Intro to Trad Climbing

Take your outdoor climbing to new levels of experience

You’ve learned to top-rope – and maybe you've done some outdoor sport climbing - but now it's time to experience outdoor climbing the way it was originally done. Our Intro to Trad Climbing course is designed for confident beginners and also more experienced indoor climbers, who are comfortable top-rope belaying and are ready to step outside. Build confidence on natural rock and gain some essential skills and experience for trad climbing at local outdoor crags.

Traditional climbing, or "trad," is a form of rock climbing where the leader places removable protective gear (nuts, cams) in the rock for safety, rather than using pre-placed bolts.

Led by expert instructors, this course will teach you how to safely approach outdoor trad climbing, from what to expect on a "rack" of gear, how to manage and assess proper gear placement while climbing outdoors, and managing risk in a new environment.

By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a clear, contextual understanding of the trad climbing world—what it involves and how it works. You’ll also receive tailored feedback to help guide your next steps, leaving you confident about where to go next and how to continue building on your experience.

What to Expect
✔ Learn essential outdoor trad climbing skills – Including gear placement and assessment guidance.
✔ Build confidence on real rock – Understand movement, rock types and outdoor climbing etiquette.
✔ Expert instruction in a small group setting – Personalised coaching from experienced instructors.
✔ Experience a local outdoor venue – Climb at the Avon Gorge, a sunny limestone crag with incredible views of the suspension bridge, and accessible by foot from Bristol city centre!

Course Format
Thursday evening session indoors at The Church – Learn key techniques in a controlled environment.
Full Saturday at Avon Gorge – putting your skills into practice on real rock.

This course is your first step toward unforgettable climbing adventures, giving you the confidence to explore crags in the UK and beyond.

Book your place now and start your outdoor climbing journey!