Desperate to get climbing outdoors but no idea where to start? Whether you’ve never touched rock before or are ready to progress to leading outdoors, Mountain Training has a course to suit you. 

As the Official Skills Course Partner of Mountain Training, we proudly support climbers in their Rock Skills courses, offering expert gear advice to elevate the climbing experience. 

Mountain Training Rock Skills courses empower you with independence and confidence while climbing outdoors. There are four progressive courses to choose from - you can start wherever suits your ability and previous experience.

1. Learn the lingo

Embark on your rock climbing journey by deciphering the language of the vertical world. From "crux" and "jug" to "crag" and "slack", understanding rock climbing lingo is crucial for effective communication and building camaraderie with fellow climbers.

2. Gear guru

Equip yourself with the essential gear needed for outdoor rock climbing. Whether it’s harnesses and helmets or climbing shoes and belay plates, grasp the purpose and proper usage of each piece of equipment to ensure a comfortable and safe climbing experience.

3. Moving on rock

Moving on real rock for the first time can be pretty tricky, even if you’re a master indoors. Learn techniques like smearing, bridging and flagging to navigate the diverse and challenging features of natural rock formations.

4. Choosing your challenge

Selecting the right venue and route to suit your ability level and the weather is essential to a great day out. It can mean the difference between comfortably climbing in a t-shirt with an appropriate level of challenge vs freezing in a gale force wind, with no idea how to keep moving upwards. Exploring different rock types, difficulty levels, and locations tailors your climbing experience to your strengths and preferences.

5. Rope mastery

Delve into the essentials of ropework, tying knots and building anchors to guarantee a secure climbing experience. Learn how to perfect your lead belaying skills to foster trust within your climbing partnerships.

6. Second to none

Elevate your climbing skills by transitioning from a beginner to a competent second. Practice the art of efficiently removing gear and learn how to communicate with your lead climber, for a seamless and supportive climbing experience.

7. Take the lead

Make the transition from indoor to outdoor climber or second to leader. You’ll get to grips with the techniques of clipping quickdraws and safely rethreading the belay at the top, as well as how to approach the mental challenges of leading and how to push your climbing abilities safely.

8. Route reading

Enhance your climbing prowess by learning to recognise rock features, identify potential challenges and places to rest. The ability to read a route from the ground will enable you to climb efficiently and maximise the chances of reaching the top.

9. Trad tactics

Embrace the world of traditional climbing by discovering the art of placing trad gear and building anchors. Learn the nuances of selecting and correctly placing nuts, cams and other protective devices to ensure a safe climb and a sound anchor to safeguard your second.

10. Climb with confidence

Learn to manage the risks involved in trad climbing and you’ll gain the confidence and experience to enjoy new crags independently. The skillset you’ll build will unlock a lifetime of vertical adventures.

Mountain Training is the network of awarding organisations for qualifications and skills training in the UK and Ireland, and our official skills course partner. Through their Hill Skills, Mountain Skills and Rock Skills courses, delivered by approved providers across the UK and Ireland, we want more people to find the skills and confidence they need to explore. Plus, for all the kit you need to get out there, visit your nearest Cotswold Outdoor store and speak to one of our specialists. 

Explore Mountain Training Skills Courses