Climber self-rescue courses 

New for 2026, we've launched two self-rescue courses for climbers. Our introduction course will cover the fundamentals that a trad rock climber might need to carry out a basic rescue of the climbing second or escape the system to go and get help, whilst the improvers course is ideal for those wanting to know how to solve more complex problems. Find out more about both courses below.

Introduction to Self-Rescue for Climbers 

This course is for rock climbers that are already leading trad climbs but want to know how to solve common problems, or situations that they or their partner might get into. We will introduce you to the fundamentals that a trad rock climber might need to carry out a basic rescue of the climbing second or escape the system to go and get help. There will be opportunities to see each skill demonstrated, perform the skill and then practice the skill.  

Instructor to climber ratio 1:4.

What you'll learn

The course covers situations like: 

  • Tying off the belay plate 
  • Assisted hoist 
  • Unassisted hoist 
  • Second climbed past a runner 
  • Escaping the system 

We cannot guarantee all skills will be covered, as we would like to cover things well, rather than rushing through to cover everything. 

Pre-requisites 

  • Participants must have led at least 3 trad rock climbing routes.  
  • Participants must be able to competently belay another lead climber, as well as competently belay a second from above.  

Equipment

Please bring your own rack, rope, harness and rock shoes. This is to allow you to get to know your own equipment, it’s capabilities and its limitations. The instructor will also bring additional equipment to facilitate the course. 

Fitness Level 3


The course will involve steep rough terrain.  

Self-Rescue for Climbers - Improvers

This course is for rock climbers who are already leading trad climbs but want to know how to solve more complex problems, which are still common. We will refresh escaping the system and then move on to common problems that trad climbing teams might face when retreating from a situation either down or up. There will be opportunities to see each skill demonstrated, perform the skill and then practice the skill. 

Instructor to climber ratio 1:4 

What you'll learn

The course covers situations like: 

  • Refresher of escaping the system 
  • Escaping the system, and retreat from a belay 
  • Ascending a rope 
  • Abseiling past a knot 

We cannot guarantee all skills will be covered, as we would like to cover things well, rather than rushing through to cover everything. 

Pre-requisites 

  • Participants must have led at least 3 trad rock climbing routes.  
  • Participants must be able to competently belay another lead climber, as well as competently belay a second from above. 
  • Participants must either have attended the ‘Intro to Self-Rescue for Climbers Course’ or be able to escape the belay system effectively.  

Equipment

Please bring your own rack, rope, harness and rock shoes. This is to allow you to get to know your own equipment, it’s capabilities and its limitations. The instructor will also bring additional equipment to facilitate the course. 

Fitness Level 3


The course will involve steep rough terrain.  

Course dates & locations

Introduction - 9 May - Locharber

Improvers - 10 May - Locharber

Bookings open soon.

Cost

  • Introduction - £65 for Mountaineering Scotland members 
  • Improvers - £65 for Mountaineering Scotland members 

Not a member? Join us - Thanks to your membership, we can subsidise the costs of our courses and offer them at affordable prices compared to most commercial providers. (More about membership benefits)

Why become a member?

  • Your membership fee goes back into supporting the work we do including our skills and safety course program
  • You're protected with £20m liability insurance and up to £10k personal accident for your mountaineering activities
  • Save money on outdoor gear with some fantastic member-only discounts and offers with major brands and retailers
  • Keep up to date with the latest in our monthly members e-news
  • Be inspired by our feature packed members magazine, Scottish Mountaineer, with two issues a year in print or digital format
  • Stay in some amazing location for walking and climbing, with access to national and club huts
  • Get free registration with Mountain Training Scotland to help you on your journey to gaining qualifications

Booking conditions

To book onto one of our mountain safety courses, you need to be a member of Mountaineering Scotland and at least 18 years old when the course takes place. Thanks to your membership, we can subsidise the costs of our courses and offer you cheaper course prices than most commercial providers.

Please note:

  • Pre-booking is essential.
  • By booking a place on one of our courses, you are agreeing to our booking and cancellation conditions - please read them before you book.
  • Cancellations more than 4 weeks before the course date will incur a £10 admin fee per booking to cover admin costs.
  • If you cancel less than 4 weeks before a course date, we are unable to offer a refund or transfer unless we can find a replacement to take your place (£10 admin fee applies).
  • If you cancel less than 7 days before a course date, we are unable to offer a refund.

How to book a place on a course

To book onto one of our mountain safety courses, you need to be a member of Mountaineering Scotland and aged 18 or over. 

Thanks to your membership, we can subsidise the costs of our courses and offer you cheaper course prices than most commercial providers.

  • Mountaineering Scotland members can book and pay easily and quickly online in our members’ web portal. 
  • If you are not a Mountaineering Scotland member, you can join and book your course place at the same time quickly and easily online in our members' web portal. 

Please take a look at our useful course information for booking and cancellation conditions.