Dates
Are these the only dates you can run this?
We regularly put on bespoke dates to suit you so get in touch and we can work something out - use the chat bubble, send us a private booking enquiry or give us a tinkle on +44 20 863 8944
Can we make this longer than 3 days?
Absolutely. Many people choose 5 days instead. Again, get in touch and we'll get it sorted.
Guides
Are your instructors qualified?
All our instructors have the appropriate Rock Climbing Instructor Award
Food and Water
Where do we get drinking water from?
All drinking water can be bought at supermarkets along the way to the crag. If we end up not camping then we can also get water the house.
Do you provide meals on this expedition?
No meals are included.
What snacks should I bring?
All of them!
Snacks can also be bought at the supermarket on the way to the crag.
Accommodation
Can we choose to stay in a guesthouse?
Guesthouse accommodation can be arranged at an extra cost for those who prefer this option.
This option also exists to wild-campers when the forecast is less favourable and will not be charged if used in situ.
Health and Safety
What happens if there is an issue during climbing with a client - a fall or an illness?
We have conducted detailed risk assessments and put the necessary plans in place to cope with any accidents or illness whilst out on the course. Our rock climbing instructors are highly qualified and experienced mountain leaders who hold expedition first aid qualifications and are used to working in remote environments. Their training allows them to deal with situations quickly and safely.
Should someone find themselves requiring further medical attention, the instructor will organise for that individual to be taken from the route and transferred to the nearest hospital. The instructor and the office team will also be on hand to offer guidance and support for insurance claims and contacting next-of-kin.
Is there a minimum age for this trip?
Yes, all our trips are for people of 18 years of age and older.
Kit
What climbing equipment do I need?
Most climbers will have their own climbing shoes, harness and helmet. We can supply them but usually climbers prefer to bring their own kit that fits well with their size.
We provide all other technical equipment. New ropes, carabiners, belay devices, quickdraws and slings.
What wild camping equipment do I need?
You need to bring your own sleeping bag and mat. Your sleeping bag should have a comfort rating of around 5 C-10 C . We provide tents, stoves, pots and pans etc.
The Course
What experience do I need to take part?
This course is suitable for absolute beginners to established rock climbers.
What are the grades?
This weekend is perfect for all level of climbers as the grades range from French 4a to 8c. It is ideal for those wanting to experience real rock for the first time, those who want to develop their sport lead climbing abilities as well as established sport climbers who want to lead world class routes in spectacular locations.
The pace and routes selected are completely client specific. It is easy to set up top ropes on all the routes on the crags we use. Equally European crag development is focused on sport climbing rather than trad climbing and all bolts, anchors and chains are safe and spaced at distances where falls are of little consequence.
The Weather
What is the weather like?
During the day, temperatures can be warm and can even reach to the mid 20 C. In the evening higher up, it could drop to below freezing and have a chill in the air.
As you will be in a mountain environment, the weather can rapidly change for the worse so you need to be prepared for all conditions. Even in good weather it is not uncommon to have short heavy downpours or light snow fall.
What flights would you suggest?
Corona and Brexit may affect things but before the madness our advice was...
To get the maximum climbing out of this weekend it is necessary to get the earliest flight in and the latest possible flight out. Transfers are arranged from Toulouse airport (Blagnac) in France. Several budget airlines have scheduled flights departing the main UK airports arriving early Friday morning in Toulouse and departing Toulouse from late Sunday afternoon. This gives you 3 full days of climbing.
Insurance
Do I need special travel insurance for the course?
You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition. We cannot take you to the crag without proof of insurance.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip. To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.
Your insurance details are requested on the booking form, however this can be arranged at a later date. We will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.
Do I need an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for this expedition?
Brexit may affect things but our advice up to now has been...
As the trip is based in France it is also worth having a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as this “gives card holders the right to access state-provided healthcare on temporary stays in other European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland. Treatment should be provided on the same basis as it would be to a resident of that country and is provided either at reduced cost or, in many cases, for free. The EHIC covers treatment that is medically necessary until the card holder returns home. This includes treatment for pre-existing medical conditions.”
If you don’t already have one, you can apply for one here and it is free.
Many travel insurers won’t cover your medical costs in the unlikely event that you need medical treatment whilst you are away which could have been covered by an EHIC.
Electronics
Where can I charge my phone?
Phones can be charged on the transfers between the crags.
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