Rock Climbing - Learn to Lead Trad | Eryri - Snowdonia - North Wales

Course Info

Our Learn to Lead course is perfect for those with some previous climbing experience who are looking to begin leading climbs outdoors.  During the course you will develop your technical skills, improve your head game and receive coaching so you can become a more confident and technically competent climber - all under the watchful eye of a qualified and highly experienced Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI).

calendar Dates April - October
Duration Duration 2 or 3 Days
Start Location Start Location North Wales
Instructor Ratio Instructor Ratio 1:2
Skill Level Skill Level C2
Book Today Book Today £295 - £395 P/Person

All of our courses are individualised so you get the best out of your time with us and come away more confident and ready to take on your own climbs independently. 

 

Typical course content

  • Climbing grade system and how it works
  • Climbing guides and how to select appropriate routes
  • Lead belaying
  • Climbing protection and how to use it safely and effectively
  • Placing climbing protection when leading
  • Building belays stances at the top of a single-pitch crag.
  • Psychological preparation for leading climbs.
  • Movement coaching
  • Environmental and accessibility considerations
  • Crag etiquette and best practices when climbing at popular venues

 

What is a trad climbing course?

Trad climbing is where climbers place their own protection in the rock using wires,cams and slings etc. Sport climbing is where you climb on bolts that have been drilled into the rock, similar to indoor climbing. For sport climbing courses please email us to discuss your requirements.  

Why choose the Mountaineering Company

At TMC we understand the importance of delivering quality sessions that improve confidence and leave you feeling motivated to come back for more. All of our climbing courses are delivered by qualified Mountain Professionals with years of experience delivering safe and inclusive courses that exceed your expectations. Check out our reviews on Google or Trip Advisor to see what our clients think of us!

  • Fun courses with qualified instructors
  • Experts at helping nervous climbers
  • Professional service

 

Booking for two people?

If you're booking for two people we can offer bespoke dates for this course on a date that suits you. Please email us at Info@themountaineeringcompany.co.uk to discuss availability.

Experience Level

This course is aimed at those with some previous climbing experience looking to climb outdoors. It's also ideal for those with indoor climbing experience with aspirations to move outdoors. You don't need any technical climbing experience as all technical instruction will be provided.

All technical equipment like helmets, harnesses, trad gear and ropes are included but you are welcome to bring any equipment you may have. 

C2 Skill Level
Climbing and Mountaineering Skills

Some previous climbing or mountaineering experience required.

SKILL LEVEL KEY - Click here

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is not included in the price of this course however, you will find no shortage of places to stay. Our accommodation guide will be issued on request and lists the popular options in the area.

Course Dates
  • COURSE DATE 23-04-2025 DAYS3 COST£395.00 LOCATIONEryri - Snowdonia PLACES2 BOOKING book now
  • COURSE DATE 07-05-2025 DAYS3 COST£395.00 LOCATIONEryri - Snowdonia PLACES2 BOOKING book now
  • COURSE DATE 02-06-2025 DAYS3 COST£395.00 LOCATIONPeak District PLACES2 BOOKING book now
  • COURSE DATE 09-06-2025 DAYS3 COST£395.00 LOCATIONEryri - Snowdonia PLACES2 BOOKING book now
  • COURSE DATE 21-07-2025 DAYS3 COST£395.00 LOCATIONPeak District PLACES2 BOOKING book now
  • COURSE DATE 20-08-2025 DAYS3 COST£395.00 LOCATIONEryri - Snowdonia PLACES2 BOOKING book now
  • COURSE DATE 15-09-2025 DAYS3 COST£395.00 LOCATIONEryri - Snowdonia PLACES2 BOOKING book now
  • COURSE DATE 06-10-2025 DAYS3 COST£395.00 LOCATIONPeak District PLACES2 BOOKING book now
PRIVATE BOOKINGS

Hiring one of our instructors privately is the perfect choice when you’ve got a specific aim in mind, whether it’s to improve your personal skills, have an unforgettable guided experience with a group of friends or tick off an objective you’ve had in your sights for a while.

Click on the link for more details

Click Here

WHY CHOOSE US?

All of our instructors are highly qualified Mountaineering Instructors or Mountain Leaders who take pride in offering engaging - fun courses that will give you the very best chance of achieving your goals. We are also members of Mountain Training, the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) and the British Mountaineering Council. Why not check out our google reviews and see what our clients think about us. 

Google Review
Mountain Training
AMI

Course Instructors

Matt Cooper
Matt Cooper
 Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) Find Out More
Sam Elliot
Sam Elliot
 Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) Find Out More
Dave Macintyre
Dave Macintyre
 Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) Find Out More

Ideally you will already have some previous climbing experience (Indoor or outdoor) and know the basics like tying onto the rope, belaying and fitting a helmet and harness. If you don't have any experience why not check out our Introduction to Rock Climbing.

