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Top tips for working towards RCDI training
Sport climbing at Runestone Quarry Working towards qualifications, especially advanced quals like the Rock Climbing Development...
Jun 27


Getting started climbing outdoors - an interview with Anna Hornakova
Getting started climbing outdoors - an interview with new climber Anna
Jun 15


Climber interview - Mike Collins
The first in a series of interview where I ask climbers all about their experiences. First up, Mike Collins shares his journey towards RCDI and MCI.
Apr 5


Best beginner boulder venues in the Lake District
Choosing the right outdoor venue for you, for the weather, and for the time of year can be really tricky. The Lake District bouldering...
Aug 29, 2024


How I bouldered my hardest
I bouldered font 8a (or V11, that sounds more impressive?!). Given that climbing is all about the grades, I’d like to share how I reached...
Jun 9, 2024


RCDI awards - why VS 4c and sport 6a?
To attend a Rock Climbing Development Instructor training course, candidates need to have lead climbed a minimum of 60 VS 4c climbs and...
Mar 3, 2024


Top VS climbs in the Lake District
Maybe you're just breaking in to VS terrain, want to explore the Lakes more, or are building up your logbook for RCDI or MCI...
Feb 21, 2024


I asked those interested in the RCDI qualification what they most need support with....
The Rock Climbing Development Instructor qualification is a pretty high level award. It's ace! You gain a whole lot of input on teaching...
Feb 6, 2024


Why do your RCDI course in the Lake District?!
The Rock Climbing Development Instructor qualification is a relatively new addition to the UK outdoor qualifications pathway. It's filled...
Mar 29, 2023


Gendered spaces and events……
Here's a thought: If we keep building up more and more women's events and groups, but don't communicate well with men, involve them, or...
Mar 20, 2023


My outdoor quals - what I struggled with!
I have learnt SO much over the past 10+ years....and it's really nice to look back and see how far I've come. There's also lots of things...
Jan 3, 2023


Anticipation, small steps, and the 'shoulds'
Last week I went to up to Dove Crag, a steep trad crag in the Lakes that I've always kind of wanted to visit, but always thought would be...
Aug 16, 2022


Top tips for working towards your Rock Climbing Instructor assessment
So you've done your RCI training, and now you need to build up your skills and experience before going for the assessment. This period of...
Jun 3, 2022


Choices choices choices
Top tips for choosing the right trad and sport routes Have you ever been so keen to climb a certain grade that day, that you’ve jumped on...
Mar 14, 2022


How to: use indoor walls to improve your outdoor climbing - Part One
Do your main climbing goals involve outdoor rock routes or boulders? If so, then these articles are for you, covering lots of clever ways...
Apr 16, 2021


The three stage evolution of my wild camping rucksack
Stage 1: "my first ever wild camp" I camped a lot with my family as a child, but this always involved staying in proper campsites, in a...
Jul 4, 2020


Top tips for choosing routes and climbing venues
Here are my top tips to help beginner and intermediate climbers make good venue and route choices.
Jun 9, 2020


Lead Climbing - top tips for starting out
Leading traditional rock climbs is an involved experience and requires lots of technical skills. Read my thoughts on starting out.
May 5, 2020


My top routes of each grade in the Lake District
Now this is just my opinion, and there are plenty of other quality routes out there; don't be completely swayed by star ratings, classic...
Apr 29, 2020
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