Get 15% Off Your First Booking — Use Code SUMMER25

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Get 15% Off Your First Booking — Use Code SUMMER25 〰️

Rock Climbing Guiding

Whether you’re looking to tackle an iconic Lake District classic, try sea cliff climbing for the first time or venture further afield, our experienced instructors are here to help you experience the very best of UK climbing and scrambling. Get in touch to start planning your next adventure!

Climbing Instruction

Whether you’re a complete beginner starting your climbing journey, or an experienced climber aiming to refine your technique, We have courses to cater to all levels. All our courses are personalised with small ratios to maximise learning!

Scrambling and Hiking

Discover the excitement of scrambling on some of the best routes in the UK. Whether you're new to scrambling or looking to tackle more challenging terrain, our experienced instructors will provide a safe and enjoyable experience tailored to your ability.

About us

Lake District Mountain Guides is dedicated to providing high-quality climbing experiences in one of the UK’s most iconic mountain regions. We are run by James Boothroyd, a trainee British Mountain Guide who is qualified as a UK rock guide and insured to work throughout the UK. Occasionally we work alongside other instructors, members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) or the British Association of Mountain Guides (BMG).

James has extensive experience across all disciplines of climbing, from trad climbing, sport climbing to winter and big alpine routes. He loves being outside and climbing as much as possible. The same goes for all our instructors, we are climbing mad! Whether you're taking your first steps into climbing, looking to push your grade, or aiming for a classic mountain route, we offer expert guidance tailored to your goals.

We truly enjoy sharing our passion for climbing, helping others challenge themselves, and seeing the joy that comes from being outdoors. Guiding allows us to be part of moments where people achieve their goals and connect with nature, which is incredibly rewarding.

James on the Lakes classic Aardvark on Pavey Ark

James guiding South Post Direct on Creag Meagdaih

James on Lagarde Couloir Direct in Chamonix

James multi pitching climbing on Moroccan Limestone

  • James is a patient, encouraging, unflappable guide in all kinds of mountain situations. Just three days of climbing instruction with him changed my confidence and gave me the boost I needed to take my leading to the next level. You can definitely trust him for leadership while developing your own skills

    Andrew, Edinburgh

    Person rock climbing on a coastal cliff with safety gear and helmet, ocean below. Shot from above.
  • James has been amazing at helping me improve my climbing indoors and develop confidence outdoors with climbs and scrambles! He chose the perfect routes that were the right level of a challenge and really enjoyable (and great views)! He was always so encouraging and got me up things I never thought I’d be able to climb! Highly highly recommend for anyone wanting to gain climbing/ scrambling experience

    Evie, Dinorwic

    Person in a blue jacket standing on a rocky mountain ridge with arms outstretched, surrounded by cloudy skies.
  • James provided great instruction in the fundamentals of trad climbing, helping us successfully lead our first trad routes. His experience and knowledge has equipped us with skills that have improved both our climbing skills. We can't recommend him enough!

    Lucas and Freya, Llanberis

    Person rock climbing on a steep, jagged cliff with mountainous landscape in the background.