times in Scotland. He is an excellent guide. He is super friendly and very thoughtful about giving you the best experience for you and is always focused on keeping you safe. He is great at sharing his extensive knowledge with you and I learned lots of snow and rope skills alongside the climbing. I'll be looking forward to climbing with James again soon

Zander Wrey, numerous days in Scotland 2024/2025
Spent a few days multi-pitch climbing & mountaineering with James and his knowledge, experience & attention to safety is second to none. He made sure I was looked after the whole time and he was in complete control during our time together. Would highly recommend James to anyone who is looking for a guide for anything mountain or climbing related! *5 star lad*

Matt Aindow, winter 2024
I had an amazing day being guided up Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis by James. I learnt loads and felt safe the whole time. Definitely one of my favourite days out in the hills!

Alex Edge, on a winter climbing day in February 2025