ROCK
SKILLS
climbing courses in north wales
Rock Skills courses are designed to provide structured training opportunities for people who want to learn more and become independent climbers. There are three different levels so that complete beginners and those with more experience can choose the most appropriate starting point.
WHO ARE THE COURSES FOR?
Rock Skills Introduction
This course is your key to getting started! No previous experience of climbing is required to attend a Rock Skills Introduction course because the content of the course is aimed at complete beginners.
If you do have some experience of climbing, but aren’t confident about using the equipment required, finding the crags, locating the routes you want to do and how to stay safe on the crag then a Rock Skills Introduction course is an ideal way to learn.
Rock Skills Intermediate
The main aims of this course are to learn how to be a safe belayer, how to second routes competently and how to belay a lead climber.
You will develop your climbing movement skills and learn how to place protection and construct belays.
Rock Skills Learn to Lead Sport
The Rock Skills Learn to Lead Sport Climbs course will provide you with the skills you need to participate in bolted sport climbing, including an introduction to leading bolt protected climbs.
This course is also perfect if you are ready to progress to leading sport routes outside, if you are looking to improve your leadclimbing confidence or refresh your leadingskills. This course does not cover the skills required for leading trad routes.
Rock Skills Learn to Lead Trad
The Rock Skills Learn to Lead Trad Climbs course will provide you with the skills you need to participate in traditionally (trad) protected climbing, including an introduc- tion to leading simple trad climbs.
This course is also ideal if you are lookingto improve your confidence or refresh yourpersonal trad leading skills with the aim of helping you to become an independent climber and for those planning to complete the Rock Climbing Instructor scheme.

WHO IS MOUNTAIN TRAINING?
Mountain Training's aim is to educate and train people in climbing, walking and mountaineering. They have developed a range of Nationally recognised mountain leadership, instruction and coaching awards, as well as skill courses.
Mountain Training Rock Skills courses provide a progressive introduction to the basic skills and techniques of rock climbing, which will help you stay safe, enjoy climbing to the full and provide the foundations required for participation and development of your own rock climbing activities.
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THE REGISTRATION PROCESS
One registration gives you access to all four courses.
To be eligible to attend any accredited Rock Skills course, you must register with Mountain Training, (candidates in Ireland can also register directly with Mountaineering Ireland).
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Registration is free for under 18s and ÂŁ20 for adults. This fee contributes towards the administration and quality assurance of the Rock Skills Scheme, gives you access to DLOG (a digital logbook for recording your activities) and material to help you develop as a rock climber.
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For full details and how to register click here.
WHAT WILL THE COURSE COVER?
Rock Skills Introduction
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How to use guidebooks.
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Fundamental movement skills and climbing styles.
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Footwear and equipment selection and how to use the kit you choose.
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Tying into a harness, belaying, spotting and how to abseil.
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The impact of climbers at the crag, ethics, access and environmental considerations for climbers.
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Identifying hazards, managing risk, understanding common injuries, how to get help and the role of Mountain Rescue and associated emergency services.
Rock Skills Learn to Lead Sport
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How to use guidebooks.
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Safe and assured movement on the lead and optimising natural rests for clipping bolts.
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Ropes and technical equipment for sport climbing.
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Fixed equipment, anchors, ropework, belaying, holding/taking falls in a controlled environment, lowering, lower offs and abseiling.
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The impact of climbers at the crag.
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Identifying hazards and managing risk.
Rock Skills Intermediate
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How to use guidebooks.
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Warming up and injury avoidance, developing your movement skills and widening your repertoire of climbing. moves.
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Rockboot fit, selecting the right equipment for improved performance and an introduction to climbing protection.
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Building anchors, selecting runners, ropework, belaying, holding falls, lowering, seconding a route and personal abseiling.
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The impact of climbers at the crag.
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Identifying hazards and managing risk.
Rock Skills Learn to Lead Trad
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How to use guidebooks.
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Safe and assured movement when leading climbs and optimising natural rests for placing gear.
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Ropes and technical equipment for lead climbing, contents of a lead rack and how to carry it, selection and function of gear.
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Selection and placement of suitable gear to protect leader and second, choosing anchors, effective ropework, attaching to multiple anchors, belaying, holding leader and second falls in a controlled environment.
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The impact of climbers at the crag.
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Identifying hazards and managing risk.
HOW TO BOOK
It's simple!
Complete the online booking form and pay a deposit
Make sure you check out the terms and conditions
Full payment details are on the booking form
You will receive confirmation of your booking, payment received and final details.
(Click on 'Mountain Training Skill Courses)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
All instruction by a approved Mountain Training provider
WHAT"S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Food
Personal Insurance
Personal equipment
BOOKING?
You will need to complete a booking form and full payment will need to be made at the time of booking.
OTHER QUESTIONS
If you have other questions that you haven’t been able to find the answer to on my website, then just drop me a line at ppmountaineering@me.com
WHERE CAN I STAY?
There is a full range of accommodation options in Snowdonia to suit every budget and taste. The ones suggested below operate independently from Paul Poole Mountaineering.
HOSTELS
PLAS CURIG
01690720225
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ST CURIGS CHURCH
07980 619139
GUEST HOUSE / INN
GWESTY PLAS COCH
01286 872122
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TYN Y COED
01690 720331
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CAMPSITES
GWERN GOF ISAF
01690 720276
GWERN GOF UCHAF
01690 720294
BRYN TYRCH FARM
01690 720414
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DOLGAM
01690 720228
DO I NEED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?
No and yes! See the above section on 'Who are the courses for'
WHO WILL RUN MY COURSE?
All courses are run by myself, occasionally if I have to use another Mountain Training approved Instructor then I will inform you of that. I don’t use instructors unknown to me or who aren’t close friends. The small team that I use are equally as qualified, experienced and keen to share their enthusiasm of the mountains in a relaxed and safe manner.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
I will send you a detailed kit list once you confirm your place.
WHERE DO WE MEET?
All my courses are run in Snowdonia from Llanberis or Capel Curig.I will confirm the time and place when you reserve your place.
CONDITIONS OF BOOKING
Ensure you have a read of our Conditions of Booking before you book your place
WHATS NEW?
Find out what's been happening on the hill this week as well as any last minute availabilty