Learn to Lead Climb Week

A 5-day learn to lead climbing course in the Highlands of Scotland is a comprehensive and immersive program designed to teach participants the skills and techniques required to lead climb safely and confidently. Here is an itinerary for a typical 5-day course:

Day 1 Kingussie Crags: The first day of the course will begin with by meeting your instructor at 10:00 in the car park, they will go over the itinerary and plans for the week and tailor the 5 days to your aims, aspirations and abilities. Participants will then be introduced to the basic equipment used in lead climbing, including ropes, harnesses, and protection. The day will be spent practicing basic climbing techniques on single-pitch climbs, with a focus on good gear selection, placement and anchor building. This could involve seconding routes, talking about gear placements, building anchors, rope work and if appropriate have you leading on day 1.

Day 2 Pinnacle Crags: On the second day, participants will begin to develop the skills from day 1 to become more independent climbers searching for the gear placements as they go with their instructor alongside them helping them out – when they get to the top you will learn new ways to build anchors depending on the situation presented at the top of the crag. 

Day 3 Cummingston Crags: The third day will involve more advanced lead climbing techniques, including personal abseil setups which you might need to use approaching climbs, retreating from climbs or just retrieving stuck gear. Participants will be continually taught how to lead climb safely focusing on progressive development, using proper protection techniques and communication with their belayer as appropriate.

Day 4 Creag Na H-Eighe Crags: On the fourth day, participants will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test on slightly more challenging climbs (if they wish it). But there are still plenty of easy routes at the crag so there is no requirement to do so. The focus will be on building confidence and working on trying to become independent today with less direct input from the instructor who will focus more on the use of questioning as a coaching method to see what you have absorbed.

Day 5 Polldubh Crags: The final day of the course will be spent on a multi-pitch lead climb (if you wish), allowing participants to showcase the skills they have learned over the week and learn some more. The day will also include a debrief with the guide, providing an opportunity for reflection and feedback. The new skills today will be based around variations of belaying on multi pitch and stance management.

Throughout the course, participants will have the chance to learn about the history and development of climbing, adding depth to the overall experience. Overall, a 5-day learn to lead climbing course in the Highlands of Scotland is an immersive and challenging program designed to teach participants the skills and techniques required for safe and confident independent lead climbing.

We are proud to recommend local accommodation options within the area for people when you are up for your Learn To Lead Climb Week Long Course:

Aviemore:

Youth Hostel A budget friendly option for people.

Coylumbridge Hotel Aviemroe – good for groups and families alike.

Premier Inn – always a good shout.

Rothiemurchus Campsite – situated in the stunning forest, this is a beautiful budget friendly option.

Glenmore Campsite – situated at Scotland’s highest beach, Loch Morlich has phenomenal views across to Cairngorm Mountain.

Newtonmore & Surrounding Areas:

https://www.wherestagsroar.co.uk/ award winning accommodation in the Highlands – perfect to stay at while up on an outdoor adventure.

Invernahavon Caravan Park – a bit quieter than the others as it is a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Aviemore.

Dalraddy Holiday Park – a family and dog friendly campsite.

We pride ourselves on providing as much kit as possible for you.  However, the list below is what we recommend you should bring to your Learn To Lead Climb Week Long Course:

• Travel insurance. (We are insured for all our trips, but we recommend everyone has their own travel insurance as well.)
• Lunch, water.
• Personal medication
• Sun cream, midge net
• Waterproofs (it is Scotland after all)
• Sturdy footwear.
• climbing shoes, harness, helmet (if you prefer to use your own as opposed to what we supply).

Here at Highland Outdoor Adventures, we pride ourselves on providing as much as we can but you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you do prefer. The list below is what we provide you with on the day.

• All instruction.
• Helmets (if you don’t have your own with you)
• Ropes
• Harness (if you don’t have your own with you)
• Climbing shoes (if you don’t have your own with you)
• All Technical Climbing Gear
• All first aid and safety equipment.
• Transportation for 2 people. Pickup can be arranged from elsewhere if needed.
• Photographs of the day provided for you at no extra cost!