Wanderers of Colour
Climbing Festival
Thursday 6th - Sunday 9th August 2026
Peak District, UK
Scroll down for more information or click the buttons if you’re looking for something specific.
Climbing
⋆
Climbing ⋆
Instructor-led workshops
For those new to climbing, new to outdoor climbing, those looking to hone or improve skills already gained outdoors, or even simply those who wish to have access to an instructor who knows the local rock well, we offer a range of paid courses.
You can attend a course alone, the numbers will allow for balanced groups so you will be assigned a partner.
Transport will be provided for instructed courses. Please ensure you are at the meeting point promptly to join your group.
You can book onto instructed courses when you purchase your ticket. There will also be a chance to book onto sessions later using the manage your booking functionality.
We have tried to keep these workshop fees as low as possible. For comparison with standard fees, please refer to the course listing provided by Mountain Training.
Please note that not all instructors will be Black people or people of colour.
Workshops which do not require previous climbing experience
Outdoor bouldering for beginners
-
Date: Friday, 5 July 2024
Duration: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:6
Workshop description: This is an outdoor bouldering workshop designed specifically for beginners! Whether you're new to outdoor bouldering or looking to enhance your skills, this clinic offers the perfect opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.
Cost: £45
During this session, you'll have the chance to:
- Experience the thrill of outdoor bouldering in a safe and controlled setting.
- Learn essential techniques for mat management and spotting to ensure a safe climbing experience.
- Receive personalized coaching to improve your climbing movement and technique.
- Gain valuable tips and insights to enhance your outdoor bouldering adventures in the future.
Pre-requisites: No prior climbing experience is required; however, a moderate level of physical fitness and a willingness to challenge oneself are recommended.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage/Sheffield.
Instructor/Provider: Leon Perkins
Instructor/Provider bio:
Age 36
From Liverpool
Mixed heritage - Jamaican and English
Mountain leader, rock climbing instructor and paddle sport leader, outdoor education degree from LJMU
Started climbing in 2016, learned to climb at Peak District classic spots like stanage, windgather and burbage.
Favourite type of climbing, long multipitch climbing in the mountains.
Before working in the outdoors I was a professional freestyle BMX rider.
Outdoor bouldering for beginners (for women and non-binary people)
-
Date: Saturday, 6 July 2024
Duration: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:6
Workshop description:
This workshop is specifically for women, including trans women, and all non-binary people.
This is an outdoor bouldering workshop designed specifically for beginners! Whether you're new to outdoor bouldering or looking to enhance your skills, this clinic offers the perfect opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.
Cost: £45
During this session, you'll have the chance to:
- Experience the thrill of outdoor bouldering in a safe and controlled setting.
- Learn essential techniques for mat management and spotting to ensure a safe climbing experience.
- Receive personalized coaching to improve your climbing movement and technique.
- Gain valuable tips and insights to enhance your outdoor bouldering adventures in the future.
Pre-requisites: No prior climbing experience is required; however, a moderate level of physical fitness and a willingness to challenge oneself are recommended.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage/Sheffield.
Instructor/Provider: Helen Tang
Instructor/Provider bio: Helen Tang is a climber of 7 years, working through the ranks of sport climbing predominantly, but also loves to trad climb and boulder. Favourite type of climb is a sketchy trad adventure up a mountain. RCI instructor for over a year, with also FUNdamentals 1&2 under her belt.
Mountain Training Rock Skills Introduction
-
Date: Friday, 5 July; Saturday, 6 July; Sunday, 7 July
Length: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:6
Workshop description:
Course covers: Putting on a harness and tying in to a rope, belaying, abseiling and moving on rock as well as an introduction to climbing guidebooks, crag ethics and etiquette and managing risk
Cost: £35
Ideal for: beginner climbers, those who have never climbed on rock and those with limited experience of climbing indoors.
Pre-requisites: No previous indoor or outdoor climbing experience required, although some indoor climbing experience is highly recommended to make the most of this workshop.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage.
Instructor/Provider: Harriet MacMillan/Navigation with Harriet (sponsored by Mountain Training)
Instructor/Provider bio: Harriet loves the mountains, walking, climbing and everything in between. She is usually found in the Lake District with her Collie dog.
