Intermediate Climbing: Trad Climbing Adventures in Cornwall

What is trad climbing? Learn traditional climbing techniques on real sea cliffs with our climbing courses in Cornwall.

Climber seconding a granite sea cliff route at Sennen — a hands-on way to learn what is trad climbing.

An Introduction to Trad Climbing in Cornwall

Perfect for Climbers Ready to Go Beyond the Basics

If you’re an indoor climber or tackled a few routes outside, this is your chance to go further. Our intermediate trad climbing courses in Cornwall are designed for climbers with some experience who want to learn more — whether that’s tackling harder routes, seconding a lead climber, or starting to explore the gear and techniques behind ‘trad’.

So, what is trad climbing? It’s a more adventurous form of climbing where the protection is placed and removed as you go — no bolts, just gear, skill and judgement. We’ll introduce these principles at your pace, with no pressure to lead unless you’re ready to progress.

Courses are typically based at the world-class granite cliffs of Sennen — a truly unforgettable location and one of the best things to do in Sennen Cove if you’re into adventure. With expert coaching and completely bespoke sessions, you’ll build real confidence and develop the skills to take your climbing further.

A climber seconding her first traditional route on the granite cliffs of West Cornwall
Build YOUR Trad Skills

Learn the Ropes on Real Rock

Follow your instructor up classic lines as you learn gear placement, rope systems, and sea cliff technique — all at your own pace.

A climber battles up the crux of Zig Zag (HVS) on a granite cliff in Cornwall
Push Yourself on Real Rock

Climb Harder, Try New Techniques

Whether you want to improve footwork or test yourself on tougher routes, we’ll tailor the day to challenge and inspire you.

Climber on Demo Route at Sennen, a classic granite line high above the sea
Classic Granite, Breathtaking Setting

Climb Cornwall’s Iconic Crags

Experience some of the best single-pitch climbing in the country — including legendary lines like Demo Route at Sennen.

Our intermediate courses are totally tailored — just you (or you and your partner) working with an experienced instructor to push your skills forward. We’ll start the day by chatting through your goals and shaping the session around them.

Want to climb harder and refine your technique? We’ll choose routes to suit your ability and focus on movement, footwork and body positioning. Want to go deeper into trad climbing? We can cover ropework, anchor building, gear placements, and problem-solving — hands-on and at your pace.

Much of the day will be spent seconding your instructor on classic single-pitch routes. This gives you a real taste of how climbers operate on sea cliffs like Sennen: moving as a team, placing and retrieving gear, and learning how trad protection works in practice.

All of this takes place on the granite cliffs of West Cornwall — and there’s nowhere better. With stunning sea views, pristine rock, and quiet crags, Sennen is the ideal place to take your next steps in traditional climbing. These climbing courses in Cornwall aren’t just about learning—they’re about building confidence, developing real skills, and enjoying the journey.

Not sure if this is the right level for you? We also offer a beginner course for those just starting out, and an advanced course for experienced climbers ready to lead. Get in touch if you’re unsure — we’ll help you choose the best fit.

“It was an amazing day, Matt was fantastic, very knowledgeable and adapted the day to our needs and wishes. We learnt so much and felt like we were climbing with a friend. What an experience and with the most jaw dropping background. Can’t recommend Matt highly enough!”

Vikki M., June, ’19

Take Your Next Steps as a Climber

Learn the Nuts and Bolts of Climbing in Cornwall

Trad Climbing Starts Where Top-Roping Ends

If you’ve ever asked, “What is trad climbing?”, this course is your answer — not in theory, but on the rock. For many climbers coming from indoor walls or beginner days out, seconding a trad route is their first real glimpse into how traditional climbing works.

Rather than simply following ropes from above, you’ll be seconding a lead climber — removing gear, reading the route, and understanding how protection is placed in real time. You’ll see anchor systems up close, learn what makes a safe placement, and gain insight into how trad climbing balances risk, skill and judgment. It’s the ideal next step for anyone looking to move beyond top-roping and experience what real climbers do on the sea cliffs of Cornwall.

Our trad courses in Cornwall are also perfect for those who want to progress without pressure. There’s no need to lead — unless that’s your goal. You’ll have the option to explore knots, gear handling, and ropework skills like belaying from above or setting up simple anchors, all at your own pace.

Whether you’re curious about anchor building and gear, or just want to climb more adventurous lines than you’d find on a beginner day, this is your path forward. It’s about building trust — in your belay, in your movement, and in yourself.

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My 17-year-old son and his friend spent a day climbing with Tom from Kernow Coasteering.
They had an absolutely awesome time and were buzzing afterwards.
Claire W.
May, 2025
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Thanks for an excellent day of rock climbing. The booking and meeting arrangements were clear and easy, and the location was stunning.
Beng0ss
April, 2021

Intermediate Rock Climbing

£180 per day

(For one or two people)

The minimum age for Intermediate Rock Climbing is 10-years-old. Note that children younger than 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult to participate on this course.

