Learn to Lead Rock Climbing: Peak District
***This trip is sold out - we still have spaces on our introductory trip which runs alongside.
Dates: Friday 17 October - Sunday 19 October 2025
Location: Peak District National Park, Derbyshire
Duration: 2 days, 2 nights
Group Size: Max 3 people (running alongside our Introductory Rock Climbing course)
Activity: Outdoor trad climbing - learning to place gear, build anchors, and lead climbs safely
Level: Intermediate - to make the most out of this course, you must be a confident climber on top rope (outdoor) or seconding a leader. If you’re unsure, shoot us a message or speak to Freddie at your next session.
Experience the Next Step in Your Climbing Journey
If you’ve ever wanted to progress from seconding routes to leading your own, this is your chance. Over two full days on the gritstone edges of the Peak District, you’ll work closely with our highly qualified instructor in a small, intensive group of just 3 climbers.
This weekend is all about building confidence and competence: placing protection, constructing anchors, understanding belay systems, and developing safe lead climbing habits. You’ll get personal feedback and plenty of hands-on practice.
Optional morning trail runs are also on the agenda for those who want an extra dose of adventure.
Learn how to lead trad climbs so you can be safe on your own adventures!
Why Join This Course?
Because learning to lead opens up the real world of climbing.
Indoor climbing is a great foundation - but leading outdoors is where you truly become an independent climber. With expert guidance in one of the UK’s most iconic climbing destinations, you’ll gain skills that will serve you for years.
This course is limited to just 3 people to maximise safe instruction, ensuring you get tailored coaching and the time to practice each skill safely and thoroughly.
What’s Included
✅ Two full days of guided instruction on traditional lead climbing
✅ Small group size (max 3) for maximum learning and personal attention
✅ Morning guided trail runs (optional)
✅ All necessary technical climbing equipment (personal gear like climbing shoes, helmet, and harness can be hired)
✅ Accommodation at YHA Ravenstor (shared rooms with fellow Jove members)
✅ Breakfast on both days
✅ Saturday evening meal (excluding drinks)
✅ Professional safety instruction throughout
✅ Assistance coordinating car shares from London
Learn key skills like how to safely place protection, build anchors and belays
Trip Itinerary (Overview)
Friday 17 October
Arrive at YHA Ravenstor in the afternoon/evening
Settle in and relax
Saturday 18 October
Optional morning trail run for those keen
After breakfast, head to the crag for a full day of lead climbing instruction
Evening group dinner and social time
Sunday 19 October
Another optional morning trail run
Breakfast followed by a second day of climbing and consolidation of skills
Wrap up and head back home by late afternoon
Once you can lead climbs, you’ll get closer to unlocking bigger and bolder adventures, from mountaineering and multi-pitch climbing to winter and alpine climbing.
Pricing:
£470 - Non-members
£430 - Jove Club members
First adventure? Subscribe to our newsletter for an extra 10% discount.
Who’s It For?
This course is ideal for climbers who:
Are confident seconding routes outdoors and want to progress to leading
Have some experience with gear placements (helpful, but not essential)
Want expert tuition in a small, focused group setting
Are ready to take their climbing independence to the next level
You don’t need to be an expert to join - but you should be comfortable seconding trad routes and belaying.
Travel
Where to Meet: YHA Ravenstor
Most members travel up from London, and we’ll help coordinate car shares. Alternatively, you can take a train to Buxton or Sheffield and then a bus/taxi to the hostel.
Note: To access crags, at least one car per group is recommended.
Final Words
This is a unique opportunity to learn trad climbing in a supportive, small-group environment. Whether your goal is to start leading single-pitch routes confidently, or to build solid safety foundations for bigger adventures, this course gives you the skills and confidence you need.
Forget the indoor walls — this is about stepping into the real climbing world, learning lifelong skills, and sharing the experience with fellow adventurers.
Essential Gear List
Climbing Gear:
Comfortable athletic clothing
Climbing shoes (can be hired from the instructor)
Helmet (can be hired from the instructor)
Harness (can be hired from the instructor)
Chalk bag
Day pack with warm/waterproof layers
Water bottle & snacks
Running Gear (optional):
Trail running shoes
Running shorts/leggings & technical top
Running socks
Small running pack/vest (optional)
General Equipment:
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Warm layers (fleece/insulated jacket)
Hat and gloves
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Cap
Personal first aid items + medication
Change of clothes for evenings
Toiletries & towel
Book below, send any questions to hello@thejoveclub.com, or speak to Freddie at your next Jove Club session.