Hill walking and Navigation
-
Date: Friday, 5 July
Duration: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:12
Workshop description:
Whether you're a seasoned walker looking to improve your skills or someone who's never read a map before, this Peak District Navigation Courses will teach you how to master the art of using a map and compass. We've got everything you need to help you find your way, so you can explore the great outdoors with confidence.
Cost: £35
Pre-requisites: None
Contingency plan: This workshop is likely to run even if it rains. In case it’s absolutely not feasible to go on a walk, we will discuss navigation skills in an indoor location.
Instructor/Provider: Pure outdoor
Instructor/Provider bio:
Since 2006, Pure Outdoor have provided UK and overseas Hillwalking, Climbing, Caving, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, First Aid, Corporate Training and Group Events from our base in the Peak District. Our excellent, dedicated training centre The Adventure Hub provides a unique facility for all customers to enjoy.
Workshops which require indoor climbing experience
From indoor to outdoor bouldering - first steps
-
Date: Sunday, 7 July 2024
Duration: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:6
Workshop description:
This is an outdoor bouldering workshop tailored for those with prior indoor bouldering experience, climbing at a grade V2 or above. This specialized clinic is designed to transition your skills from the controlled environment of the indoor gym to the exhilarating challenges of outdoor bouldering.
Cost: £45
During this session, you'll have the chance to:
- Explore the unique dynamics of outdoor bouldering while leveraging your existing indoor climbing techniques.
- Learn mat management skills and develop an understanding of spotting techniques in an outdoor setting.
- Receive personalized coaching to improve your climbing movement and technique, tailored to your current skill level.
Pre-requisites: To make the most out of this session, we recommend that you join if you're already climbing at a grade V2 or above indoors. Not prior outdoor climbing experience is required.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage/Sheffield.
Instructor/Provider: Sandra Berlin
Instructor/Provider bio: Sandra, a Brazilian-born certified Development Coach and Senior Yoga Teacher, is deeply passionate about movement. With over 12 years in the climbing industry as a coach, manager, and route setter, she possesses a profound understanding of climbers from various backgrounds. Sandra is the founder of Climb & Yoga, offering coaching, workshops, and retreats across England and abroad.
Her coaching style is characterised by its friendly and inquisitive nature, encouraging clients to explore the mechanics of their movements and connect with their bodies. Having overcome her own injuries, Sandra emphasises conditioning and advocates for a balanced, strong, and mobile body as the foundation for climbing success and longevity. As a yoga teacher, she seamlessly integrates mindfulness techniques into her coaching, addressing the psychological aspects of climbing.
Climbing movement for Gritstone
-
Date: Friday, 5 July and Sunday, 7 July 2024
Duration: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:6
Workshop description:
Climbing on gritstone forces you to use good technique – jamming, laybacking and smearing. If you want to learn about climbing cracks, arêtes or slabs this workshop is for you. The workshop will be led by an instructor with a local experience who wil be able to provide you tips on technique. This is not a lead course. Climbers will be on top rope during the workshop.
Cost: £45
Pre-requisites: Participants are expected to be climbing a minimum of French grade 6a indoors. No outdoor climbing experience is required.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage/Sheffield.
Instructor/Provider: Adventure Expertise
Instructor/Provider bio:
Adventure Expertise works with a great range of people each year to provide tailored instruction, guiding and NGB training and assessment courses for those wanting to get outdoors. Founded on an ethos of bringing a tailored, flexible approach, Adventure Expertise has recently become a not-for-profit organisation to help further the work that we do, particularly in breaking down barriers to participation in the outdoors. In recent years, our focus has been on working with ex-forces personnel charity Climb2Recovery, providing Lowland Leader, Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor training and assessment courses and a range of climbing, mountaineering and hillwalking courses tailored to personal development aims and needs. Our recent shift to not-for-profit status alongside our sister company, Adventure Expeditions, is an exciting development and we're heading into the second half of 2024 ready to extend our reach in breaking down barriers to participation in rock climbing, hillwalking and mountaineering further. Fun is a key component of our approach - ensuring everyone feels comfortable and heard so that you can come away with as many laughs and skills as possible, ready for your next adventure.
