Over 20 Years delivering Mountain Training Courses
For over twenty years, Beyond The Edge has been inspiring, training and guiding climbers, walkers and mountaineers of all abilities. From those taking their very first steps into the outdoors to experienced adventurers seeking formal qualifications or ambitious objectives, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, professional and personal experiences in wild and inspiring places. Our approach has always been about more than ticking boxes — it is about building capable, confident individuals who feel at home in the mountains.
We are one of the UK’s most experienced providers of Mountain Training Courses, offering a full range of nationally recognised schemes. These include the Lowland Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader, Mountain Leader, Climbing Wall Assistant, Climbing Wall Instructor, and Rock Climbing Instructor awards. Each course is carefully structured to reflect the demands of real mountain environments, ensuring candidates are not only prepared for assessment but equipped for independent decision-making long after their course has finished.
Winter mountaineering course in Aviemore, Scotland.
Our Mountain Training courses are designed to develop far more than technical competence. We place a strong emphasis on judgement, leadership, navigation, movement skills and environmental awareness. By working in genuine hill and mountain terrain, candidates gain practical experience that mirrors the situations they are likely to encounter in the real world. This approach helps build confidence, resilience and adaptability — qualities that sit at the heart of safe and effective mountain leadership.
At Beyond The Edge, we believe outstanding instruction comes from a balance of technical excellence, real-world experience and a supportive learning environment. Our Mountain Training Courses are delivered by highly qualified instructors who are actively involved in climbing, mountaineering and instructional work. They understand that everyone learns differently, and they take the time to tailor their teaching to individual needs. Whether you are training for a qualification, preparing for assessment, or simply looking to develop your skills, we focus on clear instruction, honest feedback and practical learning that lasts well beyond the course itself.
Alongside our core Mountain Training Courses, we also offer a wide range of outdoor adventures and skills courses. These include confidence-building introductory days, skills workshops for climbers and mountaineers, and advanced experiences aimed at those pushing their boundaries. For many clients, these courses act as stepping stones — helping them progress from UK hills and crags towards alpine objectives or expedition-level challenges.
Over the years, Beyond The Edge has supported countless personal journeys into the mountains. We have helped people gain their first qualifications, take on leadership roles, and realise ambitions that extend far beyond the UK. This includes alpine ascents and expeditions to some of the world’s highest and most remote peaks. Whatever the scale of the objective, the same principles apply: strong foundations, thoughtful preparation and experienced guidance.
Beyond The Edge is proudly based in Sheffield, ideally positioned on the edge of the Peak District. This location gives us unrivalled access to a diverse range of training terrain, from rolling moorland and classic hill country to steep gritstone edges and mountain environments further afield. These landscapes provide an exceptional setting for Mountain Training Courses, allowing candidates to develop sound movement skills, navigation strategies and environmental understanding in a variety of conditions.
The company is run by Alex Ekins and Chris Allewell, both of whom bring over 25 years of mountaineering and instructional experience to Beyond The Edge. Their backgrounds span everything from local crags and classic UK mountain routes to major expeditions and ascents of 8000-metre peaks in the Himalaya. This depth of experience shapes every course we run, ensuring instruction is grounded in real-world practice rather than theory alone.
What truly sets Beyond The Edge apart is our commitment to quality, integrity and genuine passion for the mountains. We keep course ratios sensible, create an atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and take the time to understand each individual’s goals. Learning with us is challenging, rewarding and enjoyable — a balance that many of our clients value and return for year after year.
Whether your aim is to gain a nationally recognised qualification, improve your climbing and mountain skills, or simply spend meaningful time outdoors with experienced professionals, Beyond The Edge Mountain Training Courses are designed to help you go further — safely, confidently and with purpose.