Mountaineering Skills Training

I’m thinking about putting together a two-day Improvers course for people who want to get more confident climbing outdoors. It would be aimed at newer climbers, people returning after a long break, or anyone who wants to join a club or climb with more experienced friends without feeling completely out of their depth. The idea would be to build confidence with the practical skills involved in outdoor climbing, with plenty of opportunity to put them into practice on the rock — and hopefully give people the chance to meet other climbers at a similar stage too.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, send me a DM or comment below.

Welcome to Autumn.
Can you name these peaks?

Top equipment tips for people starting out on their mountain adventures.

1: Obviously try and research what you need to know to go up mountains. Be inspired by Instagram but don't assume that because someone else has done it, you should. there is no context. You may not know what they know.

2: You don't need to spend a fortune on kit but there are some basic principles.

3: Take it easy and relax. Enjoy the views and the fresh air before you start getting more aspirational. Build up the length and seriousness over time. You can't learn it all from YT or even books.

4 Don't rely solely on your phone. At least get a proper GPS. I carry a phone and a GPS but I always have a paper map. Learn how to use it and practice.

5 Don't buy a map case on a string round your neck. I had one. We all tried one, and they turned out to be dreadful.

6: Don't buy a rucksack with a rucksack cover. They don't keep anything dry and if they aren't attached, they will just blow away and be litter.

7: Sometimes trainers can be ok , but only on good paths. Some places you still really need boots. If you wear trainers make sure they still have some tread, or buy a pair that are a bit chunky.
I could go in but that's too much reading already.

Thinking about trying outdoor rock climbing?

I’m planning a relaxed Intro to Rock Climbing Day in the Peak District on Saturday 26 September.

This is aimed at beginners and people with little or no outdoor climbing experience. The focus will simply be on getting out on real rock, climbing plenty of easy routes and enjoying the day. I’ll teach as much or as little as you want to know along the way — tying in, basic belaying, movement and crag safety.

No pressure, no technical overload — just a good introduction to climbing outside.

£50 per person — maximum 4 people.

Message me if you’d like more details.

This is compulsory reading for any budding mountaineer.
It not only is a first person description of the first ascent of the North Face of the Eiger, but includes accounts of the previous and tragic earlier attempts. An absolute classic.

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Smith Rachel, ראובן שנקולבסקי

So you've seen it on the Gram. You've watched all the vids on the Tube and now you want to go up Tryfan and Crib Goch.
But the next thing you should do before you pull on your Crocs is to have a thumb 👍 through this book. It will fill in all the content of what you actually need to know, and not just what filters to use.
Packed full of the correct information with loads of pictures and diagrams written by experts, literally.

In my series of interesting books, here's another.
A lot of it is aimed at climbers, some at an advanced level, but there's still some useful stuff for noobs. From choosing rock boots, bivvying on big walls to how to arrange your baggage at an airport! A truly eclectic mix!
I used techniques that I have learnt from this book.
If you don't know about the author, Google Andy Kirkpatrick.

A day isn't long to teach all the skills you need to set up top rope systems. The Indoor 2 Outdoor climbing course will teach you the basics but I often invite my clients to get this book after attending one of my courses. It is great for refreshing what you have learnt and further reading.
It's full of great information and diagrams and is used to train instructors.
If you are looking for reliable information on the net look for the Mountain Training logo.
If you are interested in an Indoor 2 Outdoor Climbing Course, DM me.