Whilst the difficulty of terrain covered does not necessarily have to be high, a good background in physical climbing ability will allow an efficient progression into lead climbing. You should be able to boulder V2 or have climbed 6a indoors or have previous outdoor climbing experience seconding or top roping to HVS.
ROCK SKILLS
Here’s your chance to learn to lead some of the all time classic rock routes for yourself, right in the heart of the Lake District!
Ready to explore the wild side of the Lake District? Join us for our Rock Skills course, a 3-day traditional climbing course in one of the UK’s most iconic outdoor playgrounds. Whether you’re completely new to climbing outdoors on rock, or looking to build on previous experience, this course is designed to give you the skills and confidence to climb independently on trad routes.
Trad climbing can seem like a big leap, but we break it down into manageable, practical steps. Over three days, you’ll learn the essential techniques, have plenty of time to practice, and gain a solid foundation to build on.
Maybe you’re after a full crash course, or perhaps you’re looking to brush up and refine your skills — either way, our experienced instructors will tailor the course to suit your goals.
Led by local experts who know the Lake District inside and out, we’ll take you to the best crags, the hidden gems, and the most inspiring routes. Come away with new skills, lasting memories, and a fresh sense of adventure.
What is it?
Learning to lead trad routes
How long will it last?
3 days
Group size?
2*
How much?
£500pp
*Will only run with min 2 participants.
If you just have specific aspects of climbing that you would like to learn / practice, consider booking an Exclusive Outdoor Day.
Make sure to contact us first to make sure we have a suitably qualified instructor for you.
Traditional climbing techniques like placing gear and rope management
Belaying, lead climbing, abseiling and equipment
Movement skills and the differences of climbing on rock
Hazard awareness and crag safety
More info:
- Children need to be accompanied by a participating parent at a ratio of 1:1.
- Min age 14 years.
- All equipment included.
Previous experience required:
- If you have been bouldering regularly up to V2 or top rope/auto belay at 6a, or have previous experience outdoors seconding traditional climbs, then you have the skills to join this course.
Itinerary
Day 1
Tick some local classics, build skills and set goals.
Movement skills coaching on real rock, focusing on the major differences between indoor and outdoor climbing styles, risks, hazards, and strategies for minimising them. We have a wide range of locations available offering different rock types, grades and heights. Once we have established good movement protocols we will look at belaying, the use of climbing protection equipment, and learning to place and judge nuts, hexes, cams and slings.
Day 2
Time to hit the crag and enjoy some Lake District rock.
We will move into a pitched environment and use our knowledge of climbing equipment to establish reliable anchors. We will simulate lead climbing using a top rope whilst skills are being acquired and tested and cover stance management, rope management and basic rescue systems. We will also look at reading a route, looking for protection, rests and identifying hazards.
Day 3
Consolidate our new skills!
Time to choose routes of the right level of difficulty and length for you to put your new skills to good use. The instructor will be close by to provide support and advice at all points of the climb.
Book Now
Can’t see a date that suits for you? Drop us an email with your available dates and what you’d like to book and we’ll see what we can do!
Some of our outdoor bookings are available after the online booking has closed. Please contact KendalWall for last minute bookings.
Find Us
KendalWall is situated in the northern region of Kendal. Kendal has great transport links, being on the main west coast train line and in close proximity to the M6 motorway. So whether you’re travelling by car or public transport, getting here should be easy.
For major train links look for Oxenholme Train Station. From here you can either catch a short taxi ride or transfer to Kendal Train Station, which is a 20 minute walk from the centre.