Courses are delivered by approved providers who will introduce you to the skills and techniques required to lead traditionally protected rock climbs (trad climbs). You will have plenty of opportunities to practise these new skills as well as learning more about the environment and how to manage the risks associated with lead climbing.



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

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: 14.

Course length: 2 days.

Climbing experience required:
Essential
Have belayed on at least 20 occasions;
AND
Have seconded a minimum of 20 outdoor rock climbs at Very Difficult (VDiff) or above;
OR
Have led 20 sport climbs (indoors or outdoors).

Desirable
Completion of Rock Skills Intermediate and/or Rock Skills Learn to Lead Sport Climbs course.

Background and Planning. Selecting suitable venues and routes, how to use guidebooks and mobile devices to find crags and routes, crag etiquette, the importance of the climbing partnership and the work of the mountaineering councils.

Climbing Skills. Safe and assured movement when leading climbs and optimising natural rests for placing gear.

Equipment. Ropes and technical equipment for lead climbing, contents of a lead rack and how to carry it, selection and function of gear.

Technical Skills. Selection and placement of suitable gear to protect leader and second, choosing anchors, effective ropework, attaching to multiple anchors, belaying, holding leader and second falls in a controlled environment.

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

Hazards and Emergency Procedures. Identifying hazards, decision making and managing risk, understanding common injuries, what to do in the event of an incident, managing common problems, how to get help and learning how Mountain Rescue works.

Rock Skills Learn to Lead Trad Climbs courses are typically 2 days, although some providers may deliver the course over 3-5 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 from this course could involve gaining further climbing experience with friends or through a climbing club.

A Learn to Lead Sport Climbs course is the next step in the Rock Skills pathway if you haven't already done one.

Once you are a competent trad leader you may want to consider becoming a Rock Climbing Instructor.