Learn to lead course
This course is designed as a preparation for
climbers who wish to lead their own climbs
safely and competently. The technical aspects of
the safety system are covered in practical
sessions; climbing movement and the
psychological aspects of lead climbing are also
explored. At the end of the course climbers
should be confident enough and equipped with the
practical skills to independently lead their own
climbs at a suitable grade.
One and two day courses:
Most one day courses and the first day of
two day courses start at Symonds Yat Rock in the
Wye Valley ( 75 mins. Birmingham, 140
mins.London ) - where there is a large car park,
toilet block, cafe and tourist information site.
There are nearby good quality campsites /
restaurants / hotels / bunkhouses etc.
This venue has a number of "named" routes to
suit the aspirant leader, with easy access to
the top and bottom of the cliffs to allow the
controlled progression from "second" to "lead"
climber- all within 2 to 10 mins. walking of the
car park. It is a friendly venue set in
picturesque surroundings, sheltered by mixed
woodland and warmed by the afternoon sun.
A typical course starts at 09.15 hrs,
meeting at the Cafe where after an introduction,
issue of equipment and safety briefing, the
cliffs can be accessed quickly - climbing
movement, the safety system, belaying, knots,
placing protection, creating bealys, etc. can be
studied whilst participants take it in turns to
climb. After lunch the cliffs can be
further explored, using the different climbs to
extend and develop the skills. For two day
courses there maybe a return to Symonds Yat or a
visit to a similar venue nearby or the "Sport
Climbing" venue at Tintern Quarry to
further develop the techniques acquired on the
first day, with the addition of abseiling,
simple problem solving etc.
Three / four and five day courses:
The
longer courses are held in North Wales, where
there are an abundance of good quality, classic
climbs to practice the skills mentioned above,
with the added facility of multi-pitch routes.
These courses are usually run at a ratio of 1:2
and are tailored to meet the needs of the
participants with respect to the difficulty of
climbs and aspirations of the participants.
Book a course
Rock climbing course
information
For one day courses and the first day of all
other rock climbing courses , Symonds Yat Rock
is the venue ( at the car park above the cliffs
overlooking Symond’s Yat East !! – not West .
For a map click
here .
Cafe post code: GL16 7NZ
Campsites and other accommodation can be found on
links,
under accommodation.
The Forestry Commission Car Park at Symonds Yat
Rock is a large woodland car park and picnic
area just South of the main view point, at the
top of the cliffs, with a toilet block and cafe,
this is a good meeting place with easy access to
the rock faces ( 2 minutes walking ).
Most courses start at 09.15 hrs at the car park,
packed lunches are available from the cafe if
you need anything.
During this initial meeting we briefly discuss
what you are hoping to get from the day, your
past experience and your aspirations for after
the course - this will allow us to choose the
best itinerary to suit you - there are 400
climbing routes within 15 minutes walk to suit
the beginner and advanced climber !
After issuing any technical equipment and a
brief safety talk we will walk to the cliffs ( 2
- 15 mins ) Courses usually finish around 16.30
hrs
What you need !
You will need to wear suitable clothing for the
day:
Lightweight
Comfortable
Warm / cool depending on conditions
Cotton clothing doesn't work too well if you get
wet / sweaty !
Lightweight walking boots are ideal for the
'walk - in' and for some of the climbing.
Waterproof jacket in unsettled weather (
although there is a lot of cover at Symonds Yat
)
Long sleeved tops and long trousers are
recommended even in warm weather.
Car park fee - currently £ 3.50 for the day if
you arrive by car.
Small rucsac / day sac
Packed lunch ( this gives us flexibility during
the day ) Any personal items - medication /
sunglasses / camera etc.
Although I have £ 5m Public Liability insurance
you may wish to insure yourself for personal
accident, cancellation and travel insurance etc.
as you think necessary ! Packages which include
insurance for rock climbing and other mountain
activities are available from:
www.thebmc.co.uk
or
www.adrenalinetravelinsurance.co.uk
What is supplied !
All technical climbing and safety equipment.
There are a selection of rock climbing boots
available. If you need anything else let me know
e.g. day sac etc.
( You are welcome to bring any of your own
personal climbing equipment – this aids
familiarity and creates discussion points about
the pro’s and con’s of different equipment ).
Reccommended
reading:
Tradclimbing+ by
Adrian Berry and John Arran - Rockfax.com - ISBN
978-1-873341-91-9
Rock Climbing by Alun
Richardson - Acblack.com - ISBN
978-0-7136-8690-6
You will gain the most from the day by being
comfortable, relaxed and receptive to the
training and climbing , an open mind and
questioning approach to your day will help
achieve this.