Gear News: Arc’teryx Climb Academy Returns to the Lake District for 2026

Hot on the heels of the recent Chamonix Academy announcement, Arc’teryx has confirmed that its premier UK event is headed back to the birthplace of British rock climbing. The Arc’teryx Climb Academy Lake District returns to the Langdale Valley for its sixth edition from May 23–25, 2026.

This year’s academy is shaping up to be the most comprehensive yet, offering over 350 clinic spots across a massive range of disciplines. Whether you’re looking to plug your first nut or polish your mountain photography, the event pairs participants with IFMGA guides and elite athletes to fast-track their progression.


World-Class Instruction in the Langdale Valley

The 2026 athlete roster features some of the biggest names in the sport, including Jim Pope, Nina Caprez, and Holly Toothill. This year also sees a significantly expanded women’s-specific offering, ensuring a supportive environment for female climbers to level up their technical skills.

The clinic lineup covers:

  • Trad Climbing & Multi-pitch
  • Bouldering
  • Mountaineering
  • Fell Running
  • Mountain Photography

Clinic Highlights: Heritage and Progression

While the full schedule is packed, two specific clinics are already generating significant buzz:

  • Classic Rock with Jim Pope (All Day): A deep dive into British climbing heritage. Participants will tackle two legendary routes from the Classic Rock archives—Ash Tree Slabs and C Route. It’s a rare blend of storytelling and multi-pitch trad in a historic setting.
  • Progressing Your Trad Climbing with Teddy Eyob (Two Days): For those moving from indoor walls or basic outdoor experience to independent lead climbing. This immersive weekend covers racking efficiency, gear placement, anchor building, and descent management.

Tickets & Availability

The Lake District Academy is known for selling out quickly due to the high demand for expert-led instruction. Tickets for all clinics are live now on the official Arc’teryx Academy website.

If you missed out on the Alpine sessions in Chamonix, this is your chance to sharpen your skills on the iconic Lakeland rhyolite.