OUTDOOR READY

A comprehensive five-day course developing you into an outdoor sport and trad climber

A course built from personal experience

More than 20 years ago, I was in exactly the position you're in now.

I was an indoor climber looking to make the move onto outdoor rock. I took part in a comprehensive week long course designed to teach me all the up to date skills I needed.

It showed me just how much there is to learn when you make the transition from an indoor wall to the outdoors — and how valuable it is to have the time, space and expert guidance to develop those skills properly.

Over the years I've continued to climb, learn and develop my own skills across sport, traditional, winter and alpine climbing. I've also seen how climbing techniques, equipment and professional guidance have evolved.

This course is my way of bringing those experiences together. Five days of focused learning, plenty of time on real rock, modern best-practice techniques and the opportunity to develop genuine independence rather than simply ticking off a list of skills.

Indoor climbing gives you a good grounding in movement skills, strength and the core skills of leading.

But stepping outside introduces a whole new set of questions:

How do I choose a suitable route?
How do I use a guidebook?
What makes a good anchor?
How do I assess the rock and protection?
How do I set up an outdoor belay?
How do I lower or abseil from a route?
How do I place and assess traditional protection?
How do I manage ropes and equipment efficiently?
What happens when something doesn't go according to plan?

This course is designed to bridge that gap.

Rather than simply showing you a collection of techniques, I'll help you understand why things are done the way they are, so that you can make good decisions when you're climbing without an instructor.

Five days. Two climbers. £490 each.

Indoor lead climber → Outdoor climber → Trad progression

5 days · Maximum 2 people · Bristol / South West

If you're ready to make the jump from climbing indoors to climbing independently outside, this course gives you the time, attention and experience to make that transition properly.

A 5-day climbing course designed to take confident indoor lead climbers onto real rock — and towards independent outdoor climbing.

5 days · Maximum 2 climbers · £490 per person

Based in Bristol and easily accessible from London and the South East, this immersive five-day course is designed for indoor lead climbers who are ready to make the transition to outdoor climbing.

You'll learn the practical skills, modern best-practice techniques and decision-making needed to climb independently outdoors, with the opportunity to progress towards leading traditional climbs.

Small groups. Real rock. Modern skills. Five days of focused progression.

Example Itinerary

Day 1 — Indoor to Outdoor

We'll make the transition from the climbing wall to real rock.
Movement coaching plays a fundamental part in bridging the gap between indoor plastic and real rock.
You'll learn how to plan an outdoor climbing day, use guidebooks, select appropriate routes, assess conditions and manage your equipment.
We'll introduce the key systems you'll need for climbing outside and get you climbing on real rock as quickly as possible.
Day 2 — Outdoor Sport Climbing
Put your new skills into practice on single-pitch sport routes.
We'll work on:
- Outdoor lead climbing
- Clipping and rope management
- Belaying outdoors
- Route selection
- Anchors and lower-offs
- Abseiling
- Efficient crag routines
- Managing common problems
The aim is to make outdoor climbing start feeling normal rather than unfamiliar.
Day 3 — Introduction to Traditional Climbing
Now we introduce the skills that make traditional climbing different.
You'll learn about:
- Traditional protection
- Placement selection
- Assessing protection
- Natural protection
- Trad belays
- Rope systems
- Seconding a traditional route
- Route planning and risk management
You'll start to understand how a climber builds a system from the rock rather than relying on fixed protection.
Day 4 — Trad Leading
With the foundations in place, we'll begin putting everything together.
You'll have the opportunity to lead appropriate traditional climbs under instruction, learning how to:
- Select and place protection
- Build belays
- Manage the rope
- Protect yourself and your second
- Make decisions about route choice
- Manage exposure and uncertainty
- Recognise when a situation is becoming inappropriate
The emphasis is on good judgement as much as technical ability.
Day 5 — Consolidate & Climb

The final day is about bringing everything together.
We'll choose climbing that reflects your ability and the areas you most want to develop.
You'll have time to practise the skills that need more work, lead appropriate routes and start developing your own approach to planning and managing an outdoor climbing day.
We'll also identify what you should work on next to continue your progression towards independent climbing.

Enquire and book

Learn modern skills, not outdated habits.

Climbing techniques and equipment continue to evolve.

Throughout the course you'll learn modern, practical techniques based on current professional guidance and best practice, rather than simply being taught systems because "that's the way it's always been done."

We'll look at the reasoning behind the techniques, so you understand what you're doing and why.

That includes ropework, belaying, anchors, protection, abseiling, equipment selection and problem-solving.

My aim is to give you skills that you can adapt to different situations, rather than a list of systems to memorise.

‍ ‍Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any outdoor climbing experience?

No. The course is specifically designed for indoor lead climbers who are new to outdoor climbing.

Do I need to be able to lead trad already?

Absolutely not. We'll introduce traditional climbing progressively, starting with the fundamentals before moving towards leading appropriate routes.

Will I definitely be leading trad by the end?

The course is designed to give you the opportunity to progress towards trad leading, but everyone develops at a different rate. Your progression will depend on how you develop during the course. Its totally fine if you progress at your own speed, often those who take their time go on to a greater depth of understanding.

The priority is developing sound skills and judgement, rather than rushing you through a checklist.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We'll adapt the programme and venue to the conditions. The South West gives us access to a variety of climbing environments, allowing us to make the most of the available conditions where possible.

Can I travel from London or Birmingham?

Yes. Bristol is easily accessible from London, Birmingham, the midlands and the South East, and I can offer collection and transport from Bristol Temple Meads or Bristol Bus Station.

Bristol has plentiful accommodation of all types and a bustling entertainment and night life.

Can I book as an individual?

Yes. The course has a maximum of two participants. If you book alone, I'll confirm whether another climber joins you or discuss the options for a private course.

Is equipment provided?

Technical equipment can be provided where required. You'll receive a full kit list and details of what to bring when you book.

The best thing to bring along is your own rock shoes.

What happens after the five days?

You'll leave with a clear understanding of your strengths, areas to develop and the next steps towards becoming an independent outdoor climber.

For some people that might mean gaining more experience on sport routes. For others, it could mean continuing to develop their trad leading.

The important thing is that you'll know what to practise next and why.