From indoor to outdoor climbing - first steps
-
Date: Saturday, 6 July
Duration: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:9
Workshop description:
Step out of the indoor gym and into the rugged beauty of gritstone with our beginner-friendly Introduction to Outdoor Climbing workshop! Perfect for indoor climbers eager to experience the thrill of climbing on natural rock for the very first time.
Cost: £45
During this workshop, you will:
- Discover the unique challenges and joys of climbing on gritstone, where mastering good technique is key to success.
- Receive expert guidance from a seasoned instructor with extensive local knowledge, who will provide invaluable tips and techniques to enhance your climbing experience.
- Explore a variety of climbing techniques - jamming, laybacking and smearing, as you gain confidence and proficiency on the rock.
Pre-requisites: Participants are expected to have prior indoor climbing (top rope) experience and confidence with belaying. We recommend that you have top roped indoors a minimum of 10 times to attend this workshop. No minimum climbing grade required.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage/Sheffield.
Instructor/Provider: Adventure Expertise
Instructor/Provider bio:
Adventure Expertise works with a great range of people each year to provide tailored instruction, guiding and NGB training and assessment courses for those wanting to get outdoors. Founded on an ethos of bringing a tailored, flexible approach, Adventure Expertise has recently become a not-for-profit organisation to help further the work that we do, particularly in breaking down barriers to participation in the outdoors. In recent years, our focus has been on working with ex-forces personnel charity Climb2Recovery, providing Lowland Leader, Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor training and assessment courses and a range of climbing, mountaineering and hillwalking courses tailored to personal development aims and needs. Our recent shift to not-for-profit status alongside our sister company, Adventure Expeditions, is an exciting development and we're heading into the second half of 2024 ready to extend our reach in breaking down barriers to participation in rock climbing, hillwalking and mountaineering further. Fun is a key component of our approach - ensuring everyone feels comfortable and heard so that you can come away with as many laughs and skills as possible, ready for your next adventure.
Climbing movement for Gritstone (for women and non-binary people)
-
Date: Friday, 5 July
Duration: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:6
Workshop description:
This workshop is specifically for women, including trans women, and all non-binary people.
Climbing on gritstone forces you to use good technique – jamming, laybacking and smearing. If you want to learn about climbing cracks, arêtes or slabs this workshop is for you. The workshop will be led by an instructor with a local experience who will be able to provide you tips on technique. This is not a lead course. Climbers will be on top rope during the workshop.
Cost: £45
Pre-requisites: Participants are expected to be climbing a minimum of French grade 6a indoors. No outdoor climbing experience is required.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage/Sheffield.
Instructor/Provider: Adventure Expertise
Instructor/Provider bio:
Adventure Expertise works with a great range of people each year to provide tailored instruction, guiding and NGB training and assessment courses for those wanting to get outdoors. Founded on an ethos of bringing a tailored, flexible approach, Adventure Expertise has recently become a not-for-profit organisation to help further the work that we do, particularly in breaking down barriers to participation in the outdoors. In recent years, our focus has been on working with ex-forces personnel charity Climb2Recovery, providing Lowland Leader, Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor training and assessment courses and a range of climbing, mountaineering and hillwalking courses tailored to personal development aims and needs. Our recent shift to not-for-profit status alongside our sister company, Adventure Expeditions, is an exciting development and we're heading into the second half of 2024 ready to extend our reach in breaking down barriers to participation in rock climbing, hillwalking and mountaineering further. Fun is a key component of our approach - ensuring everyone feels comfortable and heard so that you can come away with as many laughs and skills as possible, ready for your next adventure.
Improvers’ rock climbing workshop
-
Date: Sunday, 7 July 2024
Duration: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:4
Workshop description:
An introduction to trad climbing. This Improvers’ Climbing workshop is designed as the progression from our Beginner workshop but would suit anyone who has climbed indoors or tried outdoor climbing and wants to progress towards being self-sufficient. The highly accessible gritstone crags of the Peak District provide the perfect environment to learn the essential skills of rope work and using the technical equipment required for trad climbing. During this workshop the focus is on seconding routes, placing and removing climbing equipment and creating top-rope anchor systems. Participants will climb on top rope during the workshop.
Cost: £45
Pre-requisites: Participants are expected to be climbing (top rope) a minimum of French grade 5c indoors. No outdoor climbing experience is required.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage/Sheffield.
