Skip to main content

Home

 

Looking for things to do in the Lake District? Then Rock n Ridge can help. We offer a range of outdoor activities to suit everyone. For Family days click here.

 

Rock n Ridge covers – Lake District – Scotland – Wales – Overseas – Individuals – Teams – Groups outdoor

Rock n Ridge
5.0
Based on 71 reviews
powered by Google
james smithjames smith
11:49 14 Sep 24
Had a great day with Paul scrambling Pinnacle Ridge in the Lake District.Paul was a brilliant guide, very patient (especially with my abysmal rope work skills!), knowledgeable and above all, kept me safe so I could enjoy the day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Rock n Ridge and will use them again.Thanks again for a great day 👍
Abdul RaisAbdul Rais
19:09 10 Sep 24
We booked a 1.5-day wild camping course with Paul. The weather on Saturday was fine, but Sunday brought heavy rain and strong winds. While descending, we encountered winds of 40–50 mph. With Paul's guidance, we managed to navigate and stay safe in such extreme weather conditions.We camped by a lake (Angle Tarn) for one night, setting up our tents there. The next morning, we set off early to avoid the rain.Thanks Paul.
Richard ForrestRichard Forrest
11:22 27 Aug 24
We did the black Cuillin ridge transverse, great guides, made a tough couple of days a lot of fun. Thanks
paul tweedpaul tweed
06:43 06 Aug 24
Awesome family day, Paul organised an introduction to climbing & Ghyll scramble for the kids and they loved it. He was brilliant with them, felt totally safe but they had a great adventure.A superb day, highly recommend 💯
Martin FMartin F
20:16 03 Aug 24
Booked a 1 to 1 crevasse rescue course. Really enjoyable day with Paul, learning lots of new techniques and trying new bits of kit at a great location just outside Coniston. Also included some fixed line work and a morning scramble. Thanks for an enjoyable day
Rachel CarrRachel Carr
16:28 03 Jul 24
We did crevasse rescue and fixed line training with Paul in preparation for fieldwork to Alaska and the Himalaya. The training was very useful and gave us a helpful overview of key techniques. Thanks Paul
David HoodDavid Hood
09:51 10 Jun 24
Paul organised a couple of days guiding at short notice in Glencoe and on the Ben. Plan initially was to do Curved ridge in Glencoe and Tower ridge on the Ben. We were a party of 3 so due to new rules a guide can only have up to 2 clients, so we needed 2 guides. On the first day having met with Karl and Jack (our two guides) in Glencoe we decided Curved ridge was a bit unambitious and upgraded to a rock climb up Agag's groove and down climbing Curved ridge. It was an excellent choice and both Karl and Jack took great care of us and got us all safely up and down with minimal fussing.Next day we were on Tower Ridge with Guides Karl and Alex, the weather was not great with rain and low clouds but the guides ensured we were safe at every stage. The best bits were Eastern traverse, a short cave section and then Tower Gap. Alex did a great job of getting us all across the gap, interestingly using the East side of the block rather than the more usual West side, and although it looked unlikely it was actually easy once you committed to the move. We then descended by the Ledge route back to CIC hut.All in all, would strongly recommend both Paul from Rock and Ridge for arranging things, and all the guides, and would happily use them in any future trips.
Carl BriceCarl Brice
11:05 13 Mar 24
Myself and two friends were taken under the wing of the very experienced face of Rock N Ridge, Paul, for three days of winter skills. Despite the weather not playing to our advantage we had a brilliant 3 days in the hills, with 3 peaks reached; Stob Ban, CMD, & the infamous Ben Nevis. You cannot fault Paul or his extensive knowledge and great personality. We will be using him again for some summer scrambling. Therefore, it goes without saying, look no further and book your course of choice with no one other than Paul.
Louise FecittLouise Fecitt
17:41 14 Dec 23
100%+ recommend RockNRidge (Paul). We spent a truly fab memorable day with Paul where he coached and supported me get through my ‘fear of falling’ phobia. Great day , very well organised to build up my confidence with some rock climbing and then tackle the via ferrata with him at Honister. He is such good company too , putting me at ease throughout.Feel very lucky to have found him and going to use him again for more adventures as well as getting his gift vouchers for my family to have the same experience.In very safe hands 🙌 - he tackles all levels of abilities and ages … and different activities