A full kit list will be issued listing all the items you need to attend this course. You must have rock shoes but all other technical climbing equipment like a helmet. harness and climbing equipment will be provided if you don't have your own.

Accommodation is NOT included in the price of this course but Capel Curig and Betws y Coed have an extensive range of accommodation providers to suit every budget. Let us know if you need advice on where to stay.

The instructor ratio indicates the number of clients per instructor. For this course we have a maximum of 2 clients per instructor or 2:1, this ensures you get the best experience and plenty of individualized learning too. 

Trad climbing or "traditional" climbing is where you lead a route on the protection you place yourself like wires,cams and slings. The second climber will then follow you up afterwards removing the protection so the rock is clean after the climb. All of the climbing in the mountains is Trad Climbing. 

Sport climbing is where a climber leads a climb on pre-drilled bolts in the rock and clips onto these bolts. This style of climbing is mainly found on the sea cliffs and quarries of North Wales. You wont find bolted sport routes in the mountains. 

This course is ideal for anybody wanting to learn how to climb outdoors independently. If you have plenty of indoor climbing experience and want to lead climbs outdoors then this is definitely the right course for you. 

Testimonials

I've now been on two courses with The Mountaineering company. Both courses were great, learnt loads and Matt/Sam were brilliant instructors. I would definitely recommend to anyone getting into mountaineering to book onto intro and development courses. I'm looking forward to doing more courses with them in the future. (Google Review)

Alex Heaps

My partner and I booked Matt for two days mountaineering instruction so we could learn how to use ropes on climbs that were out of our comfort zone. We had a fantastic two days and Matts structured approach allowed us to take it all in and practice all the techniques over and over again. We both now feel more confident to take on more adventurous scrambles. Thanks Matt

Andy and karren

Fantastic day on the Back to Basics Navigation course with Matt. Very well organised and learnt a lot. Matt was very professional and great at teaching the skills with lots of patience and encouragement. Really enjoyed it and will definitely be signing up to other courses in future. Highly recommended.

Chontelle Wright

A great day out learning how to use a map and compass with Matt. His teaching style gave us just the right amount of information without feeling overloaded. I would highly recommend Matt !

Chris

Just got back from a fantastic weekend with Matt on the Welsh 3k and couldn't have asked for a better time. We had blue skies and cool air so it wasn't too hot and the views were simply incredible. Matt set a great pace allowing us to push our limits but never going beyond what we were capable of and we finished in 18 hours 32 mins. Hes a top bloke and I would certainly recommend him and The Mountaineering Company to anybody. Thanks again Matt. You will certainly see us again next year no doubt!

Chris Mansell

We attended a navigation course today with Matt. He was fantastic, can’t rate him highly enough! We had no knowledge at all, but have come home feeling confident and ready to tackle our adventure! Thank you Matt for a fabulous, fun day

Claire Black

I thoroughly recommend Matt as a leader & guide. I experienced an exhilarating & fun day with a super group doing Matt's Ogwen Classics day. Matt managed our mixed levels of ability & confidence with a calm, encouraging, alert & purposeful manner. He inspired confidence through recognition of our efforts & shared his knowledge & experience to support our skill development. The day passed all too quickly!

Ferne Davies

Awesome day with Matt teaching my 11yr old son and I the basics of climbing. Very patient and approachable would highly recommend Matt to anyone with an interest in rock climbing. Really fun day enjoyed by all!

Ian Roberts

Wow ! Where do I start, the best walking/climbing day of my life. Matt you were fantastic with all the members of our group. (Google Review)

Johnny Jones

All I can say is amazing!! Never scrambled before Matt looked after us supported us though the scary bits and made the whole day brilliant.

Karen Williams

Had a fantastic weekend with Matt on the mountain skills course - he is really friendly + approachable, and tailored the two days to what we enjoyed + wanted to learn. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to build their confidence with mountain hiking + navigation!

Kirsty

Well. What can I say - one of the best adventure weekends my friend and I have ever had and absolutely 10/10 instruction from Matt training us for our first OMM (Google Review)

Luke Whipps

Recently attended an intermediate rock skills course in the Peak District. Really great weekend and excellent fun. Matt is a top bloke; very knowledgeable and just the right amount of laid back. Allows all the information to really sink in - effective teaching!

Matt Pomfrett

Excellent day out with Matt on my first ever Scramble. I found it pretty tough in places but Matt was always there to put me at ease, offer instruction and with his support I made it to the top. Would highly recommend to others.

Polly Hornby

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