Instructor/Provider: Ashok Sakhardande
Instructor/Provider bio: After climbing for fun in the UK and around the world for over a decade, I once asked my boss if I could take the young people I worked with out climbing. Finding out that required qualifications and was a viable career started the journey into becoming an outdoors instructor. I am excited to now have the opportunity to share some skills with the Wanderers of Colour community as I know first hand what the lack of diversity in outdoor spaces looks and feels like. Alongside training as a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, I am also training as a Clinical Psychologist. I hope to one day combine my interest in mental health and outdoors adventures. @abovelandandsea (IG)
Mountain Training Rock Skills Intermediate
-
Date: Friday, 5 July to Saturday, 6 July
Length: 2 days
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:4
Workshop description:
Course covers: Selecting the right protection, building anchors, ropework, belaying, holding falls, lowering, seconding a route and personal abseiling, as well as developing your movement skills, crag ethics and etiquette and managing risk
Ideal for: People with some experience of climbing (indoors or outdoors) who want to improve their movement skills on rock, develop their ropework skills and move towards becoming an independent rock climber
Cost: £110
Pre-requisities: Climbing and belaying experience required. Either completion of a Rock Skills Introduction course OR have climbed 10 routes on walls or outdoor crags and have belayed on 10 occasions.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage.
Instructor/Provider: Esther Foster (sponsored by Mountain Training)
Instructor/Provider bio:
Esther is a Development Coach and MCI (Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor) based in the Lake District. She is a director of the Women's Climbing Symposium, and has worked with many affinity groups to help increase diversity and participation in the outdoors. She is particularly passionate about helping people to develop their skills, become confident and independent outdoor climbers, and feel part of a great community of climbers.
Workshops which require outdoor climbing experience
Outdoor bouldering for experienced climbers
-
Date: Sunday, 7 July 2024
Duration: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:5
Workshop description:
This is an outdoor bouldering workshop tailored for those with prior indoor bouldering experience, climbing at a grade V3-4 or above. This specialized clinic is designed to help learn/improve your climbing technique in an outdoor environment, focused specifically on Peak District's Gritstone boulders.
Cost: £45
During this session, you'll have the chance to:
- Explore the unique dynamics of climbing on gritstone
- Refresh mat management and spotting techniques
- Receive personalized coaching to improve your climbing movement and technique, tailored to your current skill level.
Pre-requisites: To make the most out of this session, we recommend that you join if you're already climbing at a grade V3/4 or above indoors. While outdoor bouldering experience is not a requirement, it is encouraged.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage/Sheffield.
Instructor/Provider: Adventure Expertise
Instructor/Provider bio:
Adventure Expertise works with a great range of people each year to provide tailored instruction, guiding and NGB training and assessment courses for those wanting to get outdoors. Founded on an ethos of bringing a tailored, flexible approach, Adventure Expertise has recently become a not-for-profit organisation to help further the work that we do, particularly in breaking down barriers to participation in the outdoors. In recent years, our focus has been on working with ex-forces personnel charity Climb2Recovery, providing Lowland Leader, Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor training and assessment courses and a range of climbing, mountaineering and hillwalking courses tailored to personal development aims and needs. Our recent shift to not-for-profit status alongside our sister company, Adventure Expeditions, is an exciting development and we're heading into the second half of 2024 ready to extend our reach in breaking down barriers to participation in rock climbing, hillwalking and mountaineering further. Fun is a key component of our approach - ensuring everyone feels comfortable and heard so that you can come away with as many laughs and skills as possible, ready for your next adventure.
Learn to lead trad climbing
-
Duration: 2 days
Date: Friday, 5 July – Saturday, 6 July
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:3
Workshop description:
Set amidst the stunning gritstone landscapes of the Peak District, this Learn to Lead Trad Climbs workshop is ideal for climbers with prior experience of outdoor climbing who are eager to transition to leading routes on natural rock and mastering the art of placing gear.
Cost: £130
During this workshop, you will:
- Hone your skills in setting up secure and efficient belays, ensuring safety is paramount in your climbing endeavors.
- Gain hands-on experience in placing gear and using runners, mastering the fundamentals of trad climbing technique.
