We had a fantastic afternoon with Mark! We booked 1:2 tuition for my daughter and I on a cloudy but pleasant day. We had a brisk walk to the site,... read more and chatted on the route (about a ten minute walk from the car park). Once we got to the rock, he explained more about what we’d be doing and then went to set up.
We took the opportunity to admire the views, which are stunning! We watched the cloud enshroud the tops of the hills.
When he returned we had a go at climbing the different routes; Mark gave us enough leeway to figure out routes ourselves and sometimes offer some help from below.
At the end of our session he showed us how the ropes where secured to the rock and we talked about a few different types of knots. All too soon it was time to return to the car park.

In all, it was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Much fun was had!

Thank you, Mark, for a brilliant session!

  Church Beck Ghyll Scrambling + Canyon descent - Excellent and thoroughly recommended. Had ghyll scrambled before, but this was much better. Mark was an excellent guide, patient and helpful. Very well organised. Really nice... read more to do the scrambling in a small group with Mark rather than a much larger (processional) group. Gear was good and all the administration really easy - Mark was very responsive and helpful, especially in explaining what to expect (we had a couple of nervous participants. The descriptions given by Mark were all spot on. The location (Church Beck, Coniston) was brilliant for scrambling with some great jumps, climbs etc. Ideal for teenagers. Would recommend doing the double activity (ghyll scramble + canyon descent)

  Helvellyn and striding edge - Went up Helvellyn with Mark yesterday. The weather was perfect after the 2 day heat wave which would have been unwalkable...... It was a fantastic walk and Mark was full... read more of information about the area and all the different mountains we could see. I was keen to have a go at Striding Edge and was so delighted that we did it, with his guidance and encouragement proving extremely helpful. We returned via Swirral Edge which was another challenge but made easier when following a guide!
I can't comment on the 'budget friendly' question as this was a gift.
Would definitely recommend Mark and team as guides in the lake district.