Mountain Independence

Did the intermediate climbing course earlier this year and said I’d come back, and I did! The learn to trad climb course is excellent and I can happily say I’m now confident to take on more trad climbs without an instructor to keep an eye on me. Stu was once again a fabulous instructor, instilling masses of confidence thanks to his calm and collected nature combined with an obviously extensive knowledge of climbing.

Stu also has a knack for picking excellent climbs. He knows north wales extremely well and managed to both days pick out amazing spots that were not only perfect for our skill and confidence level, but also genuinely gorgeous.

I recommended Stu last time I went on a course with him, and I’d recommend his again. Thanks again Stu!

I did Learn to Lead Sports climb through Mountain Independence, but at the location of the Queer Climbing Festival. An incredible weekend and such a good vibe. I am autistic and registered blind, so it is fantastic to be able to access courses and fully participate. I was able to genuinely be happy with 'getting however far I do' but fantastic to have done my first lead climb. Stu and the other participant - we all worked so well together, plus banter and chat, but serious when needed.
It was fun, comfortable and great climbing opportunities.

I wanted to go climbing in north Wales and experience a multi-pitch route for the first time. I had met Stu previously and had a great time learning trad skills from him, so I knew I wanted to climb with him again. After some messages back and forwards, we booked a time and place and it was brilliant. Stu knows the areas so well that he picked the perfect place for me. He even picked the perfect weather for us too!! I cannot recommend him enough, great guy, masses of knowledge, I can't wait to climb with him again!

Stu was an amazing instructor. Inspired confidence on the wall and made me feel safe whilst doing pretty challenging climbs including a day of multi-pitching! He had in depth knowledge of all the craggs and managed to do some climbs that are new to the log book! Thanks for an amazing week hopefully be back in another course soon!

We did the Learn to Lead Sport course back in May (yes, it's taken me a while to write this review) and it was excellent. Stu really knows his stuff, is easy to learn from, and all of the locations we climbed at were fun and beautiful.

Having not climbed a great deal outdoors since the course, we went a couple of weeks ago, and his tips and tricks were all still fresh in the memory. Thanks Stu!

Had an amazing weekend on the intermediate rock skills course with Stu, a brilliant instructor whose calm and confident attitude really sets the tone for a great learning experience (even when you're terrified of heights like me). The local crags he took us to were brilliant, he clearly knows and loves the areas he teaches in. Would highly recommend!

Stu delivers an interesting, safe and professional course. I did a Rock Skills Intermediate course with Mountain Independence and we covered the differences between indoor and outdoor climbing, how to second a trad route, personal abseiling along with a load of climbing and coaching chucked in too!

I will definitely book with Stu again!

I met Stu on a beginners ice climbing course in Rjukan, Norway. Not only was it my first visit to Norway it was also my first attempt at water ice climbing. With a full two day itinery we covered every aspect of how very different climbing on ice was in comparison to the limited amount of winter mountaineering I had experienced. Stu has a fantastic calm and unflappable manner, with clear friendly direction, a great sense of humour and always happy to share the little tips that made the whole experience truly remarkable. Covering grades up to WI5 I amazed myself as to what I could achieve in such a relatively short time. Stu's advice didn't end in Norway, before I had even flown home I was already planning a winter climbing trip to Glen Coe, as I had left it rather late to find a guide Stu put me in touch with dozens of guides until I found one who was free on the dates I had free. Even though he was not directly involved in that trip he still stayed in touch to see how I got on and if I had enjoyed myself. For someone to be so generous with their time is such a rare thing these days, and i cannot wait until the Winter season is upon us once more and without hesitation I will call upon Stu to drag me up some new and testing routes. A true gent, and an excellent guide.

A great 3 day RCI Instructors training. The training was easy to follow, the instructors were knowledgeable and experienced and overall the course was fun!