- Develop the confidence and competence to lead climbs, all while learning to navigate and mitigate the potential risks and hazards inherent in outdoor climbing.
Prerequisites: Participants will ideally be confident indoor lead climbers (no minimum grade) and belayers. They should have some prior outdoor climbing experience - seconding trad climbs, top roping or leading sport climbs.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage/Sheffield.
Instructor/Provider: TBC
Instructor/Provider bio: TBC
Learn to lead sport climbing
-
Date: Saturday, 6 July to Sunday, 7 July
Duration: 2 days
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:4
Workshop description:
Become a confident sport climber with our Learn to Lead Sport Climbs workshop, designed for climbers with some prior experience indoors or outdoors who are eager to transition to leading sport routes in the great outdoors.
Cost: £130
Throughout this workshop, you will:
- Learn the ins and outs of lead climbing on sport routes, where bolts and lower-offs are pre-installed, making for a less complex climbing experience compared to traditional climbs.
- Master the art of clipping bolts safely and efficiently while leading, ensuring smooth and confident progression up the rock face.
- Gain essential skills in threading anchors and understanding bolt quality, empowering you to assess and mitigate potential risks on the climb.
- Explore various techniques for descent, whether through planned abseils or alternative methods, ensuring a safe return to the ground after your climb.
Pre-requisites: Participants will ideally be confident indoor lead climbers (no minimum grade) and belayers. They should have some prior outdoor climbing experience - seconding trad climbs or top roping.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage.
Instructor/Provider:TBC
Instructor/Provider bio: TBC
Learn to lead sport climbing
-
Date: Friday, 5 July to Saturday, 6 July
Duration: 2 days
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:4
Workshop description:
Become a confident sport climber with our Learn to Lead Sport Climbs course, designed for climbers with some prior experience indoors or outdoors who are eager to transition to leading sport routes in the great outdoors.
Cost: £130
Throughout this course, you will:
- Learn the ins and outs of lead climbing on sport routes, where bolts and lower-offs are pre-installed, making for a less complex climbing experience compared to traditional climbs.
- Master the art of clipping bolts safely and efficiently while leading, ensuring smooth and confident progression up the rock face.
- Gain essential skills in threading anchors and understanding bolt quality, empowering you to assess and mitigate potential risks on the climb.
- Explore various techniques for descent, whether through planned abseils or alternative methods, ensuring a safe return to the ground after your climb.
Pre-requisites: Participants will ideally be confident indoor lead climbers (no minimum grade) and belayers. They should have some prior outdoor climbing experience - seconding trad climbs or top roping.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage.
Instructor/Provider: Pure outdoor
Instructor/Provider bio:
Since 2006, Pure Outdoor have provided UK and overseas Hillwalking, Climbing, Caving, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, First Aid, Corporate Training and Group Events from our base in the Peak District. Our excellent, dedicated training centre The Adventure Hub provides a unique facility for all customers to enjoy.
Improve your sport climbing (the psychology of falling)
-
Date: Sunday, 7 July
Duration: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:4
Workshop description:
Dive into the psychology of falling and elevate your sport climbing game with our specialized workshop, "Improve Your Sport Climbing: The Psychology of Falling." Designed for climbers looking to enhance their skills and confidence on the rock, this workshop delves into the mental and physical aspects of climbing to help you push your limits and reach new heights.
Cost: £65
In this workshop, you will learn:
- Movement Skills: Learn techniques and tactics of projecting, which will allow you to move through challenging terrains while improving confidence through stable positions.
- Visualisation: Learn concepts of route reading and tactical planning of routes, which allows you to improve efficiency of resting and clipping on the wall.
- Flight School: Putting together the skills to advance on the route while progressively exposing yourselves to falling tactics to help you gain confidence on falling safely and comfortably.
- Advanced Belay School: Understand concepts of responsive belaying and become a safe and supportive belayer for your climbing partners. Learn how to effectively manage rope tension, provide soft catches and belay with confidence and safety in mind.
Pre-requisites: Participants will ideally be confident outdoor lead climbers (minimum grade 5a) and belayers with at least 1 year of outdoor sport climbing experience.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage.
