Mountain Workshops/Instruction
Do you want to be able to take care of yourself and others on steep ground? Need to know how to use a rope to safeguard against falls in exposed terrain? Planning some alpine climbing and want to know how to effectively use a rope to enable safe and fast travel across moderate technical terrain? Feel like you are having a hard time conquering your fears and need a gentle confidence boost?
Moving efficiently and safely around in complex and serious mountainous terrain (termed scrambling) is one of the most fantastically rewarding things to do in the hills. Having spent many years honing mountaineering skills and techniques, we have developed a number of workshops below which enable our clients to progress with their scrambling/mountaineering. Take a look at the drop down sections below.
Our workshops run over either 1, 2, 3 days. Each day will build on skills learnt on the last. Whilst having an intense block of development can be really rewarding for some it can also be impractical, overwhelming or unaffordable for others. Therefore, we offer to run workshop days either consecutively or spread out.
Walking to Scrambling workshop - 2 Days
Move off the beaten track and onto some of the most stunningly aesthetic and engaging ways up the mountains!
The 2 day workshop is a fantastic introduction to the world of roped scrambling and mountaineering. With an opportunity to explore both the various skills involved and avenues of possibility they open, this course could be the starting point for a lifetime of mountaineering adventures!
This workshop does not require any previous experience in either scrambling or climbing. Full details and itinerary can be provided on request.
Confidence Boost! - 2 or 3 Days
The head game. A large part of scrambling is our mental approach to it. The very idea of moving along exposed ridges can be very scary and off-putting for many. When actually in the situation some may feel highly anxious - a trait which generally does not improve our performance.
Crucially, if we are feeling confident, we will move confidently and this will increase our efficiency, safety and enjoyment. For those who feel like they lack the confidence to scramble about in exposed places, our confidence boost workshop is for you! Developed around the core principle of taking the time in an encouraging, safe environment to pick apart the difficulties you face and build a master plan to overcome them. With many strategies available to help you conquer your fears such as equipment recognition and confidence as well as enjoyment assimilation we can help you push through the mental barriers and get on the path to scrambling confidence!
This workshop runs over either 2 or 3 days depending on your preferred pace of development.
Scramble ropework skills - 2 Days
Designed for those who already have some experience scrambling but generally unroped or on easier scrambles. This 2 day workshop introduces the concepts, skills, benefits and limitations in the use of a rope in the scrambling environment.
Perfect for learning how to protect a less competent friend or to give yourself the confidence to move onto those harder graded scrambles and easy rock climbs.
As well as basic rope-work the 2 day workshop covers the use of rock protection, anchor building, belaying, lowering and abseiling.
Scramble recap/refresher - 1 Day
Designed as a recap for those with prior scrambling/mountaineering experience as a recap on all things scrambling. From knots and coils to route choice and anchor selection this fully packed day is designed to jog your memory and provide up to date guidance on best practice techniques.
"Alpine" workshops - 2 or 3 Days
Lots of "Alpine" climbing - often consists not only of pitched climbing, but also large sections of less technical ground which needs to be covered, safely and efficiently. Often the terms "move-together" or "simul-climb" are described as a way of covering ths ground but what does that actually mean? How safe are these techniques? What can we do to increase speed but reduce risk?
This workshop is aimed at climbers/mountaineers who have some prior experience in climbing/scrambling within the UK and wish to increase their skills and knowledge to equip them for "Alpine" climbing.
The 2 day course looks in depth at the movement principles, protection options, rope-work and decision making strategies needed to 'move together' in "alpine" terrain. An optional 3rd day focuses on discussing and practising the concept of simul-climbing and the risk/benefits of this.
Don't see what you're looking for? - We can offer bespoke instruction specifically tailored for you. - Just get in touch!
All of the above workshops can be provided on a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio. If you are booking alone but keen to share the experience (and cost) with another client please let us know and we will try and accommodate this.