What is RealRock?
MARCH 2021 UPDATE - We have some interim RealRock sessions available running from the 3rd of April to the 26th of April. These sessions are being run in line with guidance from Mountain Training Scotland, sportscotland and our technical advisor, following guidance allowing under 18's some lee way in travelling for organised sport. The sessions are open to young people from out with the local authority in which the session is being run, however, for these interim sessions, we would ask that participants keep travel reasonable (for example coming from a neighbouring local authority, rather than travelling through several local authorities to get to the session)
RealRock sessions aim to support the transition from indoor to outdoor climbing for young people aged 8-17 years old. Whether it is trad, sport or bouldering you're into, come along to progress your outdoor climbing experience.
RealRock Outdoor Intro
Outdoor Intro courses are designed to take competent young indoor climbers and help them make the transition to climbing outside, whether that is boulder, sport or trad. Content of the session will vary dependant on participants and venue, however broadly we aim to look at several of the following topics; Movement technique on real rock, technical skills, footwear and equipment, lead climbing is NOT covered (see sessions below for this).
Outdoor Intro sessions are perfect for indoor climbers wanting to give outdoor climbing a try.
Participants must be able to put on a harness, tie a figure of eight knot and competently bottom-rope belay another climber. Note, these prerequisites are not necessary for Outdoor Intro bouldering sessions.
Costs- Mountaineering Scotland / ClimbScotland Gold Members: £30 per person.
- Non-members: £46.75 (this includes a year's membership!).
RealRock Learn to Lead Sport
Learn to Lead Sport courses are designed to take climbers who can competently climb indoors and translate these skills to outdoor sport crags. For those just starting out with leading outdoors we run one day 'beginner' courses and for those who can lead outside already, we run 'improvers' courses over two days which look at more advance coaching/instruction. Improvers courses are run at a 1:2 ratio and one day beginners courses are run at 1:3. Content of the session will vary dependant on participants, however the aim is to develop participants sport lead climbing skills. This may include looking at some of the following topics; Movement technique on real rock, footwear and equipment, lead belaying, lead climbing, background planning.
Learn to lead sport sessions are perfect for indoor climbers wanting to learn to lead on outdoor sport climbs or improve their current sport lead climbing.
Participants must be consistently climbing 6a-6b indoors and be a competent top-rope belayer. Some experience of indoor lead climbing would be beneficial.
Costs- Mountaineering Scotland / ClimbScotland Gold Members:
- Improvers Two Day - £135 per person (£151.75 for non-members)
- Improvers One Day - £67 per person (£83.75 for non-members)
- Beginners One Day - £45 per person (£61.75 for non-members)
- Note - non-member price includes 1 year of membership
RealRock Learn to Lead Trad
Learn to Lead Trad courses are designed to take young climbers who can competently lead climb and have experience of climbing outdoors and introduce them to leading traditionally protected routes. These courses are run as both one day sessions and two day courses (normally a weekend) and at a ratio of 1:2. Content of the session will vary dependant on participants, however the aim is to develop participants trad lead climbing skills. This may inclue looking at some of the following topics; Movement technique on real rock, footwear and equipment, belaying a trad lead, lead climbing, placing and removing traditional gear, setting up belays, setting up retrievable abseils, background planning.
Learn to lead trad sessions are perfect for climbers who would like to develop their trad leading skills or improve their current trad climbing.
Participants must be consistently leading f6b indoors minimum and have some experience of climbing outdoors (either personal or through prior RealRock courses).
Costs- Mountaineering Scotland / ClimbScotland Gold Members:
- Trad One Day - £67 per person (£83.75 for non-members)
- Trad Two Day - £135 per person (£151.75 for non-members)
- Note - non-member price includes 1 year of membership
How it works
Here is some key information that will help you plan for your RealRock session:
- If in doubt about a climbers suitability for any of the above courses please get in touch with us (info@climbscotland.net)
- We aim to be at the crag for a full day (10am-5pm) dependant on weather and energy levels
- Parents or guardians must provide their own transport to the climbing venue. Under 14s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the whole session.
- Technical equipment such as a harness, belay plate, rock shoes and helmet will be required by participants. Being familiar with your own equipment will maximise what you get out of the day, so we ask that you come prepared with all the required kit.
- As it's in Scotland, the session is very weather dependent. We try our best to run sessions outdoors (so pack your waterproofs!), but if the weather is not playing game, then we may have to cancel.
