Lake District Private Rock Guiding
CLIMB HIGH QUALITY ROUTES IN THE STUNNING LAKE DISTRICT
The Lake District is the birthplace of climbing and offers a huge variety of routes, from big mountain crags to picturesque lake-side cliffs. We offer a tailor-made program to give you the perfect Lake District climbing experience.
Our experienced guides will select routes that showcase the very best of the Lakes, classic climbs with stunning views. We can often fit multiple classics into a single day, or, if you have specific routes in mind, we’ll help make them happen. Find out more below:
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We’ll meet you either the evening before or on the morning of your booking, the exact location will depend on the weather and where you’re staying. We will chat through your experience and then create a plan for the day.
Climbs are chosen with your skill level, goals, and the conditions in mind, and we’ll aim to fit in as many great routes as possible. The focus throughout the day is on enjoyment — you’re here to have fun — while always prioritising safety, which is what our professionally qualified guides are trained for. If you would like to learn new skills and fancy a mixture of guiding and learning, our guides will work out the perfect plan for you!
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Our guided days out are fully tailored to your experience and goals, so whether you’re new to climbing or more advanced, we’ll find routes that suit you. If you have any questions or specific ideas in mind, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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£250 for 1:1 guiding, £300 for 1:2 guiding
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Guiding fee
Use of helmets, harnesses and other technical kit
Travel cost for the guide
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Personal clothing and boots
Food and drinks
Transport
Travel/rescue insurance
Interested? Get in touch to start planning your next adventure with us
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We provide all essential climbing equipment except for climbing shoes/boots. You’ll need to bring your own suitable clothing and food.
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We can usually run our courses even in wet/windy conditions, as there are sheltered locations throughout the Lakes. If the weather is unsuitable, we can reschedule for another date or we will provide you with a full refund.
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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.
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We usually meet clients at a local cafe in the morning. This gives us a chance to introduce ourselves, discuss the plan, and tailor the day to your goals and experience. If an early start is required we will probably organise a call a day or two beforehand.
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Lake District Mountain Guides is led by James Boothroyd, who personally runs the majority of our courses. You can learn more about him here. We also work with a trusted team of professional freelance guides, all fully qualified and insured. Your guide will contact you before the course to introduce themselves and outline the plan and answers any questions you may have.
Our Reviews.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
