Already leading trad climbs and heading out on bigger adventures, but unsure what to do if something goes wrong? Or are you an experienced second, often belaying in remote areas, and wondering how to handle emergencies? This course is designed for you.
You’ll learn a range of rope rescue techniques to help you and your climbing partner get out of trouble safely, while also gaining skills to prevent problems before they happen. The techniques taught go beyond rescue situations, equipping you with essential problem-solving and decision-making skills for your climbing career.
We’ll practise realistic scenarios and how best to get out of the situation.
About
Price: This course costs £250 per day and can have up to four participants.
Bookings: See booking form here
What Does this Course Cover?
All skills courses are tailored to the participants experience but can include;
- Overview of self rescue skills and belaying to minimise problems
- How to escape the system so you can get help
- Ascending a rope using prusiks
- Problem solving for when your second can’t climb the route
- Practising rescue scenarios for an injured or unconscious second
- Practising rescue scenarios for an injured lead climber
- And more…
Who is this Course for?
This course is for your more experienced climber. You should have some outdoor lead climbing experience under your belt but want to expand your skill set and problem solving abilities. It is ideal for the climber who is already climbing (or wanting to climb) on multipitch mountain routes or more adventurous sea cliff routes. You should be comfortable creating solid anchors, belaying a second and abseiling.
Where is it?
For our Trad Climbing Skills Sessions we regularly use the following areas;
- Sea cliffs south of Aberdeen at Cove and Newtonhill.
- Sea cliffs north of Aberdeen at Cruden Bay
- Crags inland at Ballater
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
- Rack (Cams, Nuts, Quickdraws)* – If you have your own, bring them along. It’s great to get experience using your own!
- 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 and waterproofs if raining.
- 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.
How do I book or find out more?
If you have any general enquires about our Self Rescue Skills courses 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;