Instructor/Provider: Freddie Wee
Instructor/Provider bio:
Freddie Wee is an AMGA Assistant Rock Guide, Alpine Guide Trainee, Arc'teryx and Ocun brand ambassador. He started climbing when he was 12, competed in many disciplines since 14, coaching and instructing since 16 and did high altitude ascents ever since. He is also a graduate sport osteopath specialising in climbing-related injuries and runs his own clinic in Central London.
An all-round expedition specialist you would want to meet during this inaugural festival and talk shop about adventures all over the world.
Problem solving and self rescue
-
Date: Saturday, 6 July
Length: 1 day
Expected instructor to participant ratio: 1:4
Workshop description:
This workshop is for people who have done some lead climbing and want to learn problem solving and self rescue techniques to boost skills and confidence. A perfect workshop to refresh yourself on essential skills. Note that you will be on top rope for the entire duration of the course.
Cost: £45
The workshop will cover:
- Incidents, why they happen and when to call for help
- Ascending & descending ropes as an individual
- Passing knots in ascent and descent
- Escaping the system when on belay
- Problem solving (stuck ropes and stuck climbers)
Pre-requisites: Participants will ideally be confident outdoor lead climbers (minimum grade 5a) and belayers with at least 1 year of outdoor sport climbing experience.
Contingency plan: In case of bad weather, the workshop will either take place at an alternate crag (within a 30-minute driving distance from Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse), if feasible, or at indoor facilities in Hathersage.
Instructor/Provider: TBC
Instructor/Provider bio:
TBC
BPOC Climbing Instructor Team
-
Ashok Sakhardande
-
Freddie Wee
-
Helen Tang
-
Leon Perkins
-
Sandra Berlin
Organised social climbing
We offer a number of social climbing sessions. These are bookable events available to competent outdoor climbers where there is no instruction, but simply a chance to climb together with a group.
Some sessions are free, some will be paid. Unlike instructed courses, gear is not provided automatically, but if you are missing something, you can put in a request for a loan when you book your ticket.
These sessions are facilitated by experienced professional climbers and community leaders. Each one will have its own distinct flavour and be appropriate to different types of climber.
Transport will be provided for social courses. Please ensure you are at the meeting point promptly to join your group.
You can book onto social sessions when you purchase your ticket. There will also be a chance to book onto sessions later using the manage your booking functionality.
Bouldering with Aidan Roberts
-
Cost: £30 per session
Date: Friday and Saturday
Duration: Half day (morning)
Capacity: 8
Description: There is no instruction on social sessions, this is simply a chance to climb together with a group headed up by professional athlete Aidan Roberts.
Prerequisites: To make the most out of this session, we recommend that you're already climbing at a grade V3/4 or above indoors as well as being a competent outdoor boulderer.
Bio: Aidan (he/him) is known as one of the strongest boulderers in the world. From the Lake District, he is the first British climber to complete a 9A problem and has set the UK's hardest problem, Superpowers (8C+). Aidan co-hosts The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast with Sam Prior and has a creative and unique perspective on the sport, he is passionate about rocks and outdoor spaces and stoked to be sharing it all with some nice folk.
Photograph: Sam Pratt
Sport climbing with Sandra Berlin
-
Cost: Free
Date: Friday
Duration: Full day
Capacity: 8
Description: There is no instruction on social sessions, this is simply a chance to climb together with a group headed up by Sandra Berlin.
Prerequisites: We ask that you can confidently tie in, lead climb and belay outdoors and that you're able to safely clean a route. We suggest a minimum indoor grade of 6A as the better routes in this area start from roughly this grade.
Bio: Sandra (she/her), a Brazilian-born certified Development Coach and Senior Yoga Teacher, is deeply passionate about movement. With over 12 years in the climbing industry as a coach, manager, and route setter, she possesses a profound understanding of climbers from various backgrounds. Sandra is the founder of Climb & Yoga, offering coaching, workshops, and retreats across England and abroad.
Trad climbing with Janice Tan
-
Cost: Free
Date: Friday
Duration: Full day
Capacity: 6
Description: There is no instruction on social sessions, this is simply a chance to climb together with a group headed up by Wanderers of Colour festival organising team member Janice Tan.
Prerequisites: You will need to be a confident trad climber with experience of gear placement, and leading and belaying trad routes. No minimum grade required. We have two trad racks available for this session if you do not have your own.
