Loved Your First Climbing Day? Here's What to Do Next

You've had your first day on real rock. Your forearms ache, you've got gritstone rash on your hands and you're already wondering when you can go again. Good news: that's exactly how most of our regular climbers started.

Here's what to do next, depending on where you're at.

After a taster session

Our half-day taster (£79) and taster day (£109) give you a feel for climbing outside. The natural next step is the two-day Beginner Rock Climbing Course (£199).

Don't be put off by the word "Beginner". It doesn't mean easy climbing. It means we don't teach the rope and anchor systems yet, so you spend almost all your time actually climbing. Because of that, the routes are often harder than on our later courses, and you'll pick up the movement skills that real rock needs.

After the Beginner course

If you want to become an independent outdoor climber, the next step is the Improvers Rock Climbing Course (£229). You'll learn to place and remove gear, build anchors and second a leader. After that comes Learn to Lead Trad (£299).

In a hurry? The Indoor to Outdoor course (£499) combines Improvers and Learn to Lead Trad into one four-day course.

Our guide to which climbing course is right for you explains the full pathway, including the route for sport climbers.

Keep climbing in between

Courses teach you the skills; time on the rock makes them stick. A few weeks of practice between courses makes a big difference.

• Climb indoors. A wall session or two a week builds strength and movement skills fast. Our own bouldering wall at The Adventure Hub is open to the public on Friday and Saturday.
• Go bouldering outside. The Peak has some of the best bouldering in the country, and all you need is shoes, chalk and a mat. Our beginner's guide to Peak District bouldering will get you started.
• Join a club. Local climbing clubs are a great way to find partners and climb with experienced people. Many welcome newcomers who've done a course.
• Read a guidebook. Start picking out routes at the grade you climbed on your course.

Want faster progress? Try private coaching

If you want to work on something specific, such as technique, confidence on steeper rock or getting ready to lead, a private session puts an instructor's full attention on you. It's also ideal if you've found a climbing partner and want to learn together. Half days start from £195.

We also run one-day workshops for climbers with some experience, including Top Rope Rigging and Problem Solving for Climbers.

Should I buy my own kit?

Not straight away. We provide everything on our courses. If you're climbing indoors regularly, a pair of climbing shoes, a harness and a belay device are the first things worth buying. Leave ropes and trad gear until you've done the Improvers course and know what you need. Our article on a first trad rack explains what to buy and when.

When can I climb outside?

Our outdoor climbing season usually runs from March to November. Gritstone is at its best in spring and autumn, when the cool air gives the best friction. Over the winter, the wall is the perfect place to keep your fitness up, ready for the first dry days of spring.

Not sure which step is right?

Give us a call on 01433 424164 or drop us an email. Tell us what you climbed on your course and what you'd like to do next, and we'll point you to the right option.