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Our rock climbing courses are available with dates to suit, and can be of any length. They can be introductory, intermediate or a combination of both. The basic plan for the relevant courses are set out below, but these are flexible and given for guidance only. You may wish to have just one or two days climbing, or to make a full week of it - the choice is up to you.
The cost for 1:1 or 1:2 ratio is £170.00 per day, plus accommodation and travelling expenses if relevant. For larger groups, please contact us for a quote. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements, we'd be very happy to help and advise.
ROCK CLIMBING TASTER
This course, of one or more days duration, gives you a taste of rock climbing without the worry! After a brief time looking at equipment and belaying skills, we will then go climbing! This will most likely entail you 'seconding' routes, following the leader, but will also perhaps utilise the use of 'bottom roping', where the leader stays on the ground but you are still protected from above. If you wish, we can also include some abseiling into our time on the crags. An ideal course, especially for anyone who wants to 'give it a go' or are not sure if they would enjoy climbing or not and want to find out!
EXPERIENCE: None, just be keen!
INTRODUCTORY ROCK CLIMBING
Climbing Instruction on some of Scotland's Finest Crags. This rock climbing course is an ideal introduction to this challenging sport, or for those in need of a `refresher' course. All relevant topics are covered including gear selection, rope management, belaying, leading, runner placement and route choice. All subjects are learnt in a practical situation, and every day is spent out on the crags giving you an excellent chance to learn and progress through the grades quickly and safely. We will be using different crags and outcrops during the course, such as the granite cliffs of Ballater in Deeside, the non-tidal sea cliffs of the beautiful Moray Firth at Cummingston and Logie Head, and the unique Huntley's Cave near Grantown-on-Spey. All of these will allow an awareness of different styles and situations to develop, and you will be encouraged to lead climbs during the course if you should so wish.
DATES: These are arranged to suit, from one day to five or more, to fit in with your hoiday arrangements.
EXPERIENCE: Good general fitness, with keenness being of more importance than upper body and finger strength.
OUTCOME: You should finish the course with a good all-round knowledge of single and multi-pitch rock climbing, and know how to climb routes in safety. You will have learnt about belays, leading, ropework and equipment, and will have the ability to select and lead routes for yourself.
INTRO / INTERMEDIATE ROCK CLIMBING - TAILOR MADE
Rock instruction for climbing partners. This course is very popular, and has been designed to cope with the demands of two partners who climb together but may be working at different grades or with varying experience. We work at a ratio of 1:2, which allows you and your partner to gain the maximum benefit from your course. Each partner will be coached through the relevant technical procedures and scenarios relevant to their grade and experience, allowing them to both progress at the same rate. This course can be seen as allowing time to learn and consolidate skills, such as improved stance management, leading skills, multi-pitch climbing and training procedures. As such, it would also be extremely valuable to partners with the same climbing experience. The itinerary for the intro rock course gives an idea of venues, although the exact details of this course would depend upon the experience of the two participants and we would tailor-make it to fit your requirements, which can be discussed either before or when you arrive. An excellent learning curve!
DATES: These are arranged to suit, from one day to five or more, to fit in with your hoiday arrangements.
EXPERIENCE: Variable, good general fitness.
OUTCOME: You should both finish the course with a good all-round knowledge of single and multi-pitch rock climbing. You will have both progressed at a similar rate, although possibly at slightly different levels, and should have the ability to place superior runners and arrange technical anchor systems. You will be able to adapt to either single or multi-pitch climbing easily, and be able to climb routes confident with your own skills and safety.
INTERMEDIATE ROCK CLIMBING
A couple of days of advanced skills. A natural progression from the introductory course, these days are aimed at those leading at V Diff standard and above. It is also ideal for those who have been operating at the same grade for some time and wish to improve their skills. After a revision of basic belaying techniques, we will look at more advanced belaying, multiple anchors, improved runner placement, multi-pitch climbing, double rope techniques and basic improvised rescue. All specialised equipment is provided, but participants will be encouraged to bring and use their own equipment if they have it.
DATES: These are arranged to suit, from one day to five or more, to fit in with your hoiday arrangements.
EXPERIENCE: Good general fitness, leading at V Diff or above.
IMPROVISED RESCUE TECHNIQUES
Essential emergency skills for both rock climbers and winter mountaineers. This course, ideally run over two days but could be of any length, is aimed at climbers leading at least at `Diff' standard in summer, or Grade 1 in winter, and who wish to learn emergency skills in a practical situation. Topics covered include prussiking, assisted and un-assisted hoists, escaping the system, lowers and accompanied abseils. Both days will be spent out on the crag, usually at different locations for each, with scenarios being set to give a taste of realism! An essential course, whatever your climbing standard.
DATES One or two days, arranged to suit your schedule.
EXPERIENCE: Leading at `Diff' standard, summer, or Grade 1, winter.