Outdoor climbing
course
This course is aimed at
those with some experience of climbing, perhaps
from indoor or artificial walls. The
courses cover the additional equipment and
techniques required to climb safely and
competently on natural rock.
Most courses start at Symonds Yat Rock in the Wye Valley ( 75 mins.
Birmingham, 150 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 e.t.c
Topics covered include : the
use of guide books, access, natural anchors, top
and bottom rope systems, belaying from above,
abseiling e.t.c Symonds Yat allows easy access to over
400 climbs from
3 to 33 m in height, to
suit all abilities - 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 e.t.c can be practised using a variety of
named routes whilst more technical
applications can be studied in controlled
set-ups. After lunch the
cliffs can
be further explored, using the different
climbs to extend and develop the skills, with
maybe an ascent of the well known Longstone
Pinnacle ( a free standing pillar of rock, 130m
above the river ) to end the day. For two day
courses there maybe a return to Symonds Yat or a visit
to a
similar venue nearby to further develop
the techniques acquired on the first day, with the addition of abseiling, setting up
belays e.t.c.
This course is usually run at a ratio of 1:4 and
is tailored to suit your ability and how much
technical instruction you want, all technical
equipment is supplied.
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.