Salam ander (Slam)Salam ander (Slam)
10:37 12 Dec 23
Paul is a great leader with a calm and friendly approach to all things mountain related. I thoroughly enjoyed his company and look forward to more adventures next year.
JBJB
08:51 22 Sep 23
Climbed the Old Man of Stoer with Paul in August 2023. Paul was an excellent guide, very safe, and we had a wonderful day climbing this gem of a sea stack. I appreciate his knowledge and ability to set up a tyrolean traverse safely, as well as his knowledge climbing, rigging anchors, and on the rappel.
Jacob MushlinJacob Mushlin
16:50 16 Sep 23
Excellent day of sport climbing. Paul is knowledgeable, patient and a great instructor.
Kiran NCKiran NC
18:42 10 Sep 23
We picked the wrong dates to camp but definitely picked the right guy. Paul was excellent in what he does. Communication was good although sometimes replies can take upto a day, understandable as he will be in mountains camping most of the days with no network.There was a forecast of heavy rains on the day we decided to camp & Paul even offered to reschedule if needed. Totallly recommend.
Karen ManningKaren Manning
18:48 14 Aug 23
Excellent days climbing for my 14yr old. We were on holiday from Malaysia and my son was keen to try some of Yorkshires climbing he had a great full day at Almscliff Crag. Paul was great at explaining how to climb rock rather than the indoor walls and was absolutely trustworthy and safe through the entire day.
Fay TomlinsonFay Tomlinson
20:47 29 Jul 23
Our family of four very much enjoyed our recent guided mountain trip and scrambling with Paul. Our sons of 9 and 12 requested a mountain climb and, not being very experienced ourselves, we decided to look for some expert help with this. Paul not only led us up Bowfell along some lesser known and scenic routes, he also suggested adding a scramble along the way, which turned out to be one of the highlights of our holiday! We felt very safe in Paul's company and appreciated his knowledgable skills and guidance. My husband and I would have no hesitation in recommending Paul to accompany, teach and guide you in such activities; we look forward to booking him again in the future to learn new skills and enjoy his friendly company.
Helen STHelen ST
16:24 27 Jul 23
I booked Paul for a 1:1 2 day course in the Lake District, with the aim of developing my scrambling confidence and an introduction to some ropework.It was an incredible couple of days - Paul made some great choices of routes to tackle, encouraged me to try things outside my comfort zone and helped me to develop new rope skills not just in terms of technical / knots but also how to use the rock to my advantage and spot good solid anchoring points.I came away with two solid days of scrambling and learning under my belt, as well as plenty of advice on equipment, and I look forward to using this on future scrambles. I wouldn't hesitate to book Paul again if I was looking to further build my skills.
Tom McLarenTom McLaren
19:49 18 Jun 23
Booked a 4 day 1-2-1 course with Paul in the lakes, we did 3 days scrambling and 1 day rock climbing. Main objective for me was dealing with my fear of “exposure” for an alpine climb (Gran Paradiso), which was achieved.We started with a grade 1 scramble, which I found challenging and a mental struggle, but by day 4 I successfully completed the classic grade 3 scramble of Pinnacle Ridge. Paul made sure to work within my level but def pushed me to improve and brought a real coaching mentality, his approach really worked for me.Day 3 (rock climbing) was an adaptation after pushing myself too hard and straining my arm. We spent the day at a local wall focusing on footwork, mutiple different routes and a great intro to outdoor climbing. As a direct consequence of the gains I made I have now easily nailed all the grade 5+ climbs at my local climbing wall!Throughout Paul was friendly and knowledgeable about everything from the technical side to the local flora and fauna. And the weather was great too! Enthusiasm def fired, would recommend and book again. Thanks Paul!
js_loader

rock n ridge

Gift Vouchers Available

 

