Discover Outdoor Learning and Adventure at Arete Outdoor Centre

Arete Outdoor Centre is located in the centre of North Wales, on the northern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Here, we provide outdoor education and adventure experiences to schools, youth groups, families and organisations, in a stunning natural setting surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain, lake, river and coastal landscapes in the UK.

The name ‘Arete’ is derived from the Greek word for ‘excellence’ and is embedded in the philosophy behind all of Arete's courses. Arete aims to develop an individual's potential by providing them with challenging outdoor experiences and encouraging them to develop confidence, teamwork, resilience and leadership skills in a supportive and safe environment.

Arete Outdoor Centre is focused on providing residential outdoor activity courses, which take place in various locations throughout Snowdonia and along the North Wales coast; so activities are not limited to one location. Some examples of popular outdoor activities that can be done at Arete include: mountain walking, rock climbing, coasteering, kayaking, canoeing, gorge scrambling and surfing. Each programme is tailored specifically to meet the participants' ages, abilities and desired learning outcomes, with the end goal being a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all involved.

At Arete, you have a wide range of comfortable and flexible accommodations for your group. Depending on the size of your group, you can select from either fully catered or self-catering accommodations, each with large communal areas for relaxation, reflection, and time spent socialising at the end of a fun-filled day of activities.

Safety and quality of service are two of the most important things we strive for in the delivery of our services. Arete Outdoor Centre is proud to hold several key accreditations: an Adventure Activities Licencing Authority [AALA] licence; an LOtC Award; and confirmation as an Approved DofE Award Provider. The award and accreditation credentials make Arete a safe, and trusted venue for many educational establishments and group leaders within the UK.

Whether you are intending to organise a school residential, youth group adventure, or active group staying in the area, we know that we will be able to provide you with an unforgettable outdoor experience that will educate you, inspire you and challenge you. To begin planning your outdoor adventure with Arete Outdoor Centre, please visit our website, aretecentre.co.uk

Become a Qualified Rock Climbing Instructor with Arete Outdoor Centre

Arete Outdoor Centre is committed to providing our customers with everything they need to pursue a successful outdoor career as an outdoor climbing instructor through support and training towards the Rock Climbing Instructor National Governing Body (NGB) Qualification.

What Does the Rock Climbing Instructor Qualification Entail?

The Rock Climbing Instructor Qualification, a National Governing Body (NGB) qualification, has been formally recognised and approved for the safe supervision of climbing and abseiling sessions at single pitch crags or indoor climbing walls by those who are already experienced climbers. Combining both indoor and outdoor climbing/abseiling activities, the qualification is governed under the UK leadership schemes, and is held in high esteem throughout the modern outdoor industry.

This qualification is appropriate for those who:

Have a love for the sport of rock climbing and other recreational experiences

Want to instruct and oversee safe group activity in a variety of climbing environments and settings

Hope to work in climbing facilities, outdoor centres, schools and other community groups, as well as commercial climbing locations.

Why Use Arete Outdoor Centre as Your Provider?

Arete Outdoor Centre has been helping thousands of people with outdoor education in North Wales since 2012. We have established an incredible reputation as an outdoor education provider in the area and continue to support Rock Climbing Instructor NGB qualifications through our experienced staff and diverse range of activity locations throughout the Snowdonia mountains and Anglesey coastline, providing unrivalled climbing opportunities and coaching.

Training at Arete Has Many Benefits

Expert Coaches: Our coaches have real world experience and expertise to share with you on your instructor journey.

Exceptional Training Environments: You will enjoy using some of the best climbing crags and climbing walls which your qualification requires, and we will support you to build your skillset within these world class climbing locations.

Practical Training: Each course has been developed to enhance and improve your technical climbing skills and your ability to lead groups of climbers safely and successfully.

Preparation for Your Assessment: Arete will provide you with all the necessary training, information and preparation you need to pass your NGB qualification assessments with confidence.

What it Covers

• Course curriculum for the Rock Climbing Instructor scheme generally has elements of:
• Risk management and safety in climbing activities.
• Rigging and belaying techniques.
• Supervision and communication in group settings effectively.
• Teaching basics of climbing and coaching.
• Best practices ethically and environmentally to minimise impact on climbing environments.

After completing this qualification, you will be able to supervise and instruct within a controlled climbing wall setting or on single pitch outdoors and will be taking an important step toward an outdoor adventure-based career.

How Arete Works

Arete pairs you with a coach who will guide you through the necessary criteria to complete this qualification, while additionally offering you access to real-world environments and the opportunity for group supervision and management experience as part of their Professional Development and Fast Track Instructor programs. You may choose to focus solely on rock climbing pathways or pursue the rock climbing qualifications in concert with other outdoor career pathways (Mountain Leader, Paddlesports, Coasteering, etc. )