Learn to Lead Trad Climbs

Delivered by RAW’s qualified trainers and designed by awarding body Mountain Training, Rock Skills: Learn to Lead Trad Climbs is perfect for climbers who are ready to learn to lead trad routes, want to refresh their skills or are planning to pursue the Rock Climbing Instructor qualification. Over two days in stunning Eryri (Snowdonia), RAW’s qualified trainers will teach you the skills to lead trad climbs on rock, underpinned by safe practice and good decision making.

In small groups of just 3 people, you’ll learn:

The ropes and technical equipment necessary for lead climbing, the contents of a lead rack and how to carry it, and how to select and use gear
The fluid, confident movement skills that make lead climbing a more enjoyable experience
Trad climbing skills, including how to place protection, build belays and move in an assured manner on rock
Placing nuts and cams, equalising anchors, understanding forces, managing rope systems, protecting the second and lead belaying
How to identify hazards, decision-making and managing risk
Common climbing injuries, what to do in the event of an incident, managing common problems, how to get help and the role of Mountain Rescue
Crag etiquette, ethics, access and environmental considerations, and the organisations that support us as climbers

Learn to Lead Trad Climbs with RAW Adventures

RAW Adventures is proud to be an accredited Mountain Training provider and passionate about supporting climbers to be safe and confident leads. It takes time and patience to become an independent trad climber and, when it comes to lead climbing, partnership and clear communication are crucial to safety. This is why we keep our training groups small (1 trainer to every 3 participants), to enable a safe, sociable experience that’s tailored precisely to the needs of each group and has teamwork at its heart. You’ll also have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the beautiful places you’ll be learning in, and benefit from the in-depth local knowledge of our trainers.

By the end of the course you can expect to be in a strong position to lead trad routes on rock, using appropriate techniques and safe practice.

This is my second course with RAW and on both occasions they've made it a very enjoyable and knowledgeable experience, they will be at the top of my list when I look at booking the next stages in my training, can't recommend them enough.

Mike

Who's it for?

Learn to Lead Trad Climbs is designed for climbers who are ready to learn to lead trad routes, experienced climbers who want to refresh their skills or people planning to pursue the Rock Climbing Instructor qualification. You will need experience of belaying on at least 20 occasions and have seconded at least 20 rock climbs at VDiff or above, OR have led at least 20 sport climbs (indoors or outdoors). If you’re not sure whether Learn to Lead Trad Climbs is right for you, get in touch with the RAW team and we’d be happy to guide you. The minimum age for this course is 14 years old.

Book Now

Rock Skills: Learn to Lead Trad Climbs is £240 per person for the two day course, with an instructor ratio of 1:6. Accommodation is not included, but we’ll provide local overnight stay options when you book.

New dates for Learn to Lead Trad Climbs coming soon! To be the first to know, sign up for updates.

We had an awesome day climbing with Jonathan and Leon - two very knackered but happy teenagers (and adults!) after today - thanks both.

Rebecca

FAQs

Is this an accredited course?

Rock Skills: Learn to Lead Trad Climbs is not an accredited course, although you will receive a certificate of attendance on completion from Mountain Training. If, after your course, you’re inspired to take your learning further, we offer a wide range of accredited Mountain Training courses to continue your outdoor journey.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

When you book, you’ll receive a full kit list with details of clothing and equipment needed for the Learn to Lead Trad Climbs course. RAW will provide all of the technical climbing equipment, though if you do have some of your own, feel free to bring it along!

Where is the course held?

Learn to Lead Trad Climbs is held in the stunning setting of Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales. If you’d like to learn in another UK location, we may be able to arrange a bespoke group training day - get in touch to discuss your requirements.

What's included?

Your Rock Skills Learn to Lead Trad Climbs course includes a copy of the BMC's New Rock Climbers booklet, a certificate of attendance and lifetime use of Mountain Training's digital logbook (DLOG).

Who are Mountain Training?

Mountain Training is the network of awarding organisations for skills courses and qualifications in walking, climbing and mountaineering that operates across the UK and Republic of Ireland. They set the standards for leadership, instructing and coaching qualifications, and skills training courses. As an approved Mountain Training provider, all RAW Adventures leaders are subject to a rigorous training and assessment process and undertake continued personal development to ensure their skills and experience are up to date.

Still have questions? Get in touch with our friendly team.