Let us show you the ropes
Summer
Basecamp, Llanberis, Snowdonia
Winter
Westcoast of Scotland and Norway.
Mountain Independence specialise in climbing & mountaineering courses of exceptional quality for people seeking to develop their skills, have adventures and gain qualifications.
Why Book With Us
20 Years Experience
Mountain Independence is run by myself, Stu Lade. I've climbed extensively throughout the UK and across the world.
Basecamp
Private facilities for morning briefings & evening lectures for our Snowdonia based courses, with free tea & coffee.
Local Knowledge
I've lived and worked in Snowdonia over 15 years, and winter climbed in Scotland equally as long.
Highly Qualified
Stu holds the highest UK qualifications: the Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (MCI) and Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (WMCI).
Ethos
It's in the name; helping people develop the skills & confidence to have their own adventures in the mountains independently.
Specialist
Paddling, biking, caving, canyoning, coasteering, bushcraft, zorbing, axe throwing... just climbing & mountaineering.
Safety
Suitably insured, reguarly inspected kit, risk assessed activities. We only use qualified, in-remit, professional & experienced staff.
Professional
Full member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) and the Mountain Training Assosication (MTA).
“Being the culmination of many months preparation, stress levels naturally were high on my ML assessment. However, from the first morning Stu calmed the candidates’ nerves with his relaxed manner; reassuring us he was there to observe all we’d learned and wanted us to to enjoy the experience.
Stu inspired confidence & encouraged us to perform our best and even exceed what we believed we were capable of. I’m pleased to say, I not only passed but also learned more too.”
“When I first met Stuart I had done a number of non-technical peaks around the world and wanted to improve my skills. Stuart introduced me to rock climbing in Wales and Scottish Winter climbing, which took my technical ability, especially on rock, to a totally different level.
What I really appreciate about Stuart is the fact that he is a great climbing coach and not just a guide. He takes the time to advise you technically, tests you, and builds your confidence by pushing you just hard enough. Within a very short space of time I was climbing some of the toughest peaks in the alps confidently.”
“Amazing week with Stu! Took us to some classics routes all around Snowdonia National Park and he even booked the weather.
Incredibly knowledgeable in all aspects of Rock Climbing and throws in lots of "Golden Nuggets" and top tips. Highly Recommend for all people just starting or aiming for Instructor qualifications!”
