Lake District Mountaineering - Cockermouth

Gavin P.

I had an incredible day out with Lake District Mountaineering, guided by Sam, who was nothing short of exceptional. From the very start, he was professional, friendly, and clearly an expert in his field.

Throughout the initial hike, Sam took the time to discuss all things mountain-related, sharing his extensive knowledge in a way that was engaging and easy to understand. His experience shone through as he carefully explained what was in store for our group, ensuring we felt confident every step of the way.

The day was not only fun but also hugely educational—I picked up valuable new skills, from handling an ice axe and using crampons effectively to navigating safely on icy and snowy terrain. By the end, I felt much more prepared to tackle winter conditions independently.

If you’re looking to build confidence in the mountains, learn essential winter skills, or just have a great day out with an expert, I highly recommend Lake District Mountaineering. Thanks again, Sam!

Hez M.

Had a brilliant 4 days with Sam in the Cairngorms. His knowledge of all aspects of mountaineering, from weather, safety, climbing routes etc is second to none. I wouldn't hesitate in booking further trips with LDM

Cath L.

I booked at short notice for a guided traverse of Striding and Swirrel Edges on Helvellyn in winter conditions. The day way exceeded my expectations. Sam was a great guide. Friendly, helpful, and very keen to pass on his expertise relating to crampon techniques, movement skills, and generally staying safe in the winter mountain environment. I'd definitely book again for one of his more in depth mountaineering courses. Very happy to recommend!

Oliver B. (. B.

Mountain Leader Assessment

Assessment can be a big and scary thing. Lake District Mountaineering understands this and builds an environment through the week for you to demonstrate your skills naturally, striking an appropriate balance of support and challenge.

I had heard before that ML can be a learning experience, too. It was clear that LDM genuinely wanted you to be the best leader you could be, and to go into the hills and further awards with confidence and competence to create opportunities for others. Open discussion, guidance and feedback across the week has left me feeling empowered to put the skills into practice.

Thank you Sam and John, for being spot on 👍

Nicola

I've had two bespoke days now with Sam. The first was a navigation day in not so favourable conditions but Sam managed the day so well that I had a really successful day, learnt a great deal & boosted my confidence for being solo on the fells. In the weather we had, it could've been quite the opposite had the learning not been managed so well.

As I'd had such a great first experience, I immediately booked again for a day of scrambling. I was not disappointed! I am still smiling over 3 weeks later when I think about it & look at the photos. Again, Sam managed the day perfectly, pushed me just far enough so as not to scare me but far enough to give me the adventurous experience I was craving.

I feel Sam is great at reading people & tailors the experience to give you the best experience & where appropriate, the best learning experience you could ask for. Great company and so calm & reassuring, he makes me feel completely at ease.....so much so I immediately booked for another day of scrambling for my next trip! Honestly can't recommend him enough! (But please make sure you leave space for me to book him still!😆)

Ashley B.

Another great experience with Sam!

This is the second time I’ve booked a course with him & I walked away feeling that I had learnt more & had a great time in the process

Would highly recommend to others!

Cheers Sam

Claire

Attended a 2 day Hills and Mountain Skills weekend with Sam and from the back of this I attended a 3 day Mountain skills and Wild camping weekend and had a fantastic time.

Sam was friendly, knowledgeable, professional and had an extensive amount of experience and knowledge to pass on.

My aim for attending the course was to feel more prepared and comfortable with tackling those big mountain days - which this course delivered and beyond!

I have also met some great like minded people from doing the course which has been lovely.

Thank you Sam and see you in the New Year for more

Nick E.

Just completed the Intro to Ice Climbing up in the Cairngorms with LDM, despite the slightly non winter conditions, another brilliant course instructed by Sam . Thoroughly enjoyed the mountain day and also the dry tooling practice on the second day when the mountain weather wouldn't let us play on the big stuff. Amazing experience, thanks Sam👍