We were lucky and had a lovely warm and sunny 3 day course in August and I wouldn't think twice about going back to Mountain Independence for future climbing trips and hopefully to take our RCI instructors exam.

Overall 5/5 plus it's just in one of the most beautiful places in the U.K. Thank you Stu and Simon.

Great Mountain Leader Training course in November 2021. Stu is an excellent communicator, super experienced outdoorsman and climber as well as being a pretty good barista to kick off each day's training! Thanks a lot for a wealth of tips, material and hands-on training. Opened my eyes in many ways.

Stu did a 3 day Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI) training in Llanberis on 1st of December until the 3rd with me and three others. The course itself was done in a great manner. During my time on the course I was given invaluable information which helped me improve my own skills! Stu has great knowledge and you can see this in his work.

Stu ran an excellent course and I learned a ton, now feeling confident to head out on my own and start leading some routes around North Wales. Stu knows the area incredibly well and we managed to get loads of climbing in, heading to the right spots to stay safe and dry while the rest of Eryri got drenched. Attentive to the abilities of all course members and offered loads of practical advice that would take a long time to pick up on your own - highly recommended.

I attended a three day rock climbing instructor course and would highly recommend Stu to anyone wanting to learn and progress. I received constructive criticism and feedback helping me focus on my goals on my journey to passing my assessment. The course was intense, interesting and I had fun, networking and making new friends in the process. Stu is informative and knowledgeable from working around the world, i would highly recommend anyone to Mountain Independence looking to progress themselves. Gorgeous location in the heart of llanberis minutes away from several crags and becon climbing centre. Looking forward to returning for a catchup and panad with stu once ive passed assessment!

I did training (Rock Climbing Instructor) with Stu in May 2019 and he's got a wealth of knowledge and experience and you were given space to find what works best for you. Simon lead the course and was really good, with a calm and relaxed approach. Stu comes with an exciting CV of his climbing and expeditions and you can't help but feel psyched for new adventures after spending time with him and the other people on the training. I'd highly recommend Stu for training, assessment or guidance or tuition in the hills and mountains, here's to getting out again, Thanks, Ian

Just finished a rock climbing development week with Stu in N Wales - an excellent instructor which I highly recommend. Highly knowledgeable and an excellent teacher - thanks Stu!

Stu of Mountain Independence was fantastic. Thoroughly knowledgeable and credible. Well-paced, challenging and enjoyable course. I strongly recommend Stu and Mountain Independence. Thanks, Stu.

Booked my Rock Climbing Instructor Training with Stu in April. An excellent course! Professionally led with 2 very experienced instructors. Came away from the course with a lot of new skills and better understanding into rock climbing. After the course I was given an action plan so that I could further develop my skills and prepare from an assessment.

Thank you to Mountain Independence Stu & Si for a enjoyable and excellent course. I would recommend Mountain Independence to any climbers or mountaineers who are looking to further develop their skills.

Jack.

I went ice climbing with Stu in Norway earlier this year and it was fantastic!

Stu came across very clear and professional (as well is being very patient!) when it came to technical instruction. The lines he suggested for climbing (leading and seconding) were great as they helped me improve on my previous ice climbing experience.

Stu's wealth of experience really does come through when he suggests the most subtle changes in climbing technique (and tweaks in equipment) which take you to new level!

Hope to to climb with Stu some time soon again.

My day climbing with Stu was great, exactly what i needed, really useful and confidence-building! Stu explains things clearly and thoroughly and made it fun despite some less than ideal weather!

I have completed my ML training and assessment with Stu and he has been so helpful and supportive along the way. He takes time to explain everything clearly and answered loads of questions, even before I had booked!!
Stu is a true professional who has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Throughout both training and assessment he chose supper knowledgeable instructors who each shared their knowledge and experience as well. Thank you to Rachael, Jim & Dan!!
Having completed both the training and assessment, I would say that the training Stu provided definitely prepared me well for the consolidation period and the assessment. Thank you so much!
Mark