Sport climbing—where climbers ascend routes with fixed bolts for protection—forms the foundation of this course. We designed our one-day Learn to Lead Sport Climbs course for climbers who feel comfortable top-roping or leading indoors and want to gain the skills and confidence to lead outdoor sport routes. From mastering lead belaying to understanding route reading, lead climbing, and risk management, this course covers everything you need to climb safely and efficiently on lead.
About
Price: This one-day course costs £250 for up to three participants.
Private Bookings: See booking form here
What Does This Course Cover?
We will tailor this one-day course to your experience level and typically include;
- How to lead belay: Learn proper techniques for belaying a lead climber safely.
- Understand sport climbing protection: Get familiar with using pre-placed bolts and how to clip quickdraws securely.
- Strip routes: Learn how to properly clean (strip) routes after climbing, including removing quickdraws and managing the rope.
- Fall safely: Understand fall dynamics and practice techniques to minimize the impact of a fall.
- Enhance climbing techniques: Improve your footwork, body positioning, and movement on the wall.
- Learn lead climbing safety: Focus on risk management, preventing falls, and practicing effective communication between climber and belayer.
- Climb real routes: Put your skills to the test with hands-on experience on a variety of sport climbs.
- Problem Solving: Overcome common issues, such as getting your quickdraws back what you can’t get to the top of the climb.
Who is this course for?
We designed this course for indoor lead climbers who want to progress to outdoor sport climbs. If you’re not yet leading indoors, we recommend adding an evening session on the basics of indoor leading as part of your booking. This extra session lasts 2.5 hours and costs £60, plus the climbing wall entry fee.
We require a minimum of two participants for this course so you can belay each other and climb in turn. The course can also run with three participants, but this allows less time to consolidate skills.
Under 18s are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent throughout. The parent does not need to take part, but they can if they want to!
Where is it?
For our Sport Climbing Skills Sessions we mainly use the following areas;
- Sport climbing crag at Kirriemuir
Looking for a different location? Get in touch as we can travel further afield.
What Kit Do I Need?
- Climbing Harness* – If you have your own, bring it along
- Climbing Shoes*
- Chalk Bag & Chalk – Not essential but aids friction.
- Belay Device* – If you have one, bring it along
- Quickdraws* – If you have your own, bring them along
- Helmet* – If you have your own, bring it along
- Clothing – Lots of warm layers to climb in and spares to keep warm whilst belaying. Gloves for belaying if it’s a cold day.
- Water & Lunch/Snacks – Stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
* Cove climbing can provide all the items with an asterisk but if you have your own please bring them along too!
Why Choose Cove Climbing?
Liam has been climbing for over twelve years and has been professionally qualified and teaching for more than eight. During that time, he has worked with a wide range of clients — from complete beginners to experienced climbers looking to refine their skills — always with a focus on building confident, safe and independent climbers.
With extensive local knowledge and years of personal climbing experience, Liam knows how to get the very best out of each session, choosing the right venues and tailoring instruction to suit your goals and ability.
During busier periods, Cove Climbing is supported by a small team of equally experienced freelance instructors. All are members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI), guaranteeing the highest standards of professionalism, safety and coaching at all times.
You can read our excellent reviews on TripAdvisor here: TripAdvisor.
Booking
If you have any general enquiries about our Learn to Lead Sport Climbs course then get in touch with Liam@coveclimbing.co.uk. If you have already decided this is the course for you then great! Please use the booking form below;