Trad Climbing with a View

There’s nothing quite like trad climbing on a granite sea cliff, with waves crashing far below and golden lichen beneath your fingertips. These aren’t indoor walls or tiny inland crags — they’re wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Our routes are chosen not just for progression, but for experience. Every climb helps build your head for heights, trust in the rope, and belief in your own ability. Whether you’re pulling through a crux or pausing to take in the view, these are moments you’ll remember long after the chalk has washed away.

This is Cornwall rock climbing at its best — exposed, adventurous, and utterly brilliant.

Smiling woman seconding a beginner-friendly trad route at Sennen Cove.
Mid-pitch on Dolphin Cracks with views of the Irish Lady sea stack and Land’s End behind.
Climber smiling after seconding on Civvy Route, a well-loved HS climb at Sennen.
Climber tackling Zig Zag, a classic HVS trad route at Black Zawn, with Sennen Cove and Gwenver beach in the background.

Cornwall’s Trad Climbing Specialists

At Kernow Coasteering, we don’t just guide climbers — we live this stuff. When we’re not out with clients, you’ll find us exploring new routes, checking conditions, and chasing the best sea cliff lines the Cornish coast has to offer.

With years of experience on these granite crags, we know every gear placement, tide window, and hidden gem. Whether you’re a solid indoor climber ready to make the leap, or just want to climb in a place that’s as scenic as it is serious, you’re in safe hands.

This course is just one part of what we offer. You can read more our climbing philosophy and background and check out our climbing gallery to see what a day out looks like. Or, have a look through our reviews to see what other climbers have said.

If you’ve got questions, drop us a line via the contact page — we’d love to chat.

Still Wondering If This Course Is Right for You?

You’re not the only one! Here are some of the most common questions we get about our intermediate trad courses — from what you’ll learn to what makes the sea cliffs in Cornwall so special.

Absolutely — if you’re into real adventure. Sennen Cove isn’t just about sunbathing and surfing (though those are great too). Just around the headland lies some of the best granite sea-cliffs in the UK, including routes perfect for learning the ropes of trad. We also run advanced coasteering at Land’s End, just a short walk along the coast. For everything else we offer, take a look at our full range of coasteering adventures.

All climbing carries some risk, but we manage it carefully. Your instructor places all the protection and handles all leading. You’ll second routes and learn in a controlled, supportive environment — no soloing or risky heroics here.

Trad (short for traditional) means placing your own gear in the rock as you go, rather than clipping into pre-installed bolts like in sport climbing. In Cornwall, this is how it is done — the adventure, the decision-making, and the self-reliance are all part of the experience.

If you’re curious about the kit required for bolted routes, we’ve also written a complete guide to sport climbing gear.

We provide all the specialist gear you’ll need — helmet, harness, ropes, protection, and more. Just bring clothes you can move in and a packed lunch.

If you have any of your own kit — such as a helmet, harness, or shoes — you’re very welcome to bring it along. We’ll check everything over at the start of the day to make sure it’s suitable and safe to use.

If you’re thinking about buying your own rack or just want to understand what trad gear is all about, check out our in-depth guide: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Trad Climbing Gear.

This course isn’t for total beginners. You’ll need to be able to belay safely and have some experience indoors or outdoors. If you’re new to climbing, check out our Beginner Climbing course.

Tides are a big deal on sea cliffs — they affect approach routes, belay ledges, and even the base of climbs. That’s why we plan each day around the forecast and tides to keep things safe and enjoyable.

Yes — if that’s what you’re keen on. We tailor each day to your goals, so if you want hands-on experience placing gear, building anchors, and understanding trad protection, we’ll cover it. If you’re more interested in ticking routes and seconding, that’s fine too.

Most of our intermediate trad courses run at Sennen, one of the most stunning single-pitch venues in Cornwall. Clean granite, amazing sea views, and a huge variety of routes make it the perfect training ground.

No — there’s no leading involved. Your instructor will lead the routes and you’ll second, just like climbers do on sea cliffs and mountain crags. If you’re ready to learn to lead, we offer an Advanced Course.

Yes — that’s exactly what we offer. Whether you’re learning gear placements, seconding classic routes, or simply building confidence, this is a full-day experience tailored to you.

If you have a specific Cornish multi-pitch route in mind — such as Commando Ridge, or routes at Chair Ladder — we can guide you on those as part of our Advanced Climbing Course.

Climber attempts the roof crack on Superjam (E5) at Sennen, showcasing one of Cornwall’s hardest sea cliff climbs.
Trad climber leads the bold wall of Catholic Girls (HVS) at Sennen on a bright Cornish day.
A beginner climber seconding Staircase at Sennen — an ideal first trad route on real Cornish granite.
Lead climber committing to the steep crux of Demolition (E6) at Sennen, with the Atlantic just below.