Introduction
A ‘learn to lead’ course in the Peak District is the ideal way to get into leading traditional (‘trad’) rock climbs safely. The Peak District has plenty of short, single-pitch climbs with easy access to the top and bottom, making it the perfect location for this sort of course.
The routes may be relatively short but they include some of the hardest climbs in the country. Very many of them are classed as “Three Star” routes. This means that the general consensus is that they are among the very best rock climbs in the country – not to be missed. What better way to learn than on some of the best climbs available anywhere in the UK.
Booking and Prices
If you’d like to know more about a ‘learn to lead’ course in the Peak District, then see our main page for more details and prices or see what our clients say about us.
When you are ready, then get in touch to make an enquiry or a booking.
We also run ‘learn to lead’ climbing courses in Yorkshire, the Lake District and Snowdonia.
Learn to Lead Climbing Course in the Peak District
A ‘learn to lead’ climbing course is absorbing and rewarding, but there are risks to this sort of climbing. Therefore it is vital to learn how to minimise those risks and make your climbing as safe as possible. We will give you the knowledge and skills that you need to do this, as well as passing on numerous tips and discuss getting the right equipment.
On our Peak District rock climbing courses, we don’t throw you in at the deep end and let you lead before you are ready. There are many ways to make the learning experience gradual and progressive. For example, climbers can practice all aspects of leading while also being protected on a second rope by the instructor. This is an ideal way to learn the skills and build confidence before leading rock climbs for real.
Before even setting off climbing, there are numerous things to consider if you are new to lead rock climbing. Can I use the same harness as I use indoor? If not, why not? Can I use the same belay device as I use indoor? What gear should I take on my climb? Do I take wires or cams, or both? Where should I keep them? How many quick draws do I need? What lengths should I take? Where should I carry them? What else do I need to take?
Having finished the climb, you will need to build a belay at the top before bringing up your partner. This is not something that you have to know about in sports or indoor climbing. However, it’s vital in ‘trad’ rock climbing. This skill involves assessing potential anchors, placing gear, tying yourself to the anchor appropriately, belaying your partner from above and managing the rope effectively. The short rock climbs of the Peak District are ideal for learning about and practising all these lead rock climbing skills. These are all vital pre-cursors to successful multi-pitch climbing too.
