Choosing the right Instructor or Guide can make the difference between a good day out or a GREAT day out in the hills. Choosing the right one for you can feel a little intimidating when there are so many on offer, especially when you consider their different qualifications……

There are qualifications for Indoor Climbing Instruction, Outdoor Climbing Instruction, Climbing Coaching, Hill Walking (Summer and Winter), High Altitude Walking, Mountaineering, Winter Climbing and International climbing, mountaineering, winter climbing and ski-ing……….and it is important that you are heading out with someone who has received the right training and holds the correct qualification for your chosen activity.

More importantly, making sure you are heading out with someone fully qualified and who can adapt to the environment and weather will help you get the most out of your time so we have created a table below to help you identify which level of qualification you require your Instructor or Guide to hold.

Don’t forget – the most important part of this table is YOU. It’s your experience that is key to enjoying a great day out so have a think about what you might want to get out of your time. For example: If you want to climb outdoors; a Rock Climbing Instructor could take you out on a Single Pitch climb, however, if you arrive at a crag and it is full, or if the weather is throwing it down that could limit your day. If, however, you booked a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor or British Mountain Guide then they are qualified to take you on a multi-pitch climb or a long mountaineering adventure. In fact, if you are planning on building up to a climb or expedition overseas then by signing up with a British Mountain Guide (all of whom can work Internationally) you could begin a long climbing relationship with a trusted Guide who can take you anywhere in the world……..