James Thacker Mountaineering's crag based rock climbing courses are all held in the Derbyshire Peak District. This area, with its internationally renowned gritstone edges, has a life-times worth of highly accessible rock climbing, all within a short distance of the road. As a result, this allows us to make the most of our time outdoors; whether your aim is to learn the technical skills by tuition, or to climb as many routes as possible.

Introductory Rock:

An ideal starting point for those with little or no prior experience of rock climbing. Based on the highly accessible gritstone crags of the Peak District this course aims to get you climbing confidently while teaching the essential skills of rope work and belaying. In addition we would hope to take in some of the Peak Districts many and varied routes at some of the most famous venues in the country.

Learning Objectives: Use of ropes, knots, harnesses, tying in, building basic belays, belaying, holding falls, lowering, route choice and guidebook use, communication, movement coaching and climbing.

Duration: 2 days Ratio: Minimum 1:2 Maximum 1:4 Location: Peak District Price: Peak Rate £130 per person, Off Peak £120 per person

Resin to Rock

Aimed at climbers with indoor climbing wall experience, this course covers the transition from an indoor facility to the real thing. Again based on the highly accessible gritstone edges of the Peak District, we aim to get you climbing confidently outdoors. Essential skills such as rope work and belaying will be covered allowing you to proceed at your own pace.

Learning Objectives: Use of ropes, knots, harnesses, tying in, building basic belays, belaying, holding falls, lowering, route choice and guidebook use, communication, movement coaching and climbing, becoming a competent 'second', differences between indoors and outdoors.

Duration: 2 days Ratio: 1:2 Location: Peak District Price: Peak Rate £130 per person, Off Peak £120 per person

Lead Climbing:

For those who would like to progress to leading routes under their own steam with the guidance of experienced instructors. Based on the highly accessible gritstone crags of the Peak District this course aims to get you leading confidently at a level you feel comfortable, while teaching the many essential skills. Usually, those considering this course will have climbed independantly either outside or at an indoor climbing wall. This course will cover all aspects of lead climbing in a friendly and supportive environment.

Learning Objectives: Use of ropes, knots, harnesses, tying in, suitable rack, building basic belays, belaying, holding falls, route choice and guidebook use, placing and removing runners, communication, movement coaching and leading.

Duration: 2 days Ratio: 1:2 Location: Peak District Price: Peak Rate £130 per person, Off Peak £120 per person

Classic Peak Rock:

This course is intended for those who wish to take in some of the Peak Districts 'classic routes' and become inspired by the peak rock ethos. Learning the essential skills along the way we intend to do plenty of climbing at your chosen level.

Learning Objectives: Use of ropes, knots, harnesses, tying in, suitable rack, building basic belays, belaying, holding falls, route choice and guidebook use, placing and removing runners, communication, movement coaching and climbing.

Duration: 2 days Ratio: 1:2 Location: Peak District Price: Peak Rate £130 per person, Off Peak £120 per person

For climbing in the Lake District, Snowdonia and Scotland visit >Multi Pitch Climbing and >Adventure Climbing

[Top]