8 Top Tips For Planning Your First Climbing Trip 

Tempting as it is to pick a spot and go, the success of your first climbing trip hinges on careful destination selection. Here’s how to make sure your chosen area matches your climbing ambitions and guarantees a rewarding experience:

• Match the Area to Your Climbing Level: Before booking anything, research whether the destination offers a good range of routes at your current grade. If the area is too advanced (or too easy), you risk frustration or boredom instead of fun and progression.
• Check Route Variety and Style: Look for a mix of route types-sport, trad, bouldering, or multi-pitch-depending on what you want to try. Some crags are famous for a particular style, so make sure it aligns with your goals.
• Consider Weather and Season: Research typical weather patterns for your chosen area and pick the right time of year to visit. Having a backup location nearby can save your trip if conditions turn bad.
• Gather Local Knowledge: Study the guidebook for your destination thoroughly. Guidebooks offer essential details on routes, gear requirements, and access info. Supplement this by checking climbing forums (like UKC) and community sites for up-to-date tips and trip reports from other climbers.
• Plan for Flexibility: Keep your itinerary loose. Crowds, weather, or fatigue can all force changes. Prepare a shortlist of must-do routes plus a few backups in case your first choices are unavailable or conditions shift.
• Ask Around: Talk to climbers at your gym or local club who’ve been to your intended destination. First-hand advice can be invaluable for picking the right crag, finding hidden gems, and avoiding pitfalls.

Taking the time to choose your destination with care will help ensure your first climbing trip is memorable for all the right reasons. 

One of the biggest challenges when planning your first climbing trip is dealing with the weather - something that’s frustratingly beyond your control but can make or break your entire experience. Here’s how to prepare and adapt to the sky’s unpredictable moods:

• Check the Weather Forecast Regularly: In the days leading up to your trip, keep a close eye on reliable weather forecasts for your destination. Sudden changes can happen, so staying informed helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Have a Backup Plan Ready: If the forecast looks ominous, it’s wise to have alternatives lined up. This could mean a nearby indoor climbing wall where you can keep training or a cozy local pub where you can relax and meet fellow climbers instead of sulking in your tent.
• Scout Nearby Amenities: Before you go, research what facilities are close to your climbing area. Knowing there’s a good indoor wall or a welcoming café nearby can lift your spirits if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

While weather can be unpredictable, some climbing destinations offer more reliable climates:

• Choose Your Season Wisely: If you’re heading to sunnier regions, such as the Mediterranean, you can usually predict the general weather based on the season. Spring and autumn are often ideal for climbing.
• Aim for Perfect Climbing Temperatures: The sweet spot for climbing is generally between 15–24°C (59–75°F). Within this range, the rock provides good friction, and you won’t overheat or get too cold.
• Avoid the Heat of Summer: Temperatures above 24°C can reduce friction between your hands and the rock, making climbing more difficult and less enjoyable. Summer months in hot climates are best avoided unless you’re climbing very early or late in the day.

• Pack versatile clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions.
• Bring waterproof gear just in case - even the best forecasts can be wrong.
• Plan your climbing sessions for early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat or storms.
• Stay flexible with your itinerary to make the most of good weather windows.

By planning around the weather and having a backup plan, you’ll turn potential setbacks into opportunities for fun and adventure - no matter what the sky decides to do!

Setting clear objectives is a crucial part of planning a successful climbing trip-especially when you’re heading out with friends. While it’s great to have your own ambitions, it’s just as important to make sure everyone’s expectations are in sync. Misaligned goals can quickly lead to frustration or even conflict, so a little pre-trip communication goes a long way.

• Personal Motivation: Having specific goals-whether it’s tackling your first outdoor lead, trying a new grade, or just enjoying beautiful scenery-keeps you motivated and gives your trip purpose.
• Group Harmony: If you’re travelling with others, make sure your ambitions don’t clash with theirs. For example, you might want to spend all day on multi-pitch adventures, while your friends might prefer a few relaxed single-pitch climbs followed by some downtime.