A great Birthday or Christmas gift. Get someone an ‘Outdoor Experience’ half/full/multi day gift vouchers available

Gift Vouchers

Outdoor Activities / Guiding

Rock n Ridge is based in the Lake District. We run a wide range of outdoor activities from here and also across the UK. Activities we specialise in include: Mountain guiding, In addition to the Lakes, we work and travel to Scotland – the Highlands and Wales -Snowdonia to deliver courses. 

Qualified:

Regardless of what course you book, we use a qualified guiding team. Another key point to mention is that these boys and girls have spent ‘an unhealthy’ amount of time in the outdoors. As a result of this you can rest easy knowing that you will receive the best time whilst out playing with us. AMI guides. 

Friendly open and no egos, above all we love what we do and therefore want you to as well. First timers through to seasoned outdoors folk welcomed. Above all, together we’ll achieve you’re goals, tick lists and ambitions.

Read More

Outdoor Activities UK

outdoor activities

Mountain Guiding – Navigation – Alpine Training – Abseiling – Rock Climbing   – Learn to lead on rock  – Rope work – Scrambling days – Via Ferrata – Family Days – Canoeing – Lake District rock climbing – Winter skills – Expeditions – Wild Camping 

Outdoor Activities

“Guiding, Leading and Instructing people in the outdoor environment is what we do”

Mountain guiding throughout the mountains of the UK, and Europe.

Catering for individuals, groups and families we have something for everybody. Our Adventure Day packages are perfect for families and groups of friends to get involved with when visiting the Lake District. Here we have combined 3/4 activities into one full day package! This means you get to sample some of the best bits the outdoors has to offer.

Alternatively you may be wanting to learn how to Rock Climb, or maybe your a total beginner and don’t know where to begin? Abseiling is an exciting activity, why not give it a go?

We hold the highest qualifications in the world when it comes to mountain guiding, so rest assured you are in the best of hands.

For a fun day, apart from our Adventure Day packages, we offer combined activities. For example you may want to try Gorge/Canyon scrambling in the morning, then Abseiling in the afternoon? There are lot’s of mix and match activity combinations available.

Specialising in a range of outdoor activities, Rock n Ridge offers Outdoor Training days to suit what you’re looking for. Whether you’re wanting mountain guiding walking, or some rock climbing in the Lake District, then we have it covered.

Activities include

  • Mountain Guiding summer and winter
  • Rock Climbing
  • Rock Climbing – Learn to lead
  • Scrambling
  • Winter mountaineering
  • Winter skills
  • Alpine Training – UK
  • Navigation
  • Ghyll/canyoning – scrambling
  • Via Ferrata
  • Canoeing
  • Bespoke Trips

Benefits

  • A great day out
  • Increase your knowledge
  • More confident in the outdoors
  • Get healthy, fit and increase stamina
  • Gives you drive and focus
  • Well being
  • Mental relaxation

Links:

Benefits of Climbing and Hillwalking

BMC – Abseiling 

AMI – Association of Mountaineering Instructors – About

Ghyll scrambling – About

Please see below a list of the activities and courses we operate. If there is something that is not specifically on the list, then feel free to get in touch to discuss.

Scrambling

Outdoor Activities – Scrambling

This is steep ground but not steep enough to be classed as true “rock climbing”.

Scrambles are usually put into three grades, grade 1 being the easiest, going through to grade 3. Therefore anything after is classed as a rock climb. Generally the sort of ground where you will have to use your hands to ascend and descend, and on some of the harder scrambles require the use of a rope. This really is a great way to explore the mountains via a more ‘hands on’ approach. Most climberswill have started their rock climbing career walking, then scrambling then rock climbing….a natural progression. Some examples of a days scrambling include; Sharp Edge on Blencathra; North ridge of Tryfan in Wales, the Cullin ridge on Skye-Scotland, and Commando ridge in Devon.

