The Single Pitch Award is the Nationally recognised, governing body award for adults wishing to supervise others on single pitch crags and climbing walls.

When? Training and Assessment are both 2 day courses and you can either enrol on one of the dates below or, if you have a group of at least 4 adults we can organise a course to suit the dates and times you are available. Price £110 per person

Course dates

Sat 8th & Sun 9th March '08 (Training) Sat Sat 19th & Sun 20th April '08 (Assessment) 26th & Sun 27th April '08 (Training) Sat 31st May & Sun 1st June '08 (Training) Sat 5th & Sun 6th July '08 (Assessment) Sat 11th & Sun 12th Sept '08 (Training) Sat 4th & Sun 5th Oct '08 (Assessment)

Booking info Book on line Download course registration form Ring with your card details

Training course structure
Day 1 9am-8pm
Day 2 9am-5pm

During the course we aim to visit at least 2-3 different crags as well as completing a climbing wall session. Aspects of the syllabus include on personal skills, group skills, access & conservation and many other issues. At the end of the course each student is de-briefed and given an indication of what is needed before they present for assessment.

What you need to bring:
Completed log book
Completed test paper (training courses)
Warm clothes and waterproofs
Packed lunch
Personal climbing kit (inc helmet)*
Single rope and rack*

Experience before the training course You need to be a rock climber with at least 12 months rock climbing experience. You must register with one of the four Mountain Leader Training Boards. You need to join the BMC. You must have lead at least 15 climbs outdoors on leader protected routes.

Experience between training and assessment

• You must consolidate new ideas and techniques gained on the training course and get additional climbing experience.
• Led a minimum of 40 climbs on leader placed protection. A substantial number of these should be at least severe grade and they should be on a variety of rock types.
• You need to have assisted with the supervision of climbing for at least 20 sessions at a variety of locations, some outside and some indoors (a session is a half day or evening).
• You need a valid first aid certificate.

MLT contacts and links
Before you can attend an SPA training course you must first register with the relevant Mountain Leader Training Board.

Suggested Reading Rock climbing Essential skills and Techniques Libby Peter The official handbook of the Mountaineering Instructor and Single Pitch Award schemes – indispensable!!

Useful web sites

• www.thebmc.co.uk
• www.rspb.org.uk
• www.ccw.gov.uk
• www.ukclimbing.com

Further info

• Useful info about Beacon Outdoor courses
• About our instructors
• Accommodation
• Terms and conditions