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Problem Solving & Self Rescue UK








    Problem Solving & Self Rescue

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    Problem Solving And Self Rescue

    Most climbing days go exactly to plan. The route is climbed, the descent is straightforward and everyone heads home happy. But occasionally things don’t go as expected. A climber may become stuck, an abseil may need to be improvised, a retreat may become necessary or an injury may change the situation entirely.

    When problems arise, having the knowledge and confidence to respond calmly can make all the difference. The goal is not to turn climbers into rescue specialists, but to equip them with practical skills and problem-solving strategies that can help prevent minor issues from becoming major incidents.

    Our Problem Solving & Self Rescue courses are designed for climbers who want to develop a deeper understanding of rope systems, emergency procedures and decision-making. Whether you climb single-pitch routes, multi-pitch routes or mountain crags, we’ll tailor the course to your experience, objectives and the type of climbing you enjoy.

    Through a combination of practical exercises, realistic scenarios and discussion, you’ll learn how to assess situations, identify options and apply appropriate techniques when things don’t go to plan. The emphasis is not simply on learning individual skills, but on understanding how and when to apply them in the real world.

    Is This Course For You?

    This course is designed for climbers who are already leading routes and placing their own protection, whether on single-pitch crags or multi-pitch climbs, and want to develop the skills and judgement needed to deal with unexpected situations.

    You should already be comfortable with basic climbing systems and ropework. The course is ideal for climbers looking to increase their self-reliance, improve their understanding of rope systems and gain greater confidence when operating in more committing environments.

    Whether you’re new to problem solving and self-rescue techniques or looking to refine existing skills, we’ll tailor the course to your experience level, climbing ambitions and individual learning objectives.

    This course is best suited to climbers who are already comfortable leading routes and have experience of single-pitch or multi-pitch climbing. If you’re still developing these skills, you may wish to consider our Lead Climbing or Multi-Pitch Climbing courses first.

    The Course

    Ninety-nine percent of the time, everything goes to plan. This course is designed to prepare you for the occasions when it doesn’t.

    Problem solving and self-reliance is a broad subject, and there is rarely a single solution to every situation. Rather than teaching a collection of techniques in isolation, we focus on developing an understanding of the principles that underpin effective problem solving, helping you make informed decisions when faced with unexpected challenges.

    Every course is tailored to your experience, confidence and objectives. Topics may include hazard identification and prevention, escaping the system, hoisting, lowering, abseiling, the use of friction hitches and prusik knots, improvised rescue techniques and retreat strategies. We also explore the decision-making that sits behind these skills, helping you understand not only how they work, but when they are appropriate.

    This is a highly practical course. You’ll spend much of the day building systems, working through realistic scenarios and discussing different solutions in a safe and controlled environment. While there may be opportunities to climb, the emphasis is on developing the technical competence, judgement and confidence needed to manage unexpected situations efficiently and safely.

    Courses can be booked from a single day through to a longer programme depending on your experience, objectives and the time you have available. Whether you’re looking to learn the fundamentals or build upon existing knowledge, our aim is to help you become a more capable, confident and self-reliant climber.

    Best Time To Climb

    Problem Solving & Self Rescue skills can be developed throughout much of the year, provided conditions are suitable.

    For most climbers, the best period runs from April through to October when longer daylight hours and generally drier conditions provide more flexibility and allow plenty of time to explore different scenarios and techniques. Spring and autumn are often particularly enjoyable, combining comfortable temperatures with quieter climbing venues.

    Unlike many climbing courses, perfect conditions are not always essential. Some of the most valuable lessons come from discussing realistic challenges and considering how systems and decision-making may need to adapt when conditions are less than ideal.

    We select venues based on your experience, objectives and the prevailing conditions. By remaining flexible and choosing appropriate locations for the day’s learning objectives, we can maximise both the quality of instruction and the range of scenarios explored.

    Courses can often be delivered during the winter months when conditions allow, making this an excellent year-round option for climbers looking to develop greater self-reliance and confidence in the mountains and at the crag.

