So you are ready to learn the ropes - Your climbing apprenticeship starts here and you are now on the route to climbing independence. By the end of the course you'll be itching to invest in some shiny new climbing gear so you can head out on the rocks with family and friends. It's time to strike out on your own..
This Improvers Climbing Course is designed as the progression from our Beginner Course but would suit anyone who has climbed indoors or tried outdoor climbing and wants to progress towards being self-sufficient. The highly accessible gritstone crags of the Peak District provide the perfect environment to learn the essential skills of rope work and using the technical equipment required for traditional and sport climbing. All of the training is practical and hands on so expect to do a lot of climbing over the two days.
During this course the focus is on seconding routes, placing and removing climbing equipment and creating top-rope anchor systems. By the end of the two days you will feel confident in your ability to partner a competent leader and independently use appropriate rope work to climb crags where you can easily access the top. If you are looking for a course which focuses on outdoor lead climbing or more advanced rope techniques then have a look at our lower ratio Learn to Lead courses on our main website.
NOTE - We’ve changed how we operate due to Covid-19 with your health and safety in mind. If you’ve got any questions on the steps we’ve taken, just drop us a message

Day 1

9:30 Arrive at The Adventure Hub
Your instructor will welcome you and discuss the aims of the course and you own aspirations over a great cup of fresh Italian coffee or tea. You will be sized up for helmets, rock shoes and harnesses. All you need do is check you have food, a drink and clothing that is suitable for the conditions.
9:45 Travel to climb location
The exact location will depend on the weather and the aims and abilities of the group. With the famous crags of Stanage, Burbage and Froggatt (amongst many others) all within easy reach this is typically a 15 minute drive from The Adventure Hub.
10:00 Practical climbing session
After arriving at the rock face we will generally begin with introducing the skills required to be a competent "second". Your instructor will select a suitable route and "lead" climb it, placing all the necessary protection on their way up. Once your instructor has reached the top you will climb the route retrieving all the equipment as you go. This is an excellent way to learn how climbing gear works and begin to make judgements on what makes an effective piece of protection. The afternoon session will focus on creating safe and effective climbing anchors. By applying the gear placement skills you began to look at in the morning, along with some additional rope work, you will learn everything you need to know to lower a rope to a climber and safely belay them to the top of the crag.
16:30 Back to The Adventure Hub
Once we are off the hill we will return to The Adventure Hub. With fresh coffee in hand, we summarise the key learning points from the days adventure, discuss your progress so far and make some plans for day 2.

Day 2

9:30 Arrive at The Adventure Hub and then climb
After coffee and a brief chat outlining the day we head out with the aim to give you the opportunity to experience a completely different climbing venue. The second day is your opportunity to practise and refine everything that you have learned so far. In discussion with your instructor you will choose a variety of routes to climb and will use the appropriate gear to build an anchor at the top of the crag. This is where your instructor can help you gain valuable experience as each climb provides you with a different set of challenges. As the day progresses your instructor will take a step back, allowing you to make the vital decisions yourself. They will always be close at hand to ensure your safety and answer your questions but by the end of the day you should feel confident that you can independently choose a suitable route, build a strong anchor and safely belay a climber to the top of the crag.
16:30 Back to The Adventure Hub
Once we are off the hill you will return to The Adventure Hub for the final time. Here we'll discuss your overall progress and set you some personalised development targets to get you fulfilling your personal ambitions in the weeks and months to come. If you should have any energy left then you are welcome to use our on site bouldering wall directly after the course.