Rock Climbing & Scrambling

Introduction to Easy Rock Climbing & Abseiling
2-day w/e or 3 or 5 days midweek

The aim of this course is to give a safe and structured introduction to rock climbing to absolute beginners and relative novices in a controlled environment. It is hoped that students would have sufficient knowledge and confidence to carry the sport further at their own level, probably within the club situation.

Previous Experience. It is preferred that students have some experience of hill walking and a good level of fitness. No prior knowledge or experience of roped climbing is needed.
Course Itinerary. The course is a very practical one, backed up by practical theory sessions and lectures. The following will be taught initially on small crags in Glen Nevis (Polldubh), Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. There will be a progression to an introduction to multi pitch climbs.

The basics of the following will be taught and practised: -

• Safe & efficient movement on rock. 
• Bouldering, single pitch top roping & cragging. Introduction to multi-pitch climbing 
• Climbing techniques 
• Knots & correct usage 
• Ropework & management 
• Belaying & Seconding 
• Use of runners & protection 
• Safety techniques, 
• Abseiling

Rock Improvers & Advanced Rock
2-day w/e or 3 or 5 days midweek

The aim of the course is to give a safe grounding in rock climbing to beginners who may already have done a little climbing but who wish to consolidate and extend their expertise in a controlled environment. This is a logical progression from indoor wall climbing.

Previous Experience. Students should ideally have some previous experience of hill walking/scrambling and perhaps easy roped work or use of a climbing wall. It is hoped that after the course students will have acquired sufficient confidence, technical and safety knowledge to be able to carry on the sport at their own level, leading easy climbs.

Course Itinerary. The course is essentially a practical one and backed up by lectures, practical and theory sessions.
The course will concentrate on: -

• Consolidating the basics of rock climbing techniques & efficient movement on rock. Communication 
• Belaying methods & selection of belays. Setting up & organising stances 
• Anchor set up 
• Efficient rope handling & management 
• Effective use of runners & protection 
• Escaping from the system / self rescue will be taught in the single pitch/small crag situation. 
• Prussiking and basic self belay 
• Multi pitch climbing 
• Placing of runners & use of protection.
• An introduction to leading - up to and including severe standard on both single and double rope.

Introduction to Leading
2 day w/e  or 3 days mid week  Max Ratio 1: 1 / 2

The aim of the course. This is a short high input course which aims to have participants leading to at least V. Diff / Severe competently with a fully aware attitude.

Previous experience. There is a need for previous outdoor rock climbing experience up to at least seconding at Severe level in a variety of rock climbing locations and situations.

Course Itinerary. While these courses will be tailored to participants’ ability, previous experience and aspirations and include: -

• Placement of belays in a variety of situations 
• Setting up of belays 
• Escaping from routes 
• Down climbing 
• Leading unseen routes 
• Use of guide books.
• Placement of runners

Under 18's Learn to Rock Climb
2 day w/e or 3 or 5 day mid week    Max Ratio 1 : 3 / 4

The aim of these 2 day week end and 3 - 5 day courses is to give a safe and structured introduction to rock climbing to younger beginners and relative novices in a controlled environment with perhaps an introduction to multi-pitch climbing. It is hoped that students would have sufficient knowledge and confidence to carry the sport further at their own level, probably within the club situation. We are happy and comfortable to work with 14 - 18 year olds on these specific courses.

Previous Experience. It is preferred that students have some experience of hill walking and a reasonable level of personal fitness. No prior knowledge or experience of roped climbing is needed. This is an ideal course for converting from indoor wall climbing to the real thing - on the mountains & crags!
Note:- Parents and the young folk booking on the course should be aware that we are not the usual residential outdoor centre. We are generally geared up for active adults or families who may be doing courses with us or just doing their own thing outdoors. As such we do not provide direct out of activity hours supervision or entertainment. We are a self catering only centre. We are more than happy for accompanying adults to go and do their own thing, chill out or maybe join one of our other activities.

Course Itinerary. The course is a very practical one, backed up by practical theory sessions and lectures. The following will be taught initially on small crags in Glen Nevis (Polldubh), Ben Nevis and Glen Coe where there will be a progression to an introduction to multi pitch climbs.
The basics of the following will be taught and practised:-

• Safe & efficient movement on rock.
• Bouldering, single pitch top roping & cragging. Introduction to multi-pitch climbing.
• Climbing techniques
• Knots & correct usage
• Ropework & management
• Belaying & Seconding - holding falls & lowering
• Use of runners & protection
• Safety techniques
• Abseiling.

Classic Mountain Rock, Ridge & Scramble
3 or 5 days  mid week   Max Ratio 1:2/4

The aim of the course will be to introduce students to major mountaineering type rock climbs and scrambles in the local mountain environment. These short high input courses are a good follow on from either the Improvers Rock Climbing.
This gives a next step and experience to some of the best "classic routes" from V.Diff to V.S grades which have good lines, excellent positions with fairly sound rock. These will be found on the major cliff faces and ridges of " the Ben", Glen Nevis, Ben Nevis and Glen Coe.

Previous Experience. Students should ensure that they are "hill-fit" before the start of the course and should have had previous personal experience of hill walking, scrambling and outdoor rock climbing to Severe as a second.

Course Itinerary.
These courses will be tailored to meet participants' level of previous experience, ability and aspirations.
Navigation,
Mountain safety,
Protection on steep ground,
Consolidation of rope management, knots, belaying, runners & protection
Improvised rescues
Micro navigation will be covered as part of the course.
At least the 4th and 5th day will include a major Mountain Ridge day plus high Level Mountain traverse by a classic mountain route in the area