Rock Skills Introduction

Getting started

Courses are delivered by approved providers who will introduce you to climbing in a supportive and encouraging environment, making sure you get the most out of the day.

Participants get 15% off at Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock, in store and online. Ask the course provider for the discount details.

Skills stories

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Do you have additional needs?

Do you have a physical or mental impairment or disability which may require a provider to make reasonable adjustments so that you can take part in a training or assessment course? Find out more.

Rock Skills participant handbook

Connect with your Mountain Training account after your course

Your course provider will create a record of your training course on our Candidate Management System (CMS) - if you would like to view this record and start using our digital logbook, you will need to connect with your Mountain Training account.

Minimum age: 10.

Course length: 1 day.

Climbing experience required: none.

Course content

Background and Planning. An awareness of the types of places you can climb in the UK and Ireland, how to use guidebooks and mobile devices to find crags and routes, crag etiquette and the work of the mountaineering councils.

Climbing Skills. Fundamental movement skills and climbing styles.

Footwear and Equipment. Footwear and equipment selection and how to use the kit you choose.

Technical Skills. Tying into a harness, belaying, spotting and how to abseil.

Environmental Knowledge. The impact of climbers at the crag, ethics, access and environmental considerations for climbers.

Hazards and Emergency Procedures. Identifying hazards, managing risk, understanding common injuries, how to get help and the role of Mountain Rescue and associated emergency services.

By the end of the course you can expect to:

Have covered the course content in a safe and enjoyable outdoor environment and classroom-style setting;
Have climbed outside for a good proportion of the day on an appropriate crag;
Be in a strong position to take a climbing wall belay test; and
Be ready to attend a Rock Skills Intermediate course.

Training

Rock Skills Introduction courses are typically 1 day, although some providers may deliver the course over 2-3 days.

There are approved tutors across the UK and Ireland. A variety of cost packages are available depending on what's included; food, accommodation etc. so you can choose one that's right for you.

What next?

Progression after this course could involve gaining further climbing experience with friends or through a climbing club.

A Rock Skills Intermediate course is the next step in the Rock Skills pathway.

Content