- In the hunt for dry rock, suitable locations and venues will vary, as will the distance.
- Food and accomodation is not included in the cost of two day courses - these must be arranged by participants
- Photography and video are taken at these events to promote through our website and social media. Please advise a member of the team if you do not wish to have your or your child's photograph taken.
- You can find our full booking conditions on the Mountaineering Scotland website here.
Interim RealRock's prior to 26th April (scroll down for dates beyond this)
| Dates |
Area/Location* |
Activity |
| 3 April |
Perth and Kinross - Lednock Boulders |
Outdoor Intro - Bouldering |
| 6 April |
Perth and Kinross - Bennybeg |
Outdoor Intro - Roped |
| 6 April |
Glasgow - Blantyre Towers |
Outdoor Intro - Roped |
| 8 April |
Perth and Kinross - Bennybeg |
Outdoor Intro - Roped |
| 10 April |
Perth and Kinross - Bennybeg |
Outdoor Intro - Roped |
| 10 April |
Glasgow - Neilston |
Outdoor Intro - Roped |
| 11 April |
Perth and Kinross - Bennybeg |
Outdoor Intro - Roped |
| 11 April |
Glasgow - Neilston |
Outdoor Intro - Roped |
| 13 April |
Perth and Kinross - Lednock Boulders |
Outdoor Intro - Bouldering |
| 13 April |
Glasgow - Craigmaddie |
Outdoor Intro - Bouldering |
| 15 April |
Perth and Kinross - Lednock Boulders |
Outdoor Intro - Bouldering |
| 15 April |
Glasgow - Windyhill |
Outdoor Intro - Bouldering |
When?
| Dates |
Area/Location* |
Activity |
| 24 April |
Central Belt |
Learn to Lead - Sport (One day - Improvers) |
| 25 April |
Central Belt |
Learn to Lead - Trad (One day) |
| 1 May |
Highlands |
Learn to Lead - Sport (One day - improvers) |
| 2 May |
Highlands |
Learn to Lead - Trad (one day) |
| 22 May |
Central Belt |
Learn to Lead - Sport (One day - Beginners) |
| 23 May |
Central Belt |
Learn to Lead - Sport (One day - Beginners) |
| 5 June |
Central Belt |
Learn to Lead - Trad (One-day) |
| 6 June |
Central Belt |
Learn to Lead - Trad (One-day) |
| 12/13 June |
Central Belt |
Learn to Lead - Sport (Two day - improvers) |
| 3/4 July |
Highlands - Reiff |
Learn to Lead - Trad (Two day) |
| 17/18 July |
Highlands |
Learn to Lead - Sport (Two day - improvers) |
| 31 July/1 August |
Highlands |
Learn to Lead - Trad (Two day) |
| 14 August |
Highlands |
Learn to Lead - Sport (One day - beginners) |
| 15 August |
Highlands |
Learn to Lead - Sport (One day - beginners) |
| 28/29 August |
Highlands |
Learn to Lead - Trad (Two day) |
| 11 September |
Central Belt |
Outdoor Intro |
| 12 September |
Central Belt |
Outdoor Intro |
| 25 September |
Highlands |
Outdoor Intro |
| 26 September |
Highlands |
Outdoor Intro |
*Area/Location: Will be confirmed two days before the sessions take place. This allows us to be flexible with the weather and the hunt for dry rock.
How to book
Book and pay quickly and easily online via the
Mountaineering Scotland web portal. Here's how:
- Existing members who are first-time users of the portal will need to set up their login via the 'forgotten password' link and follow on-screen instructions. When you are in, go to the 'book an event' tab and select the RealRock session you want.
- Non-members will need to login to the portal via the "Join us" option; enter your details and follow on-screen instructions. Go into the "Your details" tab and complete the required fields before heading for the "Book an event" tab. Select the non-member price for the RealRock session you would like to attend. This includes a year’s ClimbScotland Gold membership.
- After booking you will receive a payment receipt and an event booking confirmation email with the booking conditions attached.
- A further information email will be sent out two days prior to the session taking place.
- New members will get their membership pack through the post in a week – find out more about what you get as a Mountaineering Scotland member.
- For parents / guardians on Income Support please contact us directly regarding a further concession.
Any questions?
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at:
info@climbscotland.netLast but by no means least...
Massive thank you to DMM Climbing who support our RealRock programme by providing awesome kit that makes our sessions possible.
