Learn to Trad climb in the Lake District

Build the skills and the confidence to lead your own trad routes.

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Year round course

4 Days

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This course combines trad climbing instruction with lots of time on real rock, helping you build the technical skills to lead single and multi-pitch routes while developing as a climber.

INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE

No prior trad climbing experience is needed, though you should already be comfortable leading sport routes indoors or outdoors. Just bring enthusiasm to learn and a good level of fitness.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

  • Our trad climbing course in the Lake District will give you the knowledge and experience to lead traditional climbs. Through detailed instruction from your guide, you'll learn to lead trad routes safely and independently.

    You'll develop key outdoor climbing skills throughout the course. We'll spend lots of time placing gear (cams, nuts, and hexes), looking at what makes a good gear placement, and building strong anchors on single and multi-pitch routes. You'll also develop your belaying, communication skills and we place real importance on teaching self-rescue skills too, so you can get yourself out of sticky situations.

    We'll start your leading journey in a safe, controlled way with your guide right beside you offering tips and feedback as you go. Each day will build on your progress, helping you develop good habits and sound judgement. We'll cover everything you need to know to lead trad routes, tailoring the course to you so you get the most out of your time with us.

    We run this course in the Borrowdale Valley, just a few minutes drive from Keswick. It's home to plenty of relaxed and easy accessible crags, allowing us to spend less time walking and more time climbing and learning! The course is run at a 1:2 ratio, so you can book on with a friend or maybe meet a new climbing partner. By the end of the course, you'll have a strong foundation in trad climbing and will have developed the ability to plan and lead your own routes.

  • 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 the fundamentals of trad climbing: what to take on a day out, how to rack up in an organised way, and how to place cams, nuts, and hexes. You'll learn to recognise good and bad gear placements, get plenty of practice placing gear and building solid anchors. We will cover seconding routes and removing gear safely and efficiently. We'll also take an in-depth look at abseiling, exploring different techniques and their pros and cons.

    Day Two – Building on the basics, you'll begin mock leading with your instructor belaying you on a top rope, so you can practise with no consequences. You'll practise lead belaying and belaying your partner from above, and we'll talk through tactics for leading routes. If you're ready, you'll lead a friendly beginner route with your instructor beside you, offering feedback and tips to build confidence and keep you safe.

    Day Three – This day is all about mileage. You'll get lots of practice leading routes, with tips throughout the day, as everything you've learned becomes reinforced and second nature. We’ll also cover rescue techniques like escaping the system, hauling your partner and prussiking up a rope.

    Day Four – The focus shifts to multi-pitch climbing. You'll learn abut stance management, how to organise your ropes to avoid tangles, and how to communicate clearly to keep you and your partner safe. We'll finish the day by reviewing your progress, talking through next steps, and making sure you leave as an independent trad climber.

    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 perfect for indoor and outdoor sport climbing leaders ready to take their first steps into outdoor trad climbing. No prior trad experience is needed, just a sense of adventure and basic climbing ability.

    This course builds on those foundations with detailed instruction, helping you become a confident, independent trad leader.

    If you're unsure whether this course is for you, get in touch and we can answer any questions and point you towards the right course. A reasonable level of fitness always helps and a good head for heights definitely helps too.

  • This course is based in the Borrowdale Valley, a 10 minute drive from the popular town of Keswick. With plenty of great crags, lots of accommodation nearby in Keswick, and stunning Lakeland views, it's a fantastic venue for the course. We'll always aim to climb around this area, 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 (4 days):

    1 person – £600
    2 people – £1200

    Please get in touch for a quote for larger groups.

    • Expert coaching and guiding with a qualified and insured instructor

    • All technical equipment: ropes, helmets, harnesses, and trad gear

    • Course photos on request

    • Advice and support before and after the course, we’ll set up a whatsapp group where you can ask us any technical questions

    What’s not included:

    • Climbing shoes and chalk bag - if you don’t own shoes we can provide advice on local outdoor shops where you can rent/buy shoes - just get in touch.

    • Personal clothing - check out our kit lists

    • Personal food and drink

    • Accommodation

    • Transport (There’s a possibility we may have to drive to other parts of the Lake District because of conditions/weather)

  • We can provide all the essential climbing equipment if needed, including harnesses, helmets, ropes, and protection (nuts, cams and hexes). However, if you have your own gear, that’s great and bring it with you, 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, walking boots or approach 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! 

Get in touch
Learning to lead at Tremadog
Lucas on our learn to lead course
Andrew climbing in the Lake District
A client pushing her grade
First leads for one of our clients
Instructing on a course
Amy learning to abseil
Multi pitch learning to lead
A client learning to top rope
Multi pitch climbing with clients
A client placing gear for the first time
A client learning to second a trad rock climb

Any Questions?

Find some typically asked questions below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for contact us here, or check our more comprehensive FAQ page.

  • We can usually run this course in wet or windy conditions, as there are sheltered venues throughout the Lake District. If the forecast looks cold and wet, make sure to bring extra layers and good waterproofs.

    We can also practice useful skills at one of the many indoor centres in the Lake District.

    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 will contact you a few days before the course to introduce your instructor and explain the plan. On the day of the course, we will aim to meet at a local cafe in the morning. This gives your instructor a chance to introduce themselves, discuss the plan for the day, and get to know you a little better so they can tailor the course more to your goals and experience.

    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.

  • We’ll be in a small group with a maximum ratio of 1:2 per instructor, meaning you'll receive lots of personal attention while learning alongside someone of a similar experience and level. You could find your future climbing partner among the group!

Want something different? Just tell us what you're after

Lots of people come to us with just a rough idea, and that's fine. Just tell us:

  1. What you're interested in (e.g., "trying outdoor climbing for the first time")

  2. Your current experience level (e.g., "complete beginner" or "trad leader")

  3. 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.