Outdoor Rock Climbing Courses
Becoming Independent Outdoors
There will be a subheading here
Take the next step in your climbing journey and learn how to climb outside without relying on an instructor. Climbnation’s Becoming Independent Outdoors course is designed to give you the skills, confidence and judgement to plan and enjoy your own days on real rock safely.
This course is the natural progression from our Introduction to Rock Climbing course, but it is also suitable for motivated beginners who want a more in-depth, faster-track course towards independence.
What You Will Learn
Over the course, you will build the key skills needed to operate safely and independently outdoors:
Belaying with confidence
Refine safe, efficient belaying on real rock, including good communication and rope management.
Essential knots for outdoor climbing
Learn and practise the core knots you need for tying in, rigging and building safe systems.
Movement on rock
Develop more advanced movement skills, footwork and balance to climb more efficiently in different styles of terrain.
Gear placement
An introduction to placing and assessing traditional protection (if applicable to your venues), understanding when and how it is used to keep climbers safe.
Rigging and basic rope systems
Learn how to set up safe top ropes or bottom ropes, choose good anchors and build simple, reliable systems.
Using guidebooks effectively
Read and interpret climbing guidebooks and topos so you can choose appropriate crags and routes for your level.
Outdoor ethics and etiquette
Understand how to minimise your impact, respect other climbers and access restrictions, and look after the crags you visit.
The focus throughout is on safe systems, good habits and real-world decision making, not just ticking off a list of skills.
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal if:
You’ve completed our Introduction to Rock Climbing course and want to move towards climbing independently
You’re a keen beginner who wants a more comprehensive, skills-focused outdoor course
You’ve climbed indoors or had a few outdoor days and now want to take more responsibility for safety and decision-making
If you’re unsure whether this is the right level for you, get in touch and we’ll help you choose the best course.
Why Learn to Be Independent with Climbnation?
Experienced, qualified instructors focused on building your confidence and judgement
Small group sizes so you get plenty of hands-on practice and feedback
A clear emphasis on practical independence – by the end, you’ll understand what you can safely do on your own and where you may still want support
Prices & Booking
Open Courses
Join a small group of climbers on a similar journey towards independence. Ideal if you’re booking solo or with a partner
From GBP 200 per person
Private Courses
A customised course for you and your group. Perfect for friends, clubs or teams who want tailored coaching
GBP 550 for up to 6 people
Extra Benefit
All course bookings receive a 10% discount for the Climbnation online shop, helping you start building your own rack and equipment as you become more independent.
In summary, Climbnation’s Becoming Independent Outdoors course will help you: