The Beta Club

Upcoming Events:

Rock Skills Introduction – 8th May 2027 (One Day) : Peak District National Park. Trad Climbing. Suitable for beginners.

>>> BOOK HERE <<<

Introduction to Trad: Beginners Weekend – 14th – 16th May 2027 (Weekend) : Peak District National Park. Trad Climbing. Suitable for beginners.

>>> BOOK HERE <<<

Confidence Building Trad Day – 5th June 2027 (One Day) : Lake District National Park. Trad Climbing. Need to be able to belay.

Confidence Building Trad Weekend – 25th – 27th June 2027 (Weekend) : Peak District National Park. Trad Climbing. Need to be able to belay.

FAQs

What to expect from our events?

Our Beta Club events are designed and centred around the needs of women and non-binary people. We know first hand what it can be like, just trying to get outside to climb, there can be so many stressors and limitations. Our events aim to reduce a lot of the noise and stress for you, working with an instructor who does all the thinking around the logistics of climbing, you get to come along and focus on meeting new people, building your networks and friendships, your climbing skills, self-development and confidence.

Who are Beta Club events for?

These event are open to (cis and trans) women and non-binary folk, we operate active inclusion and all those who align with our values. You need to be comfortable staying in accommodation with a mix of genders to attend our weekends. If you are uncomfortable sharing a room or this does not suit you for any reason, we recommend that you book one of our double rooms to have your own space.

We recommend that if you are not already, you become a member of the British Mountaineering Council. This gives you access to lots of fantastic resources, including Summit magazine, as well as climbing insurance. You are also supporting access rights and crag upkeep by becoming a member.

How do I know if I’m climbing at an appropriate level?

If you’re unsure about your level of experience, please do reach out because we’re more than happy to chat with you about this. We can go where the weather is best, and that’s why we haven’t decided exactly where we will climb, and where we will climb will influence if we need to switch to sport or trad.

Who will look after you?

All Beta Club events are hosted by the Director of the Beta Club, Emily Ankers (she/her). Emily has been climbing for 9 years, following a progression of indoor bouldering to indoor roped climbing, outdoor bouldering, outdoor bottom roping, indoor lead, outdoor sport and trad climbing. Emily considers herself to be an incredibly average climber, especially when it comes to grades. Though she does often have to remind herself that she knows more than she often gives herself credit for. In her wider professional life, Emily is in the final year of completing a PhD on women and gender diverse people’s experiences of climbing. Emily’s research forms the evidence that this weekend model is based upon. Emily is also a consultant, freelance researcher, writer and presenter on equity, diversity and inclusion in the outdoors.

All climbing is instructed by Katie Mackay from KT Climb and Mountaineering. Katie has been a keen climber and mountaineer since being introduced to it during her final year of university. She feels extremely lucky in that she has been able to make something she is so passionate about into her job. Katie’s aim is to show everyone how great a time you can have in the mountains and crags, how to look after them and how in return they will help look after you. Katie has been based between Scotland and the Lake District for several years now and loves the contrasting beauty in both of these places. Katie is vastly experienced in looking after women and gender diverse people and catering to lots of different needs.

I don’t have a car, how do I get there?

If you don’t have access to a car, don’t worry! We’ll talk with you to come up with a solution that works for you. Emily is able to pick up and drop off from train stations and bus stops. Before the event we will also put you into a Whatsapp group with other attendees and encourage lift sharing where appropriate.

What gear do I need to bring?

Please bring:

• Water bottle
• Packed lunch for the crag, plus any snacks or drinks that you might want
• Hat and gloves if it’s cold
• Cap and suncream if it’s sunny
• Warm layers
• Your cosiest leisure wear for our evenings together (weekends only)
• Overnight bag (weekends only)

Things that would be useful (but you will be able to borrow them if you don’t have them):

• Harness
• Climbing shoes
• Belay device
• Climbing helmet
• Walking boots/approach shoes
• Waterproofs

Katie will send an information sheet, including a list of the gear you need or could bring. If there are any items that you do not have, just let us know and you will be able to borrow anything you need.

I have a disability, can I come?

The Beta Club is a small business and just starting out, that means we may have difficulty catering to complex disabilities. If you have a disability, please do let us know what your needs are and let’s see if we’re able to cater to your needs. We want to become more inclusive to different abilities but we need to start somewhere and right now, our provision is quite limited. However, we will be able to point you in the direction of other providers who are better equipped to offer you a great experience so don’t feel as though you can’t ask us.

How do we manage your safety?

Climbing is inherently a risky activity, Katie will ask you to sign a waiver ensuring that you are aware of the risks. Please make us aware of any injuries or additional needs for the weekend.

Emily is a qualified First Aider, having attended a 16 hour Outdoor First Aid Course, which includes Emergency First Aid at Work. Emily will be the designated First Aider outside of the climbing. During the climbing, Katie will be the designated First Aider and Emily will support in the instance of an accident or illness.

Emily has a Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate.

What format do The Beta Club weekends take?

The Beta Club weekends offer a tailored experience, taking place in the beautiful Peak District, offering accommodation, instructor led climbing, social activities and catering all rolled into one. By including a mix of climbing and social activities, we aim to build confidence, trust and relationships on and off the wall.

Here is an example itinerary:

Friday:

5.30pm – arrival

7.30pm – welcome vegan/vegetarian nibbles and drinks (herbal tea, soft drink or wine) and led, group intention setting workshop.

10pm – bedtime

Saturday:

(morning)

7am – wakey wakey and breakfast (continental vegan/vegetarian breakfast and porridge)

8.30am – wagons roll, off to the crag (or indoor wall if it’s raining) we must go…

9am – meet our instructor Katie Mackay at the crag and over to Katie

9am – 4pm – climbing! Katie will lead our climbing day, tailored to your confidence building needs in sport/trad climbing

4pm – debrief and depart from the crag, back to the house.

(evening)

4.30pm – 6pm – chilling

6pm – 7.30pm – vegan/vegetarian dinner

8pm – 10pm – creative social activity

10pm – onwards – bedtime

Sunday:

(morning)

7.30am – wakey wakey and breakfast (continental and porridge)

10am – goodbyes and wagons roll

Terms and Conditions

Due to the small scale nature of our events, we are unable able to offer refunds if you are unable to attend. We will have a waiting list and attempt to fill your place if you are no longer able to come, if we can fill your place, we can give you a refund, if we are unable to fill your place, we will be unable to offer you a refund.

In the instance of the weekend needing to be cancelled, you will receive a full refund or you can opt for us to hold the payment and transfer it to another future Beta Club weekend.

We operate a policy of active inclusion, anyone who is displaying discriminatory behaviour during the run up to the weekend in the group chat or during the weekend will be asked to leave. We reserve the right not to issue a refund in the instance of this happening.

If we need to climb indoors due to bad weather, there will be an additional fee for wall entry.

Past Beta Club Events:

29th – 31st May 2026: Beta Club Confidence Building Weekend