Bio: Janice (she/her) is one of the climbing communities hidden treasures. She has been climbing for decades and enjoys all disciplines, from bouldering, to sport to trad. She has been quietly volunteering as a facilitator for Wanderers of Colour and Queer Climbers for some time and is doing her RCI assessment the week after the festival.
Lead sport climbing with Carlos Casas from Colour Up
-
Cost: Free
Date: Saturday
Duration: Half day (morning)
Capacity: 8
Description: There is no instruction on social sessions, this is simply a chance to climb together with a group headed up by community leader Carlos Casas.
Prerequisites: We ask that you can confidently tie in, lead climb and belay outdoors and that you're able to safely clean a route. We suggest a minimum indoor grade of 6A as the better routes in this area start from roughly this grade.
Bio: Carlos (he/him) is a climbing wall instructor and co-founder of Colour Up in Bristol. His efforts have centred around increasing participation from global majority folks like himself within our sport. Most importantly, he strives to enable climbers of all levels and backgrounds to be agents of change.
Relaxed top roping with Anita Aggarwal and Janice Tan
-
Cost: Free
Date: Saturday
Duration: Half day (afternoon)
Capacity: 8
Description: There is no instruction or coaching on social sessions, this is simply a chance to climb together with a group headed up by athlete and coach Anita Aggarwal and Wanderers of Colour festival organising team member Janice Tan.
Prerequisites: We ask that you can confidently tie in, climb and belay on top rope outdoors. You won't need to lead or lead belay on this course, but of course are welcome to.
Bio: Anita (she/her) has an innate ability to bring calmness to people who are having a bad day, this is the session for you if you might be in need of a boost. She started climbing at 36, and a year later, she was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. She has since represented GB Climbing as part of the Paraclimbing Team, winning medals in International World Cups and World Paraclimbing Championships. She also works as a coach, specialising in inclusion. To Anita, climbing is a place where you can socialise and meet people and a sport where age and fitness don’t matter.
Photograph: John Banyard
Bouldering with Xian Goh
-
Cost: Free
Date: Saturday
Duration: Half day (afternoon)
Capacity: 8
Description: There is no instruction or coaching on social sessions, this is simply a chance to climb together with a group headed up by bouldering coach Xian Goh.
Prerequisites: To attend this session you need to be a competent outdoor boulderer at V1+.
Bio: Xian (she/her) has been climbing for 19 years and still loves it. She used to compete for Singapore, and now enjoys spending her free time climbing indoors & outdoors. Xian helps climbers with their technique as a Climbing Coach, and is part of the The North Face Explorer Team.
Photograph: Alex McArthur
Bouldering with Helen Tang
-
Cost: Free
Date: Sunday
Duration: Half day (morning)
Capacity: 8
Description: There is no instruction on social sessions, this is simply a chance to climb together with a group headed up by Helen Tang.
Prerequisites: To attend this session you need to be a competent outdoor boulderer at V1+.
Bio: Helen (she/her) is a climber of 7 years, working through the ranks of sport climbing predominantly, but also loves to trad climb and boulder. Favourite type of climb is a sketchy trad adventure up a mountain. RCI instructor for over a year, with also FUNdamentals 1&2 under my belt.
Bouldering with Anesu M.M. sponsored by Steep Learning Group
-
Cost: Free
Date: Sunday
Duration: Half day (afternoon)
Capacity: 8
Description: There is no instruction on social sessions, this is simply a chance to climb together with a group headed up by Wanderers of Colour festival organising team member Anesu.
Prerequisites: To attend this session you need to be a competent outdoor boulderer at V1+.
Bio: Anesu (she/her) has been climbing for five years and used to live locally to the Peak. She is part of the Wanderers of Colour climbing festival organising team, on the board of ClimbOut festival and is part of the Steep Learning Group wider family.
Photograph: Steep Learning Group
Trad climbing with Ashok Sakhardande
-
Cost: Free
Date: Friday and Saturday
Duration: Full day
Capacity: 3
Description: There is no instruction on social sessions, this is simply a chance to climb together with Ashok Sakhardande.
Prerequisites: You will need to be a confident trad climber with experience of gear placement, and leading and belaying trad routes. No minimum grade required.
