Trad Climbing - learn to lead climbing course

LEARN TO LEAD - TRAD CLIMBING

This two day course will prepare you for climbing outdoors on trad routes, they are great for people wanting to become an independent traditional climber learning all the skills required to safely climb on traditionally (trad) protected routes in the UK and further afield.

This two day course will go through everything required to set you off on your journey as an independent trad climber. It is also suitable to improve your trad climbing confidence or refresh your trad lead climbing skills.

Run by a highly experienced, qualified, insured and first aid trained Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor.

Climbing harnesses, helmets and all safety equipment provided.

Small group ratios enable you to benefit from the wealth of experience and expertise of our instructors with large amounts of contact time.

Plenty of time climbing on the rock with progression throughout the two day's giving you heaps of hands on experience vital to consolidating the skills and techniques that are taught.

Courses run in North Wales' iconic Snowdonia National Park, with a variety of crags to choose from to suit you and your climbing ability.

Bespoke dates available throughout the year, perfect for indoor climbers looking to make that step onto rock outdoors or are looking to progress onto leading sports routes outdoors.

Course Cost £250.

If you are a member of the Austrian Alpine Club you may be able to claim a grant of £125 towards this course or £185 if you are a youth member. See grant information below.

Course Dates

8-9th May 2025

19-20 July 2025

Please email using the link below to book.

If you would like to organise bespoke dates please drop us an email using the button below.

By purchasing a space on this course you are agreeing to the Booking Conditions . Please read them as your participation on the course will be subject to them.

Email Adventure Awaits

What will the course cover?
- Planning - How to use a guidebook, choosing suitable venues and routes, restricitions that can affect climbing.
- Equipment - Ropes, harnesses, nuts, cams, quickdraws, belay plates and other technical equipment for trad climbing including how to carry it.
- Climbing Skills - Choosing the easiest line and maximising good position for placing gear.
- Technical Skills - How to place gear protecting yourself and the second, building anchors, effective ropework, attaching to multiple anchors, belaying, holding leader and second falls.
- Emergency Procedures - Identifying hazards, decision making and managing risk, understanding common injuries, what to do in the event of an incident, managing common problems, how to get help and the role of the Mountain Rescue.
What do I need to bring?
- Climbing shoes (we supply all the other safety equipment)
- Any of your own equipment that you regularly use such as harness, helmet, belay plate, rock gear (cams and slings) quickdraws, slings, rope etc.
- Food, snacks and water for the day
- Clothes appropriate for the forecast weather (We will advise you on this when the course is booked)
What experience do I need?
- Have belayed on at least 20 occasions
- At least 20 sport lead climbs (indoors or outdoors).
OR
- Have seconded at least 20 outdoor climbs at v-diff or above
How do I apply for a Austrian Alpine Club grant
Here’s how AAC(UK) members can apply for a UK training grant
- Find the form - Grant forms and details about eligibility, can be found on the AAC(UK) website: https://www.alpenverein.at/britannia/activities/Training.php
- Members can enquire about eligibility for a grant by completing a grant form and sending it to the AAC(UK) Office, (or email the office initially)
- The Office will confirm eligibility and confirm level of grant
- After the course, the provider will send the Office a list of member participants who completed the course.
- The office will contact member participants to ask for bank details
- The grant is then paid on course completion.
Grant form can be downloaded here

By purchasing a space on this experience you are agreeing to the Booking Conditions . Please read them as your participation on the course will be subject to them.

Dean Russell is an active trail runner , climber and mountaineer with over 20 years experience. He is a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and has the British Athletics Fell Leadership in Running Fitness (FLiRF) award. Dean has climbed all over the world, enjoying long adventurous routes in the mountains such as North face of Piz Badile (TD)but is equally comfortable on sea cliffs, boulders, sports crags and quarries with ascents such as Bloody Sunday, Pembroke (E4, 6A) Honk Down and El Chorro (7c). You can read his blog here.