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Outdoor Climbing Courses in Bristol and Avon Gorge
Curious about climbing outside?
The Climbing Academy runs outdoor climbing courses in Bristol and the Avon Gorge throughout the summer, with four options to choose from. Whether you’ve never touched rock, you climb indoors and want to make the move outside or you’re ready to start placing your own gear, there’s a course built for where you are.
All courses are led by expert instructors in small groups, in gorgeous outdoor settings.
Which course is right for me?
| Course | Best for | What you’ll get |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Taster | Complete beginners and indoor climbers curious about real rock | A relaxed evening top-roping session with an instructor |
| Intro to Sport Climbing | Indoor lead climbers ready to climb sport routes outside | Clip bolts, thread anchors and clean routes at single-pitch sport crags |
| Guided Multi-Pitch | Anyone wanting to experience longer routes in a stunning setting | Climb multi-pitch routes in the Avon Gorge with expert guidance |
| Intro to Trad Climbing | Experienced indoor lead climbers ready to place their own gear | Place nuts and cams, build anchors and climb single-pitch trad routes |
Still not sure? Read the course details and book below — or get in touch and we’ll help you choose.
Outdoor Taster
Not sure where to start? Our Outdoor Tasters run throughout the summer and are open to anyone aged 16 and over. Whether you’ve never touched a rope before or you’re an experienced indoor climber curious about the great outdoors. Led by our expert instructors, these sessions offer a fun, safe, and welcoming introduction to climbing on natural rock in some genuinely stunning surroundings.
Intro to Sport Climbing
Already leading indoors and ready to take it outside? Our Intro to Sport Climbing course is designed for you. You’ll learn everything you need to climb safely at outdoor sport crags: clipping bolts, threading anchors, cleaning routes, and managing the unique demands of climbing outside. By the end, you’ll have the skills and confidence to climb independently at single-pitch sport crags, opening up a world of new adventure.
Guided Multi-Pitch
Set in the iconic Avon Gorge, right in the heart of Bristol, these evening sessions give you the chance to experience multi-pitch climbing in a spectacular natural setting. Open to all levels – beginners, indoor climbers, and those looking to progress – you’ll be guided by expert instructors in a small group (1:2 coach-to-participant ratio), with routes suitable for every experience level.
Intro to Trad Climbing
Ready to take your outdoor climbing further? Our Intro to Trad Climbing course introduces more experienced indoor climbers to the art of placing their own protection and building anchors on natural rock. The course runs over two sessions: a Thursday evening indoors to cover core skills, followed by a full day out at a local crag (including the Avon Gorge) to put everything into practice. With a small group ratio, expert instruction, and thorough coverage of gear, safety, and outdoor ethics, you’ll finish with a solid foundation in trad technique and a clear path forward.
Frequently asked questions
- What’s the difference between sport climbing and trad climbing?
Sport climbing uses pre-placed bolts in the rock that you clip your rope into for protection. Trad climbing means placing your own removable protection — nuts and cams — into cracks and features as you climb. Sport climbing is usually the more accessible first step outdoors; trad opens up far more of the UK’s classic climbing but takes longer to learn. - Do I need my own equipment?
No. We provide all the technical equipment for every course — rope, harness, helmet and gear. You just need comfortable clothing and trainers or approach shoes. If you own climbing shoes, bring them. - When does the outdoor climbing season run?
Our outdoor courses run from Spring to September. - What happens if the weather is bad?
We monitor conditions closely and will reschedule or relocate sessions if the weather makes climbing impossible. - Is the Avon Gorge suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Avon Gorge has routes across the full range of grades, from gentle introductory climbs to super challenging. Our instructors choose routes for you. - What experience do I need for the Intro to Sport Climbing course?
You should already be comfortable leading indoors. If you’re not yet leading, the Outdoor Taster is a better starting point. - Can I do the Intro to Trad course if I’ve never climbed outside before?
We’d recommend doing the Outdoor Taster or Intro to Sport Climbing first. Trad climbing is a significant step up in technical skill and some prior outdoor experience will help you get the most from the course. - How fit do I need to be?
A reasonable level of general fitness helps, but specific climbing fitness isn’t required for any of our introductory courses.
New to indoor climbing too? Have a look at our intro roped courses at The Church in Bristol or The Arc in Chippenham.