Bio: After climbing for fun in the UK and around the world for over a decade, Ashok (he/him) once asked his boss if he could take the young people he worked with out climbing….”Finding out that required qualifications and was a viable career started the journey into becoming an outdoors instructor. I am excited to now have the opportunity to share some skills with the Wanderers of Colour community as I know first hand what the lack of diversity in outdoor spaces looks and feels like. Alongside training as a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, I am also training as a Clinical Psychologist. I hope to one day combine my interest in mental health and outdoors adventures.”
Independent Climbing
Independent climbing is for compentent climbers.
There will be many climbers coming to this festival who are comfortable choosing where to climb and have their own transport.
If you are looking for a partner to climb with that day, please let one of the facilitators know before the breakfast briefing so we can include this in the day’s announcements. There will also be social activities from the first evening to support you in finding climbing buddies.
We ask that everyone climbing independently is a competent outdoors climber, is honest about their competence and that everyone makes sure to do all the necessary gear and safety checks before commencing every climb. While we are happy helping you find someone to climb with, both parties remain responsible for their own and each other’s safety and wellbeing.
Other Activities
⋆
Other Activities ⋆
-
![]()
Welcome Social
-
![]()
Communal Meals
-
![]()
Movement for climbers
-
![]()
Panel talk
-
![]()
Campfire
-
![]()
Silent Disco
-
![]()
Movie night
-
![]()
Workshops
-
![]()
Bike Hire
-
![]()
Guided Hiking
-
![]()
Hiking and Navigation Course
-
![]()
Open Mic Night
-
![]()
And more!
Warm-up movement for climbing
-
Cost: Free, no booking required, just show up!
When: 07:00–07:45 on Friday and Saturday
Description: Join Sandra Berlin, Climbing Coach and 500-RYT Yoga Teacher, for movement sessions designed to prep you for an epic day of outdoor climbing. Suitable for all levels, these sessions target key climbing muscles with dynamic stretches, ideal for a thorough warm-up. Plus, they include breathing and mindfulness techniques to help you get in the flow zone while climbing.
Panel discussion
-
Cost: Free, no booking required, just show up!
When: Saturday evening after evening meal
Description: Bringing together GB climbing climber and coach Anita Aggarwal, Carlos Casas from Colour Up Bristol, climbing coach Xian Goh and Wanderers of Colour founder Ife Akinroyeje in a panel discussion to share their journey and relationship to climbing and community. There will be a chance for questions from the audience towards the end of the event.
Photographs: Anita by John Banyard, Xian by Alex McArthur
Palestinian embroidery workshop with Tatreez Revival
-
Cost: Free, book when purchasing ticket
When: Saturday morning
Description: Tatreez Revival is a collective dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of Palestinian embroidery, known as tatreez. Founded with the mission to teach this traditional craft, Tatreez Revival brings tatreez to the forefront of cultural appreciation and community building. By offering workshops, resources, and an online platform for artists and learners, the collective ensures that the intricate stitches and rich heritage of tatreez are passed down to future generations. Through their efforts, Tatreez Revival not only keeps this artistic tradition alive but also fosters a sense of connection and community among enthusiasts worldwide.
Materials will be provided.
Supported by
Thank you to our awesome partners
Sponsored by
-
Arc'teryx
-
BMC
Instruction provided by
-
Adventure Expertise
-
Mountain Training
-
The Pure Outdoor Foundation
Ticketing made possible by
-
Mountainova
Bursary places made possible via
-
The Alpkit Foundation
-
Arc'teryx
-
Sports England
Sustainable transport with support from
-
National Trust
With support in kind from
-
Alpkit
-
Blackdog Outdoors
-
The Climbing Hangar Sheffield
-
The Foundry Climbing Centre
-
UK Climbing / RockFax
-
Black Diamond
-
OCÚN
-
Yeti
-
Athletic Brewery
With thanks to
-
United We Climb
-
ClimbOut Festival
-
Women's Trad Festival
Thank you to our previous retreat attendees for all the wonderful photos including Eleanor. Special thanks to Jeng Au for the festival identity design. Icons are from freepik.
If you want to support us please contact: wanderersofcolour@gmail.com
Press enquiries: climbing@wanderersofcolour.com