• Have an Open Discussion Beforehand: Get everyone together (in person or online) and talk openly about what each person wants from the trip.
• Key Topics to Cover:
  • What types of routes does everyone want to climb? (Sport, trad, bouldering, single-pitch, multi-pitch, etc.)
  • What grades or difficulties are people comfortable with?
  • Who is willing and able to lead, and who prefers to second or top-rope?
  • Are there any non-climbing activities people want to include, like swimming, hiking, or sightseeing?
  • How much time does everyone want to spend climbing each day versus relaxing or exploring?
• Write Down Shared Goals: Summarise the group’s objectives so everyone is clear on the plan. This could be as simple as a list of must-do climbs or a rough daily schedule.

• Be prepared to compromise. Not everyone will want to do the same thing every day, and that’s okay.
• Consider splitting into smaller groups for part of the day if interests diverge.
• Stay open to changing plans if someone’s energy levels or confidence shifts during the trip.

By setting and sharing your objectives before you leave, you’ll help ensure everyone has a fantastic time-and you’ll avoid those awkward mid-trip disagreements that can put a damper on the adventure.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of climbing and overlook the less glamorous side of trip planning-logistics. However, figuring out how you’ll get from place to place can make a huge difference to your overall experience. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your accommodation, only to realise the crag is a thirty-minute trek away-especially when you’re loaded down with ropes, racks, and snacks. Here’s how to make sure your travel plans work for you, not against you:

• Map Out Key Locations: Before you go, identify where you’ll be staying, the crags you want to visit, supermarkets, restaurants, and any other essential stops.
• Calculate Travel Times: Use maps or apps to estimate how long it will take to get from your accommodation to each crag and other important spots. Remember, a short distance can feel much longer when you’re carrying heavy climbing gear.
• Factor in Daily Schedules: Consider how much time you’ll spend each day travelling. The less time spent on the road or trail, the more time you’ll have for climbing.

• Car Hire:
  • Offers maximum flexibility and convenience, especially if crags are spread out or public transport is limited.
  • Great for groups, as you can split the cost and carry all your gear easily.
  • Check parking availability and any local driving regulations.
• Public Transport:
  • Can be a budget-friendly and eco-conscious choice, particularly in areas with good bus or train links to climbing spots.
  • Research timetables in advance to avoid long waits or missed connections.
  • Be prepared for some walking-public transport rarely drops you right at the crag.
• Walking or Cycling:
  • Ideal if you’re staying close to the crag and want to keep things simple.
  • Make sure the distance and terrain are manageable with a full load of gear.

• Plan your food and supply runs to minimise extra trips-combine supermarket stops with your climbing schedule if possible.
• If you’re relying on public transport, download offline maps and timetables before you travel.
• Always have a backup plan in case of transport hiccups (missed buses, flat tires, etc.).
• Check with your accommodation about shuttle services or local taxi options-they might have useful tips or deals for climbers.

By sorting out your transport in advance, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and make sure every day of your trip is focused on climbing, not commuting.

Handy pre-trip questions include:

• Where’s the nearest supermarket?
• What are the opening times?
• Where’s the nearest climbing shop (in case of emergency gear replacements)?
• If you’re in a foreign country, what’s the emergency number?
• And, crucially, where’s the pub?

It’s good to know what’s around beforehand, partly for your own safety, and so that you don’t have to waste time figuring out logistics when you could be on the rock.

Packing your climbing kit is one of the most important steps in preparing for your trip. Forgetting even a small piece of essential gear can be expensive, inconvenient, or even dangerous. Imagine getting to the crag only to realise you’re missing a single carabiner or the right rope-suddenly, your day’s plans are on hold. Taking the time to assemble your kit carefully will save you from unnecessary stress and ensure you’re ready for anything.

