How long does it take you to reply?

As mountaineering is a time intensive activity, please expect a reply within 24 hours rather than immediately. The more information you give in your initial enquiry, the more accurate and complete a reply we can provide. Alternatively, please use the 'book now' buttons which are kept up-to-date with our current availability.

Can you find me a partner for my day?
If you are on your own, and would like to climb, walk, navigate or scramble with others, we can try to find another person to join us for the day. We'll email you if we have relevant enquiries.

How do I pay?

Payment is taken by bank transfer (no fee) or by card on a Zettle link(small fee) we will send you or by card when booking on our Beyonk booking page (if you use this method, there is a Beyonk booking fee of £6).

What is included?
An appropriately qualified and insured instructor or guide, all necessary ropes and group gear. For beginners or taster and family sessions, all equipment is included. For more advanced courses, please discuss with us if you do not have anything on the kit list. It is always better to use your own if you have them. Please ask for advice if you are going to buy your own. Lunch, drinks, travel and your own insurances are not included.

What equipment do I need?
For taster sessions, you don't need any equipment. apart from your clothing to keep you warm and dry, and appropriate footwear. For more advanced courses, you will receive a kit list when you book, but as an overview, you'll need appropriate clothing and waterproofs for the conditions. Scramblers will need harness and helmet, and climbers will need harness, helmet, rock shoes and belay device. We can provide any of these items that you don't have except shoes, but can advise where to hire these if necessary. Navigators will need a compass and map.

Do I need a map and compass?
Only those on navigation courses need a map and compass, but by all means bring them for walking days if you wish. If you are going to buy a compass, get one with a long baseplate. We suggest either the Suunto A-30 or M3 (two versions, budget dependent), or if you prefer Silva, the Expedition 4. However, most compasses are ok.

What experience do I need?
On bespoke courses, whatever experience you have is the right amount - we can adapt to suit. However not all open courses can be appropriate for everyone. Please ask for advice if unsure.

How long are the days?
Unless stated otherwise, days will be planned so that we meet at 9 or 9:30 and finish by 4:30 (9 to 4 in winter). Please always advise us of any time constraints you have.

What about under 18s?
All under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. This is non-negotiable as it is the law. As some under 18s have extensive experience and/or ability we don't preclude them from any activity as a rule. Please discuss your requirements with us. Age limits below 18 are not limits but guidelines.

What if I have to cancel?
If you cancel more than one month ahead, then you'll receive a full refund less any fees incurred; 50% refund if more than 14 days; sorry, but there's no refund if closer than that. Please ensure you have insurance to cover this if it is a concern.

Does The Lakes Mountaineer ever cancel?
We will endeavour to ensure that your booking will run. If climbing, rain may require a change of venue, grade or focus. In winter, the route may have to change for safety reasons. We can't account for illness and injury, but will try to find alternative arrangements. In the unlikely event we do cancel, you will get as much notice as possible as well as a full refund.

May I bring spectators?
Some courses are not appropriate for spectators. However, courses at climbing walls and some beginner courses or family adventures may be appropriate. Please ask and we can discuss this.

May I bring my dog?
Walking in summer conditions is usually fine for dogs, as long as they are kept under control at all times - this may mean on a lead. Please don't bring your dog on open navigation courses. Some dogs are content when tied up at the crag for a few hours while you climb if there is no other option. For anything else, we suggest them being with someone else where they'll have more fun.

Can I book The Lakes Mountaineer for other locations?
Most of our work is in the Lake District. However, walking holidays, courses and climbing trips have and can be been organised elsewhere in the UK.

What is your cookie policy?
We like cookies, but not if they have nuts in them.