    Why Learn Problem Solving & Self Rescue With Monkey Mountaineering

    Monkey Mountaineering is a small, independent company that puts quality of experience ahead of volume. Our Problem Solving & Self Rescue courses are designed around the individual, allowing us to tailor the content, pace and scenarios to your experience, confidence and climbing objectives.

    When things don’t go according to plan, there is rarely a single textbook solution. Every situation is different, and effective problem solving requires far more than simply knowing a collection of techniques. It requires an understanding of climbing systems, the ability to assess risk and the judgement to select an appropriate course of action.

    That’s why our courses focus on developing resilience as much as technical competence. Rather than encouraging you to memorise a sequence of steps, we help you understand how climbing systems work, why different techniques are used and how they can be adapted to suit the situation in front of you. By understanding the principles behind the systems, you’ll be better equipped to anticipate problems, manage unexpected situations and make informed decisions when they matter most.

    Our instructors are experienced climbers and qualified professionals who are passionate about helping people become safer, more capable and more independent. Through realistic scenarios, practical exercises and open discussion, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different solutions, ask questions and develop a deeper understanding of climbing systems in a supportive learning environment.

    The aim is simple: to help you become a more knowledgeable, confident and self-reliant climber who is better prepared to anticipate, manage and overcome the unexpected.

    A flexible itinerary, designed around you.

    Every Problem Solving & Self Rescue course is planned before the day begins. Having discussed your experience, objectives and ambitions during the booking process, we’ll select a venue that provides the best environment for the skills and scenarios you wish to explore.

    After meeting your instructor, you’ll head to the chosen venue where the day will combine practical exercises, realistic scenarios and discussion. Rather than simply demonstrating techniques, we’ll encourage you to think through problems, consider different options and develop an understanding of the principles that underpin effective decision-making.

    As the day progresses, the complexity of the scenarios can be adapted to suit your experience and confidence. Some climbers may focus on building the foundations of problem solving and self-reliance, while others may explore more complex situations involving improvised rescue techniques, retreat strategies or system management. Throughout the course, the emphasis remains on understanding why a particular solution is appropriate, rather than simply memorising a sequence of actions.

    The day concludes with a review of the scenarios you’ve worked through, an opportunity to reflect on the decisions you made and practical advice on how to continue developing your problem-solving skills and self-reliance as a climber.

    We run our Problem Solving & Self Rescue courses throughout the year, with dates arranged around your availability. Courses can be booked from a single day through to a longer programme, depending on your experience, objectives and the time you have available.

    Courses are priced at £300 per day for up to two people. This pricing reflects the value of private instruction, a bespoke course tailored to your experience and ambitions, and the flexibility to create realistic scenarios and select the most appropriate venue based on the skills you wish to develop.

    Whether you’re looking to build the foundations of problem solving and self-reliance or refine existing skills through more advanced scenarios, we’ll tailor the course to help you achieve your goals. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and check availability.

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    Included in the price of this trip

    • Use of technical equipment such as ropes etc.
    • Professional instruction and coaching by a fully qualified AMI member

    Not included

    • Overnight accommodation (unless specifically arranged for your booking)
    • Personal clothing and equipment - see our kit list
    • Lunch, food, or snacks
    • Drinks
    • Travel to and from the course venue

    Essential Clothing & Equipment

    • Climbing Harness - Standard

      These are available to hire for a small fee – please enquire.

    • Climbing Helmet

      You only have one head - best to look after it. Make sure you can wear a beanie/woolly hat under your climbing helmet

    • Climbing Shoes

      These are not essential and you could wear trainers, however, a pair of well fitting climbing shoes will improve your performance and allow you to get the most out of your course.

    • Clothing

      Climbing venues can often be exposed and windy so please make sure you bring sufficient layers to keep warm. Clothing worn for climbing should not restrict your movement. We suggest a long-sleeved base layer with a t-shirt and fleece layer as a minimum. Something quick drying for the legs - not jeans or heavy tracksuit bottoms.

    • Footwear

      Please make sure you have suitable footwear for walking into any climbing venues. For venues close to the road, a pair of trainers, trekking or approach shoes will normally suffice. If the venue is further afield or a mountain crag then a lightweight pair of walking boots or a good approach shoe will be better – please ask in advance if you are not sure.

