Learn to Lead.

This two-day course is designed to equip you with the skills needed to lead traditional climbs safely and confidently. You’ll develop a solid understanding of gear placements, anchor building, ropework, and different belaying techniques, with a strong focus on decision-making and safe practice throughout.

This course will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to safely progress in trad climbing.

  • We’ll start the day looking at the planning stage of a climbing day—going through guidebooks, checking the weather, and deciding where to go based on conditions and objectives. We’ll also cover what to pack, including essential climbing kit and emergency equipment.

    We’ll then head to a crag close to the road to make the most of our time climbing and learning. Once there, we’ll begin by looking at gear placements—how to place protection, how to assess its quality, and what makes a solid piece of gear. To help build confidence, we’ll test placements in a safe, controlled setting by weighting them.

    When you’re ready, you’ll lead your first trad route, safeguarded by your guide on a rope from above. At the top, you’ll build an anchor and belay your second up, learning the full process from bottom to top.

    As your confidence grows, we’ll progress to more independent leads, with your guide alongside you on a static rope to offer feedback, tips, and support as you place gear and climb.

    We’ll also look at key ropework and safety skills such as how to build an abseil anchor and use multiple ropes to descend safely.

    As with all our courses, this is completely bespoke and tailored to you. Whether it’s your very first lead or you're looking to become more independent on bigger routes, we’ll match the day to your goals and experience.

  • Some previous climbing experience and a good level of general fitness required. Participants should already be operating at the level of a competent second.

  • Available in the Lake District, North Yorkshire, and Lancashire

    We run Learn to Lead courses throughout the year.

    A day of instruction will typically last from 8 in the morning until 4/5 in the afternoon.

    For 1:1 instruction we charge £450, For 1:2 instruction we charge £500. This is a 2 day course. The course works better with 2 people so if you have a partner who is keen to come along this would be preferable!

    • Guiding/Instruction

    • Use of helmets, harnesses and other technical kit
      Not included:

    • Climbing Shoes

    • Transport to and from the crag (exceptions can be made, let us know in the booking form)

    • Food and drink for the day

Learn to Lead in the Ogwen Valley, North Wales

Learn to Lead course at Gogarth, North Wales