British Big Wall School
Welcome to the Crux Outdoors British Big Wall School
If you're a competent rock climber and are planning a big walling trip for the first time, or want to hone skills you've already learned, you’re in the right place.
We have designed a 3 day big wall climbing course that runs right here in the UK, that will equip you with the skills and practical knowledge to safely and efficiently climb big walls all over the world.
Whilst the UK doesn’t offer multi-day big wall climbing, is does serve as a fantastic training venue where big wall techniques can be safely replicated and effectively taught. Our locations are all within the vast Scottish Highlands and Islands, and our walls are still hundreds of feet tall, so it’s as close to the real thing as you can get.
Learn essential big wall skills before doing it for real
Big walling is not something you should ever attempt without a comprehensive understanding of unique climbing and ropework techniques. You should absolutely not ‘wing it’. When something goes wrong in this environment it usually goes very wrong, so it is each climbers responsibility to adequately prepare themselves for all eventualities. Ultimately this massively increases the chances of a successful climb, and a far more enjoyable experience.
You'll get practical instruction and advice on aid climbing techniques, hanging stances, hauling and sleeping on the wall; delivered by our experts who are highly qualified climbing instructors experienced in big wall climbing. They will share their in-depth knowledge of big walling with you in the controlled environment of the Highland crags where you'll put quality of life, technical, and problem solving skills you've learned into practice. As they're so passionate about what they do, they'll add that personal touch too by helping you plan your trip using their first-hand experience, so you can get the most out of it.
Overview
The Quiraing - The Isle of Skye, Neist Point - Isle of Skye, Dunnet Head.
Other Locations across the UK may be available on request.
Location
Duration
2 - 3 days, depending on syllabus you choose
Dates
To suit your availability, between March - October
Price
£280 per day
Minimum Age
16 years old
Client-to-Instructor ratio
2:1 only, so we can give you our fullest attention
Expert tuition
Use of all required technical equipment
Complimentary refreshments
50% discount on all items in our online store
Whats Included
Aid Climbing lead systems
Seconding/stripping Aid leads on different terrains
Hauling systems
Wall and Aid Climbing specific kit
Ascending fixed lines
Descending with Haul bags, past knots etc
Portaledge set ups and living on The Wall
Stance management
Problem solving
Throughout the course we will cover the following:
How much we can cover and in what detail depends on your prior experience and the amount of time you spend with us – so come and kick start your Wall Climbing aspirations with us!
Our staff will help you plan your trip, with first hand experience and advice. All our staff are dedicated climbers and have a great depth of knowledge of Big Walling. They're qualified and experienced in teaching climbing at all levels, and will be keen to pass on their knowledge to you.
Typical Big Wall School Itinerary
Day 1
Here we introduce the system of aid climbing. We will mainly look at clean aid climbing, and jumaring a rope as a second. How to fix the ropes, and what issues you may come across.
Day 2
As well as covering the previous day’s systems. We will introduce marginal, and hammered aid climbing techniques. As well as hauling and the lowering of the haul bags. We will cover the different systems of hauling, and when to use them.
Day 3 (Optional, but recommended)
Here we will put all we have learnt into practice. From aid climbing, jumaring, hauling, and marginal gear. We will also be setting up the portaledge, and breaking it down. As if you were doing it for real attempting a big wall for real.
The course content and location tend to be dictated to us by the weather, so the big wall climbing course layout can change.
