Our multi-pitch leader course caters for those who have climbed before (including indoors) and want to try multipitch climbing for the first time or move on to multi-pitch leading. The course is based in North Wales, which has a vast array of crags and multi-pitch routes of all grades to climb on throughout the week.
The aim of the week is to give you a thorough grounding in all the skills required to make successful ascents of multi pitch climbs, including the rope work and technical skills necessary to both lead and second safely on bigger crags. Each day we climb classic routes around the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. As well as teaching you how to go up, we also make sure you know how to get back down again safely - by covering topics such as emergency procedures, self rescue and abseil descents.
Course VenueWe meet in the town of Llanberis, in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. Llanberis is the hub of the North Wales climbing scene and ideally situated to explore the huge variety of crags within the region.
Sample itinerary We tailor each course to the experience and aspirations of the group, taking into account weather and climbing conditions. However, a typical week looks something like this:
Day 1
Mon
Rendezvous for introductions and briefing, before heading out to the crag. Topics covered include:
Crag etiquette and using guidebooks.
Belaying review and crag communication.
Seconding climbs and removing gear.
Lots of varied climbing, getting used to the local rock.
Introduction to placing protection.
Day 2
Tue
Placing natural rock protection.
Constructing belay anchors.
Gear racking.
Simulated leading.
Day 3
Wed
Leading climbs on pre placed gear.
Placing natural protection whilst leading.
Mental and physical leading strategies.
Day 4
Thur
Rope management and belays on multipitch climbs.
Consolidation of lead climbing skills.
Abseil retreats.
Day 5
Fri
A tailored day that can include some or all of the following topics:
Climbing and retreating using double ropes.
Techniques for ascending ropes.
Crag rescue skills inc. escaping the system and simple hoists/lowers.
More advanced protection placement.
Fri PM course debrief and advice for the future.
Fitness Rock climbing requires good flexibility and balance, as much as outright strength. General outdoor fitness (see fitness level 1-2) is required for the course. Regular visits to your local wall or crag prior to the course are recommended for training and preparation.
Experience In order to join the course you need to be regularly climbing indoors at climbing wall grade 4+ or above, or happily seconding grade Severe outdoors. The other important requirement is that you must be able to belay safely prior to joining the course.
EquipmentAll communal safety equipment (ropes, lead climbing gear etc) is provided by us. You are expected to come equiped with personal clothing and equipment. For the more specialist items including harness and helmet, hire is available if needed.
