Peak District
What 8,500 Course Places Have Taught Us About Learning Outdoors
Since our current booking system went live in 2019, we've filled over 8,500 course places for more than 5,000 people. That's a lot of first climbs, first bearings and first trips underground. We recently dug into those records to plan next year's courses, and a few things stood out that are worth sharing if you're thinking of booking.
Most people come on their own
If you're worried about turning up alone, don't be. 7 in 10 people on our public courses book just for themselves. Most of the people you meet on the day will be in exactly the same position, which is one of the reasons our courses are so sociable.
Most of the rest book in twos. If you'd rather have an instructor to yourselves, our private and family sessions are built for that.
Summer Saturdays go first
Three quarters of our course places are for courses between April and September, and August is our busiest month. Nearly two thirds of all places are on a Saturday.
So if you have your heart set on a particular summer weekend, book early. Weekday and shoulder-season dates are quieter, and the gritstone is often at its best in the cooler days of spring and autumn.
You can still book late
Half of our bookings are made within about five weeks of the course, and a quarter within the last two weeks. If you've left it late, it's always worth a look at our last-minute availability or a quick call.
The best courses lead to the next one
About 1 in 5 people who do a beginner climbing course, or our Bronze navigation course, come back for the next step. The routes people follow most often are:
Climbing:
Navigation:
The typical gap between someone's first course and their next is about four months, which gives you a season to practise what you've learned before building on it. Not sure where to start? Read Which Climbing Course Is Right for Me? or Which Navigation Course Is Right for Me?
Navigation is an all-year skill
Climbing follows the weather, but navigation runs right through the year, and it's the most evenly booked of all our courses. Winter is a brilliant time to learn: short days, low cloud and empty moors teach you more about reading a map than a sunny July afternoon ever will. If you're planning a big summer of walking, a winter navigation course is the best preparation you can give yourself.
The easiest way to start is our Right Way in a Day navigation course: a single day on the hill covering setting the map, following a bearing and working out where you are. If you'd like to go further, our Beginner Navigation Course (Bronze NNAS) runs through the winter too.
A course makes a great present
Nearly 4 in 10 of our gift vouchers are bought in December. They're valid for 12 months, so whoever receives one can pick a date when the rock is dry and the days are long. Have a look at our e-gift vouchers, or read our outdoor gift ideas for inspiration.
In short
- Coming alone? So do most people.
- Want a summer Saturday? Book early.
- Left it late? Check last-minute availability or give us a ring.
- Already done a course? The next step is where the real progress happens.
Any questions, call us on 01433 424164. We're happy to help you pick the right course.