Your packing list will depend on the type of climbing you’re planning-sport, trad, or bouldering. Here’s how to make sure you’ve got everything covered:

• Consult Your Guidebook:
  • Check the guidebook for the area to find out what length of rope is required (some crags need a 70m rope, others only a 60m).
  • See if there are recommendations for the number of quickdraws, nuts, or cams you’ll need.
  • Look for any notes about specific gear, like extra slings or double ropes for certain routes.
• Essentials for All Climbers:
  • Harness, helmet, chalk bag, climbing shoes, belay device, and locking carabiners.
  • First aid kit and personal identification.
• Sport Climbing:
  • Rope of appropriate length and thickness.
  • Enough quickdraws for the longest route, plus a few spares.
  • Clipstick for safer first-bolt clipping.
  • Maillons (quick links) for retreating from routes safely.
• Trad Climbing:
  • Full rack of nuts, cams, and hexes as required.
  • Extra slings and locking carabiners.
  • Nut key for easy gear removal.
• Bouldering:
  • Crash pad(s) for protection on falls.
  • Brush for cleaning holds.
  • Tape for skin protection.
• Bonus Tip: Even if you’re not bouldering, a crash pad can be handy for awkward starts or long runs to the first bolt.

• Extra Safety Gear: Maillons and clipsticks can provide extra peace of mind, especially if you need to bail from a route or protect a tricky move.
• Skin and Hand Care: Multi-day trips can be tough on your hands. Pack plenty of climbing tape, skin repair balm, and nail clippers to keep your hands in good shape.

• Water:
  • Take plenty of water-more than you think you’ll need. Hydration bladders are ideal for climbing trips, as they’re lightweight, easy to carry, and let you drink on the go.
  • Pack high-energy snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.

• Double-check your list the night before you leave.
• Lay out all your gear and do a visual check-don’t just assume it’s in your bag.
• If you’re traveling with friends, coordinate to avoid doubling up on communal gear (like ropes or first aid kits).

Taking the time to assemble your kit thoughtfully means you’ll be ready for whatever the crag throws at you-and you can focus on climbing, not worrying about what you’ve left behind.

A bit of preparation before your climbing trip can make all the difference-not just in your performance, but in your enjoyment and safety too. A focused pre-trip training plan will get you psyched, build your strength and endurance, and help you make the most of every day on the crag.

• Build Strength and Stamina:
  • Incorporate regular climbing sessions, focusing on both endurance and power.
  • Add complementary exercises like pull-ups, core workouts, and flexibility training to support your climbing muscles.
• Simulate Outdoor Conditions:
  • Practice longer sessions or back-to-back climbing days to mimic the demands of a trip.
  • If possible, train on outdoor walls or varied terrain to get used to real rock features.

• Refresh Practical Techniques:
  • Review all relevant knots (figure-eight, clove hitch, prusik, etc.).
  • Practice belaying, including lead belaying if you’ll be sport climbing.
  • If you’re not confident threading a belay or cleaning anchors, learn and practice these skills before your trip-not when you’re 30 metres up in the heat!
• Check Your Gear Handling:
  • Make sure you’re comfortable with your harness, belay device, and any new equipment you plan to use.

• Overcome Fear of Falling:
  • Confidence on the rock is key. Practice taking controlled falls at your gym with an experienced belayer to build trust in your gear and your partner.
  • Gradually increase the height of your falls as your comfort grows.
• Visualise Success:
  • Spend time visualising yourself climbing confidently and efficiently. Mental rehearsal can reduce anxiety and improve focus.

• Rest Before You Go:
  • In the last few days before your trip, ease off on climbing and intense training. This allows your muscles to recover so you arrive fresh, not fatigued or sore.
  • Focus on gentle stretching, hydration, and good nutrition.

• If you’re travelling with friends, consider a group training session to practice partner skills and build team confidence.
• Watch instructional videos or attend a refresher course if you’re unsure about any techniques.
• Don’t neglect your mind-relaxation techniques and positive self-talk can boost your enjoyment and performance.

By investing a little time in both mental and physical preparation, you’ll set yourself up for a safer, more confident, and more rewarding climbing adventure.

It may sound patronising, but when faced with an enticing new crag it’s easy to get excited and overexert yourself on the first day. Take it easy, build up slowly and remember to stretch well before and after you climb. Be your own nagging mother – she knows best, after all.

Most importantly relax and enjoy your trip. Happy climbing!