Learn to Sport Climb in the Lake District
Develop key climbing skills and learn to lead outdoor sport routes
2 Days
Year round course
Ideal for indoor lead climbers ready for outdoor rock, you will learn essential sport climbing skills to climb safely and independently outdoors.
BEGINNER LEVEL
This course is packed with useful instruction. You’ll learn loads alongside climbing plenty of fun routes, perfect for those wanting to progress but also do some enjoyable climbing.
INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE
-
Our two-day sport climbing course in the Lake District is perfect for indoor leaders looking to progress from indoor climbing to outdoor rock and learn to lead safely. Your instructor will focus on building your confidence and skills in a relaxed and supportive way.
Over the 2 days you'll learn everything you need to sport climb safely outdoors. We'll cover different ways to tie in to the rope, setting up top ropes, quick clipping quickdraws, and the whole process of learning to lead, along with the fundamentals of multi-pitch climbing. With lots of detaiiled instruction and plenty of time spent climbing on quality outdoor rock, you will leave with lots of useful skills, and as an independent sport climber.
We base the course around Kendal, which gives quick access to some great sport crags in the Lake District National Park, but also to great quick-drying crags in the Yorkshire Dales. There's a great variety of rock types in the area, and we'll aim to get you on different rock each day, for instance there's great limestone in the Yorkshire Dales, and great rhyolite and slate crags in the Lake District.
-
Prior to the course – We'll be in touch after you book to learn more about you and set out a plan for the four days. We'll double check you have everything you need and that the course works for you.
Day One – We'll start by looking at what to take in your rucksack for a day of sport climbing. We'll then look at and practise tying key knots, making sure you're confident and consistent with each one. You'll learn how to set up top rope systems and practise safe belaying with a variety of belay devices. As the day goes on, you'll progress to leading sport routes, attaching yourself to the anchor at the top, threading your rope through it, and stripping the quickdraws as your partner lowers you. As you climb, your instructor will be right beside you on a separate rope, giving feedback, tips, and making sure everything goes smoothly and safely. There'll be lots of repetition throughout the day to consolidate the learning.
Day Two – On the second day, we'll look at abseiling, get plenty of mileage in leading routes, and introduce the skills needed for multi-pitch sport climbing. You'll learn how to equalise sport anchors, how to belay your partner from the top of a pitch, and how to manage belay stances to avoid rope tangles and faff. We'll finish the day with plenty of climbing and building confidence on longer routes.
After the course – You're very welcome to stay in touch, and to message whenever you're unsure about something or want some advice.
Course content may vary depending on weather, experience, and personal goals.
-
This course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn outdoor sport climbing. You need to have lead climbed indoors before, but no prior outdoor experience is required. A good level of general fitness will help.
If you're unsure whether this course is for you, get in touch and we'll help point you towards the right one, or create a bespoke instructional experience tailored to your goals.
-
This course is based out of Kendal, with plenty of great crags nearby, like Giggleswick in the Yorkshire Dales and Runestone Quarry, a slate quarry in Langdale. With lots of accommodation in the town and a good indoor centre if the weather is bad it's a great venue for the course. We'll always aim to climb within an hour's drive of Kendal, though conditions sometimes mean we need to drive elsewhere in the Lakes to get out and practise. We'll do our best to limit driving and maximise climbing time, but this may occasionally be necessary
This course runs at a 1:2 ratio, so if you're not coming with a partner, you'll be paired with another person of similar ability.
Prices are for the whole course (2 days):
1 person – £250
2 people – £500Please get in touch for a quote for larger groups.
-
Instruction from a qualified and insured instructor
All technical equipment: ropes, helmets, harnesses, and trad gear
Action photos
Advice and support before and after the booking
What’s not included:
-
We can provide all the essential climbing equipment, including harnesses, helmets, ropes, and technical gear. If you have your own gear, that’s great, as it’s good to practice using the equipment you’ll be using on your own adventures in the future. You’ll need to bring your own climbing shoes along with suitable clothing (plenty of warm layers and waterproof jacket/trousers), food, and drink.
We usually spend around 8 active hours outside, 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 and for more info check out our comprehensive kit lists.
Get in touch to express an interest if the course dates shown don't work for you.
-
We can usually run our sport climbing course in wet or windy conditions, as there are sheltered venues throughout the Lake District. If the forecast looks wet, make sure to bring extra layers and good waterproofs.
If the weather becomes unsuitable for climbing, we can practise skills at one of the indoor centres in the Lakes, or reschedule your booking for a date when the weather's better.
-
If you need to cancel more than 4 weeks before your booking, 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 will contact you before the beginning of the course to introduce your guide, get to know you and and make a final plan. On the day, we will aim to meet at a local cafe in the morning. This gives us a chance to properly introduce ourselves and check over any kit that you have brought yourself. If an early start is needed, we’ll arrange everything over phone/email beforehand to confirm the details.
All information will be provided before the course, and if you have any questions feel free to contact us.
-
We work with a trusted group of professional freelance instructors — all fully qualified, experienced, and insured. All our instructors are members of AMI (Association of mountaineering instructors) or BMG (British Association of Mountain Guides). Your guide will get in touch before the course to introduce themselves, outline the plan, and answer any questions you may have.
Tell us what you're after
Lots of people come to us with just a rough idea, and that's fine. Just tell us:
What you're interested in (e.g., "trying outdoor climbing for the first time")
Your current experience level (e.g., "complete beginner" or "trad leader")
Who's coming with you (e.g., "just me" or "me and a mate")
We'll take it from there, matching you with the right instructor and building an itinerary around you.
