About Lakeland Ascents

Lakeland Ascents is based in the English Lake District and delivers private guiding, mountain training and professional instruction across the Lake District, Eryri and the Scottish Highlands. Winter and Highland-based courses are also delivered through our sister company, Highland Ascents. Our Lake District-based adventure activities are run through Lake District Activities.

Lakeland Ascents is owned and led by Si Withington, a qualified Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor based in the South Lakes.

Si has been climbing and mountaineering for over two decades and works across rock climbing, scrambling, winter courses and mountain leadership. His experience spans the Lake District, Eryri and the Scottish Highlands, as well as international ranges including the Alps and the Himalaya.

He was a member of Kendal Mountain Rescue Team for nine years, during which time he was a lead in technical rescue and winter operations training. That experience continues to inform a calm, measured and practical approach to mountain decision-making.

Lakeland Ascents operates primarily on a private basis. Si leads many of the courses and guiding days personally, and works alongside a small group of trusted associate instructors when required. All instructors are appropriately qualified and experienced for the terrain and objectives involved.

Our aim is simple: to provide structured, professional mountain instruction and guiding, delivered with sound judgement and decision making in serious terrain.

If you would like to discuss a course, guiding day or challenge event, please get in touch.

Lakeland Ascents Director, Si Withington enjoying cascade ice in Norway