Set in the gorgeous Great Langdale — in the heart of the Lake District National Park — the boutique-styled Academy immerses you in UK ‘trad’ climbing culture sponsored by Arc’teryx.
The internationally renowned outdoor brand has returned to the Lakes.
Formerly known as the Lakeland Revival, it is the perfect place to learn and advance your climbing skills, it brings together world-class athletes, top-certified guides, and brand partners to deliver a wide range of clinics, workshops, and a supportive experience for all levels — no matter if you’re new to climbing or pushing your limits.
The one-of-a-kind base camp at the Sticklebarn Pub is your place to join the climbing community after a day at the crag. Get hands-on with Arc’teryx products, browse partner stands, enjoy delicious food and drinks, watch exclusive film premieres, and take in athlete talks.
Arc’teryx announced the Bank holiday retreat stating this on Instagram:
“The Arc’teryx Climbing Academy Lake District clinic booking is live. Clinics. Workshops. Yoga. Films. Live music. Community. World-class athletes. It’s all happening at the Arc’teryx Climb Academy Lake District, May 25-27. Mark your calendars and book your clinics now so you don’t miss out on instructional sessions in the beautiful crags, boulders, and hills.”
Charlie Woodburn has been involved with the academy since the Lakeland Revival and is now a climbing guide on the Arc’teryx roster.
He explained his technique-based role for the upcoming weekend.
“The Master class is my area. That includes teaching style improvement skills, footwork and bouldering or, tactics in lead climbing . I’m gonna be teaching them all about technique and everything I’ve learnt my years of climbing.”
There are two other academies around the world. The Canadian company Arctos work with the academy in Squamish, north of Vancouver, and Apline Chanomix a venue which has been running for 13 years.
So why did they choose Great Langdale?
“The Lake District academy began due to the lack of climbing in the Lakes. Nobody really knows why, but the Lake District as a climbing hub in the UK has fallen off the radar a bit. People tended not to climb the lakes as much as they used to in the 70s, 80s and early 90s and that’s why it began,” Charlie told Nine To Alive.
“The Lakeland Revival was set up that was sponsored by Arc’teryx and it was an initiative that went over the whole summer where a certain select classic routes of the Lake District were picked that were overgrown and, you know, needing some TLC, so climbers could go and do these routes and then clean them up in the process.”
The UK athlete team is run by Katy Whittaker , an accomplished trail climber in the UK, from the Peak District.
In collaboration with Arc’teryx she created an ‘eclectic group’ of climbing specialists, boulderers, sport climbers and competition climbers.
“I started the event originally to try and make entrance and progression through climbing more accessible with instruction from the best guides. I’ve been working alongside international school of mountaineering to do this for the last 7 years and it became an Arc’teryx academy 4 years ago. It’s for anyone who’s completely new to climbing through to those who want to work on more advanced techniques such as rescue techniques.“
Katie Whittaker
It has since grown to a plethora of different outdoor activities including that you can participate in for between £40 – £90:
- Trad Climbing
- Scrambling
- Camping
- Wild swimming
- Hiking
You may be concerned that the event is for experienced climbers. However, Charlie told us that this is not the case.
“It’s set up for beginners and major level climbers. It’s open to people who just want to get into or have been into it for a while and want to progress. I hope we provide a supportive and enthusiastic environment for those types of people. There’s always going to be some people that’s slightly better than others, or more experienced, but I think the balance tends to be pretty good,” he said.
“There’s a lot of clinics run over the weekend that help, you know, cater to all the different needs in sort of equal proportions.
There are many perks to working with a such a recognised brand but Charlie said ‘the kit’ brings him back every year, alongside helping everyone climb of course.
He added: “It’s a privilege to work with such a brand. Getting the equipment and outwear provided for you is ideal. I’d love to wear their jackets even if I wasn’t sponsored, it’s the best on the market.”
The IFMGA Guides and world-class athletes in the heart of the Lake District National Park to hone your climbing skills and experience the rock face like never before. With a wide range of clinics, the Arc’teryx Climb Academy immerses you in UK climbing culture and amplifies your climbing knowledge.
Adrian Nelhams, ISM Director & IFMGA British Mountain Guide said: “The real adventure of climbing is accessing the beautiful and wild spaces that we have here in the UK. It’s the fresh air, open sky, weather and views. It’s the stronger relationships built through those outdoor experiences, adventures and climbing on real rock where the joy lies.
“The Arc’teryx Climbing Academy in the Lake District is an opportunity to try climbing outdoors for the first time or develop your existing climbing skills and gain confidence, so that over time you can build your independence in order to ‘go it alone’!”
The Academy also features inspirational talks from renowned adventurers, climbers, and environmentalists. These speakers share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, providing motivation and insight to attendees. Film screenings showcasing incredible outdoor feats and environmental documentaries add a cinematic dimension to the Academy experience, inspiring participants to dream big and pursue their own adventures.
If you want to get involved and head to the Lakes this weekend find out more here and enjoy the teaser:
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