    • Gloves

      A lightweight windproof pair of gloves for wearing on a daily basis as required.

    • Personal First Aid Kit

      This should include suncream, lip balm, blister plasters (compeed), plasters, painkillers and any prescription medicines, insect repellant etc.

    • Sunglasses

      For general eye protection, wearing whilst trekking or on glaciers if applicable to your trip – for wearing on glaciers sunglasses need to be Category 4 and be close fitting or have side protection.

    • Warm Layer

      This can be a fleece jumper, fleece jacket or lightweight duvet/insulated jacket.

    • Waterproof Jacket

      Hard shell jacket ideally this will be waterproof and breathable (GoreTex or equivalent) and it will have a hood.

    • Waterproof Trousers

      Ideally they should be windproof and breathable (Gore Tex or equivalent) and with full or ¾ length side zips.

    • Woolly hat

      To keep your head warm - Ideally a hat that will cover your ears too and fit under a climbing helmet.

    Optional Clothing & Equipment

    • Camera

      Make sure you have spare batteries or the means to re-charge.

    • Mobile Phone

      You may want to use you phone as a camera. On our overseas trips signal is often limited or non-existent so making calls or sending texts may not be possible - see FAQs for trip specific info.

    • Small Stainless Steel Flask

      Useful for hot drinks during the day/night

    Paperwork

    • Booking Confirmation

      This will be sent to you aproximately 10 days before departure

    Carbon Footprint

    We are yet to determine the average CO2 emissions per person for our Problem solving & Self Rescue courses.

    What are we doing about it

    As a responsible adventure company, we’re committed to understanding and reducing the environmental impact of our treks. We favour local supply chains, low-impact accommodation, and foot-powered travel wherever possible. In addition, we encourage all our trekkers to offset their emissions through certified schemes and consider more sustainable travel options where available.

    By trekking mindfully, supporting local communities, and respecting the fragile mountain environment, we can ensure that these incredible landscapes remain unspoiled for generations to come.

    FAQs

    No, unfortunately we don’t currently provide equipment for hire but can recommend Expedition Kit Hire.

    A deposit of 25% of the total cost of the trip/course is payable at the time of booking and the balance is due 8 weeks before the departure date. If the booking takes place less than 8 weeks before departure, then the full amount is due at the time of booking. If you would like to discuss payment options, then please get in touch.

    A comprehensive list of clothing and equipment required for your trip can be found by visiting the ‘Kit List” tab on the relevant experience.

    Have you ever dreamed of scaling awesome Himalayan peaks and trekking through rugged mountain landscapes?  Well, Monkey Mountaineering is your gateway to adventure, connecting fearless adventurers with unforgettable experiences in some of the world’s most stunning locations.  But what exactly is Monkey Mountaineering, and what makes it unique?

    A Passion for Adventure

    At its core, Monkey Mountaineering is about creating life-changing journeys for explorers who want more than just a typical holiday.  Founded by British Army veteran Sam Marshall, Monkey Mountaineering brings a legacy of discipline, resilience, and expertise to every expedition.  Specialising in small group, mountain-based adventure travel, we offer expertly crafted itineraries combining the thrill of outdoor activities with cultural immersion and respect for the environment.  Whether it’s mountaineering or trekking, our trips are designed to challenge and inspire.

    Our Mission

    Our mission is simple:  to provide safe, sustainable, and unforgettable adventure experiences that promote a deep connection with nature and local communities.  Every expedition is designed around three key principles:

    • Safety First: The safety of our customers is our top priority.  Our guides are highly trained, and every trip is planned with comprehensive risk assessments and emergency procedures.
    • Sustainability: We are committed to leaving no trace.  We are in the process of aligning our operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), and we are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint.
    • Community Connection: Adventure isn’t just about the landscapes; it’s about the people.  We use local guides and support agencies, source local produce, and strive to ensure that our trips contribute positively to the regions we visit.

