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 mountaineering 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.