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

Whether it’s your first time on rock or maybe you are already a competent climber looking for some coaching or wanting to push your grade, we have a day and venue to suit.

The lake district is blessed with many different crags offering both single pitch & multi pitch climbing, in an atmospheric setting.

Most of these courses can be run from anywhere in the UK. If you would like to climb elsewhere then let me know. Maybe it’s a specific climb you would like to do, or maybe Wales is more convienient for you, whatever we can factor it in.

Please see our dedicated Rock Climbing page for more detailed information.

Abseiling

Abseiling:

If you’ve never tried, or you may have done this activity already and just want another go?! Then abseiling is one of those thrills that really does push you into your stretch zone. For some it’s just a huge breath and don’t look down! For others it’s a case of building the courage to take that step over the edge! We have decades of doing this so will be close to hand to offer support and encouragement if you need it.

Winter Skills/Mountaineering

Winter Skills:

Winter is a fantastic time to get out and about in the hills, but opens up far more challenges than summer walking does. This day would be perfect for those not wanting the stress of navigating and planning a route in the winter, but would like to head out to the hills when the white stuff is about.

Navigation

Outdoor Activities – Navigation

The day looks at essential skills needed to navigate properly round the UK hills and fells. We aim it at your ability and aims, and look at essential skills like – map orientation, compass bearings, timings, pacings, tick off features, contour interpretation and relocation.

Ghyll/Canyoneering

Ghyll/Gorge/Canyoning:

Ghyll and what?! There the same thing, apart from ghyll walking or scrambling you go up the flow of the water. Canyoneering you come down the flow of the water.

These are fun sessions and will take a half day so can be combined with another activity. we tailor the Ghyll’s to your needs and ability of the group. Therefore you will always find it challenging but not that challenging that you can’t achieve it.

About Ghyll/Canyon scrambling.

Via Ferrata – UK

Outdoor Activities – Via Ferrata

A half day or full day activity, can be indoors or outdoors. Europe have had Via Ferratas going back to the World War. First used to move troops and ammunitions around the mountain, now used as a sport in itself to get around the mountains quickly and safely. It use to be called the ‘Iron Way’ this is the iron cable that runs up the mountain for our safety. A great day out, and a must if you’ve never tried it.

Cuillin Ridge Traverse

Cuillins:

Normally taking 4/5 days to include driving to Skye, sorting/dropping kit off on the ridge and a day looking at the skills needed to negotiate this classic UK ridge scramble.

Alpine Training – UK

Alpine Courses:

Thinking of heading out to the Alps? Then booking onto an Alpine Training course is the right plan of attack.

These can be one or multiple days to suit you, covering the essential skills needed to move and operate in an Alpine environment.

Canoeing

Outdoor Activities – Canoeing

Canadian Canoeing, or Open Boating as it’s sometimes referred to, is simply stunning. A great way to get eye level with nature, and to contemplate what’s really important.

We have combined this as an activity on one of our Adventure Daypackages, alternatively it can be done as a half days activity. We use either the stunning Lake Windermere (South Lake District) or Derwent water (Keswick – North Lake District) Depending on the weather the Canoes may be rafted together, or taken out on their own.

Wild Camping / Bothying

Wild Camping:

Wild Camping and Bothy what?! Although this is self explanatory. We camp in the wild, as one with nature and generally by a mountain stream. But were on our own and not surrounded by others in a camp site. A Bothy. (check the link for further information) Is a remote house or building that is free to sleep in, again away from others and civilisation. They usually have an open fire and means you don’t have to carry a tent on your back for accommodation. Either or can be used depending on your plans and goals.

