Learn to Trad Climb in the Lake District

Build the skills and the confidence to lead your own trad routes. Our trad climbing course in the Lake District will give you the knowledge and experience to lead traditional climbs. Through detailed instruction from your guide, you'll learn to lead trad routes safely and independently.

You'll develop key outdoor climbing skills throughout the course. We'll spend lots of time placing gear (cams, nuts, and hexes), looking at what makes a good gear placement, and building strong anchors on single and multi-pitch routes. You'll also develop your belaying, communication skills and we place real importance on teaching self-rescue skills too, so you can get yourself out of sticky situations. We'll start your leading journey in a safe, controlled way with your guide right beside you offering tips and feedback as you go. Each day will build on your progress, helping you develop good habits and sound judgement. We'll cover everything you need to know to lead trad routes, tailoring the course to you so you get the most out of your time with us. We run this course in the Borrowdale Valley, just a few minutes drive from Keswick. It's home to plenty of relaxed and easy accessible crags, allowing us to spend less time walking and more time climbing and learning! The course is run at a 1:2 ratio, so you can book on with a friend or maybe meet a new climbing partner. By the end of the course, you'll have a strong foundation in trad climbing and will have developed the ability to plan and lead your own routes.

• Guides on Oak are verified by Oak, but users should independently confirm a guide’s qualifications.

• Participants are responsible for ensuring their skill level and fitness are suitable for the activity.

• Individuals should only attempt techniques or terrain they feel personally confident with.