    What We Offer

    Monkey Mountaineering offers a variety of trips tailored to different skill levels, interests, and destinations.  Here’s a peek at what you can expect:

    • Mountaineering Adventures: Scale iconic peaks with our expert-led climbing expeditions.
    • Trekking Journeys: Explore remote trails, from lush mountain forests to rugged alpine deserts, and witness the beauty of the great outdoors.
    • Custom and Private Trips: Looking for something unique? We’ll work with you to design a personalized adventure that meets your goals and interests.
    • UK Adventures and Skills Training: Want to learn the skills to have your own adventures?  We offer all levels of mountain-based skills training for beginners and seasoned adventurers as well as UK based guiding.

    Why Choose Monkey Mountaineering?

    We’re not just another adventure travel company.  Here’s what sets us apart:

    • Veteran Expertise: Founded by a British Army Veteran, we bring unparalleled leadership, problem-solving, and operational excellence to every expedition.
    • Commitment to Standards: We strive to achieve the highest industry standards, complying with the Package Travel Regulations and aligning to British Standard 8848, ensuring that your trip is safe, ethical, and well-organised.
    • Focus on Sustainability: From eco-friendly practices to supporting local economies, we make responsible travel a priority.
    • Personalized Service: From your first inquiry to post-trip follow-ups, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

    Join Us on an Adventure

    Monkey Mountaineering isn’t just about reaching summits; it’s about the journey, the camaraderie, and the stories you take home.  Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a first-time adventurer, we invite you to explore the world with us.  Unleash your inner explorer and let’s make your adventure dreams a reality.

    Ready to take the leap? Contact us today to find your next great adventure!

    Please refer to our Booking Conditions which can be found here. Alternatively, please feel free to contact a member of the team.

    Who’s Behind Monkey Mountaineering?

    Meet Sam Marshall: The Veteran Mountaineer Behind Monkey Mountaineering

    Every great adventure company has a story and a purpose — and for Monkey Mountaineering, it all starts with Sam Marshall, a seasoned mountaineer, passionate explorer, and proud British Army veteran. If you’re curious about our mission, you can also read What is Monkey Mountaineering?.

    After nearly three decades of service in the Army, including 22 years as an aircraft engineer and senior leader in high-pressure environments, Sam swapped helicopters and hangars for high peaks and remote trails. His mission? To share the life-changing power of the mountains with everyone, from first-time trekkers to seasoned climbers.

    A Life of Service and Adventure

    Sam’s love for the mountains was forged long before Monkey Mountaineering began. During his Army years, he thrived in extreme conditions, mastering leadership, teamwork, and meticulous planning in some of the world’s toughest environments.

    Sam Marshall guiding a climber through the Window on Sgurr nan Gillean, Isle of Skye

    Sam Marshall — founder of Monkey Mountaineering — guiding through the iconic Window on Sgurr nan Gillean.

    These skills laid the foundations for leading safe, inspiring mountaineering expeditions today.

    Leaving military life didn’t dampen his appetite for challenge — it fuelled a new purpose: helping others discover what’s possible when you push beyond your comfort zone. That vision is alive in every Monkey Mountaineering trip.

    The Monkey Mountaineering Difference

    Monkey Mountaineering isn’t just another adventure company. Under Sam’s watchful eye, every expedition is planned with military-level care and the robust safety standards of British Standard 8848. But adventure, for Sam, goes beyond risk management — it’s about growth, connection, and perspective. He believes time in the mountains has the power to build resilience, spark confidence, and reconnect people with the wild and with each other.

    More Than Mountains: A Legacy of Respect

    Sustainability and community matter too. Sam ensures Monkey Mountaineering operates responsibly, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, employing local guides, and championing the Leave No Trace ethos. It’s adventure done right — for you and for the places you explore.

    Unleash Your Inner Explorer

    When you choose Monkey Mountaineering, you’re not just booking a trip — you’re joining a mission led by someone who knows that the real summit is within you. Whether you’re climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking to Everest Base Camp, or tackling a UK classic, Sam’s no-nonsense approach, warmth, and experience mean you’re in safe hands every step of the way.

    Ready to find out what you’re capable of?
    Learn more about who we are or join Sam Marshall and the Monkey Mountaineering team — and unleash your inner explorer.

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    Bespoke experiences

    Can’t see what you are looking for? All our trips can be customised to meet your needs so, if you need bespoke dates, want to add extra days, or modify the itinerary then please just let us know – we will be happy to help.

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