“Never under estimate the power of the mountains”

About

Paul Bedford – Rock n Ridge Business Owner

 

Mountain Guiding/Outdoor Activities 

I decided to start my own mountain guiding business back in 2003. Albeit it was under a different name then, the ideas were the same. I wanted to provide fun, adventurous and exciting outdoor activities to all. As equally important is to be able to share my passion and knowledge with others when they come on to one of our days/courses. In addition they can take away and put the learning into their own adventures later. And of course, one if not the main reason…Have a blast whilst doing this! After all if you don’t enjoy your job, there ain’t no point in doing it. firstly, secondly 

After friends and colleagues kept telling me to ‘just do it’ I, after many years of deliberation, decided to go full time back in 2017, and haven’t looked back since.

Qualifications:

I qualified to be a Mountain Instructor and a full member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) back in 2010, and became a Winter Mountain Leader in 2014. The qualifications are vital to ensure people’s safety and well being whilst out mountain guiding. That said and I’m strong believer in this that it takes years before and after the qualifications have finished, to actually gain the ‘Mountain experience’ necessary to guide people safely in the hills. In 2018 I joined the Patagonia and Black Diamond pro scheme, and wear and endorse both brands of clothing and equipment. And for many years have been a friend and advocate for Pacerpoles. A local company based in Windermere that after using every other possible brand of trekking poles in the business over many years, have found these to be the best. 

Mountains: outdoor activities

The question I often get when I’m out is ‘how long have I climbed/mountaineered for’?  Well my earliest recollection of that is being about six years old carrying a rucksack all the way around the shores of lake Buttermere. Apparently I wouldn’t give it up or put it down all day. A determination that has carried on throughout my adult life. The Rock Climbing came about when I was at school, but then picked it back up when I was about 18. A guy there was keen on climbing and we paired up and had many adventures together in the Lakes, Snowdonia and Scotland. Sharing many epics together (makes you stronger and builds your ‘Mountain experience’) From here the next challenge was the Alps, and then later on the Himalayas.

Never stop…

Tick lists featured later on in my mountaineering career, and I went on to complete the Wainwrights round twice, and the whole of the Classic Rock ticks, and half of the Hard Rock climbs. I’m slowly bagging the Munros, although it never started that way, (that’s what they all say!) And there’s always a peak or a rock face that catches my eye

I’m also a member of the Patagonia and Black Diamond pro scheme, and work closely with the founder and designer of Pacerpoles. The only walking pole in the business that actually pushes you further, faster as well as putting less strain on your joints when you walk.

Outdoor Activities

Below is a list of tome of the outdoor activities that we offer. This is not inclusive but covers the most popular outdoor activities.

Mountain Guiding outdoor activities

As the name suggests, we offer guided hiking/mountaineering anywhere in the UK, and Europe. This covers mountains like Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis, and Mont Blanc. We can organise and climb any mountain you fancy. See here for more info.

Scrambling

Covers the ground between hiking and pure Rock Climbing. We offer one to four day Scrambling courses, anywhere throughout the UK. See here for more info.

Rock Climbing outdoor activities

Beginners through to seasoned climbers we cover it all. From mountain cliffs to sea cliffs, single and multi pitch we offer something for everyone. From one to one to groups of 20+ See here for more info.

Ghyll/Gorge Walking & Canyoning

This sport has increased in popularity over the years. Different than Coasteering as it’s not done in the ocean. It’s similar though as you put a wetsuit on and either go down with the water course, or up it. This is either Canyoning or Ghyll/Gorge walking. See here for more info.

Alpine Training

We train people on skills needed when going out to the Alps or further a field. We have provided training over the years for people wanting rope work and mountain guiding skills and know how heading for the Alps, and the Himalayas. Fixed ropes, what kit to carry and crevasse rescue are some of the topics taught. See here for more info.

Useful Links:

Patagonia Clothing – Here

Black Diamond – Here

Pacerpoles – Here