2-Day Learn to Trad Course

£295.00

Master the sharp end and learn to place your own gear safely. A comprehensive, low-ratio weekend designed to build confident, independent trad climbers.

Traditional (trad) climbing is incredibly rewarding, but it demands solid safety systems, technical knowledge, and a cool head. This course is designed to safely transition you from a competent indoor climber or outdoor second into a confident, independent trad leader.

Running across a full weekend (Saturday and Sunday), this immersive format allows you to build momentum, locking in technical ground-school systems on day one before immediately putting them to the test on day two. With a strict 1:2 ratio, you are guaranteed intense, close-quarters coaching from James, a fully qualified Rock Climbing Development Instructor (RCDI).

Date:

Master the sharp end and learn to place your own gear safely. A comprehensive, low-ratio weekend designed to build confident, independent trad climbers.

Traditional (trad) climbing is incredibly rewarding, but it demands solid safety systems, technical knowledge, and a cool head. This course is designed to safely transition you from a competent indoor climber or outdoor second into a confident, independent trad leader.

Running across a full weekend (Saturday and Sunday), this immersive format allows you to build momentum, locking in technical ground-school systems on day one before immediately putting them to the test on day two. With a strict 1:2 ratio, you are guaranteed intense, close-quarters coaching from James, a fully qualified Rock Climbing Development Instructor (RCDI).

At a Glance: The Essentials

  • Price: £295 per person

  • Format: Full Weekend (Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

  • Ratio: Strictly capped at 1:2 for premium, highly focused coaching.

  • Locations: Hound Tor (Day 1) and The Dewerstone (Day 2).

  • Prerequisites: You should have basic climbing experience (e.g., confident indoor top-roping/leading, or experience seconding outdoors).

What Will My Weekend Look Like?

Day 1 (Saturday): Systems & Confidence (Hound Tor)

We meet at the Hound Tor car park at 10:00 AM (with a quick stop at the coffee van!). Saturday is all about removing the mystery of trad gear. We focus heavily on the ground school: placing nuts, hexes, and cams, assessing rock quality, and building bombproof anchors. You will get massive amounts of mileage placing gear on top-rope or via "mock leads," allowing you to test your placements and build absolute trust in your systems without the psychological pressure of a real fall.

Day 2 (Sunday): The Sharp End (The Dewerstone)

With the technical systems locked in from yesterday, we meet at the majestic Dewerstone. This venue offers a much bigger feel. Sunday is about putting Saturday's systems to the ultimate test. We will focus on route reading, managing rope drag, stance management, and coaching the psychological shift of actually leading on the sharp end.

What You'll Learn

  • Gear Selection & Placement: How to confidently place and assess nuts, cams, and hexes.

  • Anchor Building: Constructing equalized, bombproof belay anchors using the rock's natural features.

  • Rope Management: How to manage single or half ropes to reduce drag and protect wandering routes.

  • Lead Psychology: Strategies for staying calm, conserving energy, and making safe decisions on the sharp end.

  • Crag Etiquette & Safety: Route reading, guidebook interpretation, and emergency procedures.

What’s Included?

  • Two full days of expert, bespoke instruction from a qualified RCDI.

  • All technical climbing hardware (ropes, comprehensive trad racks, slings, and carabiners).

  • Note: While we can provide helmets and harnesses, we highly recommend bringing your own at this level so you can learn the systems on the gear you will be using in the future.

What Do I Need to Bring?

  • Your personal climbing harness, helmet, and rock shoes.

  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket.

  • Water, snacks, and a packed lunch for both days.

Want to chat about your current experience level before booking? Tap the WhatsApp icon in the corner to speak directly with James!