Outdoor Climbing

Taster Sessions

Climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK at the moment. Whether you want to take your first steps towards becoming a competent climber, dip your toe into the world of "real rock" or simply want to "try something new", our taster session will be perfect. Simply enjoy some time going up and down the rock face in a friendly and relaxed environment. Whether with friends, family or on your own, our instructors will take care of you, so you don't have to worry about "knowing the ropes".

Upcoming open sessions:

None at this time

Any pre-requisites?

None whatsoever. A sense of adventure helps and if you have been climbing before we can challenge you a bit, but if this is your first time you will be equally fine.

What can you expect?

Enjoy the thrill of climbing on natural rock. Reconnect with nature in a very special way and enjoy it from a completely different angle than you are used to.

After the usual introductions, safety brief and warm up your instructor will kit you up and team you up into suitable groups. Our favourite system for running these sessions is known in the industry as "bell ringing". This system allows all participants to be active at the same time, fosters team spirit and helps us to control "the masses" while ensuring everybody's safety. Depending on the group dynamic, size and composition your instructor may decide to use other methods.

As outdoor climbing is at the mercy of the weather, the exact programme on the day will depend on many factors. While we fully understand that spirits may be drowned by particularly wet weather, rain has rarely stopped climbing completely in this country. We will liaise with you ahead of time if we fear this may become the case given the forecast.

Our outdoor taster session is perfect if you are a bit nervous about climbing, don't know whether you will like it or simply want a nice afternoon out doing something a bit different. If you've climbed a lot indoors before and want to dip your toes into outdoor climbing we would recommend our guided sessions instead.

What do you need to bring?

As we will be exposed to the weather it is essential that you are prepared for this. We issue minimum kit lists when you book, and be prepared for a minimum of warm layers, a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes. We supply all essential safety equipment, but do not have climbing shoes available for use outdoors.

Return to the overview

What's on

Say Hi!

Jargon Buster

What do our difficulty values mean?
	Suitable for beginners with little or no previous knowledge and experience. For walking activities you should be able to walk at a slow to average pace continuously for 30 minutes.
	Suitable for intermediates with basic knowledge and previous experience. Walking participants should be able to walk at an average pace continuously for 1 hour. Climbing participants should be able to pass a belay test and/or demonstrate good bouldering practice.
	Suitable for those competent at and comfortable with the basics of the activity. Walking participants should be able to walk at an average pace and ascent rate continuously for 1 hour. For mountain activities, you should be a little sure-footed and not hugely afraid of heights, as activities may include short sections of exposure and steep ground. Climbing participants should be able to comfortably and competently top-rope grade 5 climbs or boulder the equivalent.
	Suitable for experienced participants with above average fitness and knowledge. Walking participants are expected to be able to walk at an average pace and rate of ascent continuously for 1 hour over broken terrain. For mountain activities you are expected to be sure-footed, have a moderate head for heights and be happy with longer stretches of moderate exposure. Climbing participants are expected to competently lead climb/belay and climb grade 5 indoors (or the equivalent boulder grade).
	Suitable for very experienced participants with high degrees of fitness and above average knowledge of the basics. Walking participants are expected to be able to walk to Naismith's rule (3-4km/hr + 1min/10m ascent) steadily for long periods of time over broken and complex terrain. For mountain activities you are expected to have a good sense of balance, be sure-footed and happy with long stretches of, at times severe, exposure. Participants are expected to show high levels of competence and self-sufficiency in their disciplines.

Our current private course price list:
For the prices listed here, we deliver a private booking just for you, on your chosen date and time. Where practical we will deliver the booking in your chosen location, though any areas outside of our usual operational areas may incur extra travel costs. We will let you know should this be the case. You will receive a full breakdown of costs with your quote.
Scrambling	£180 for the first 2 participants, £45 for each additional participant	A significant portion of the day is spent scrambling in complex, rocky and steep terrain.
Mountain Walk	£180 for the first 4 participants, £45 for each additional participant	Most of the day is spent walking in the mountains, though short sections of scrambling and steep terrain may be encountered.
Hill Walking	£170 for the first 4 participants, £25 for each additional participant	Days involving no possibility of scrambling and encountering rocky or steep terrain.
Lowland Walking	£160 for the first 6 participants, £20 for each additional participant
Beginner Navigation	£390 for the first 4 participants, £75 for each additional participant	2 days learning the fundamentals of navigating with map and compass.
Intermediate Navigation	£410 for the first 4 participants, £100 for each additional participant	2 days intermediate navigation, learning to navigate off path and across open countryside.
Advanced Navigation	£360 for the first 2 participants, £120 for each additional participant	2 day advanced navigation course learning to navigate in mountaineous terrain and remote countryside.