Coach - Sally Kettle (she/her)

I have spent the last 20 years using climbing and the outdoors to empower people to redefine their limits.

My boundless enthusiasm for the outdoors has helped fill my life with adventure. It has seen me putting up a new 350m route in Mexico, leading expeditions in the Himalayas, dedicating winters to training and pushing sport and bouldering grades, testing myself on classic Alpine routes, getting benighted on sea cliffs and generally having an amazing, challenging time with spectacular people.


I’m a fully qualified and insured rock climbing and mountaineering instructor (MCI), member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors, I have a first class degree in Sports Science with a research study in psychology, and training in trauma coaching. I’ve managed an outdoor centre in Cornwall, designed and run a fast track instructor scheme and worked at the National Mountaineering Centre.

Get in touch if I can support your next adventure.

Based in Kendal, I mainly coach in the South Lakes and Yorkshire. I spend a few months each winter coaching in Spain.

Coaching options
  • Sea cliff climbing

    Maleka

    “Sally is an incredible instructor, not only is she extremely knowledgable, an awesome climber and inspirational coach, but she’s a wonderfully positive and fun person to hang out with. Sally has taken me from complete beginner through to my first steps lead climbing.

    Her enthusiasm is infectious, with the right amount of ‘serious when needed’ so you know you’re in safe hands. I couldn’t recommend her highly enough!”

  • Paul

    “Sally was fantastic, knowledgeable, inspiring and above all great fun to spend time with on our bouldering coaching trip to Albarracin. If you're looking for group or 1:1 coaching to improve your knowledge and skills in bouldering then Sally is highly recommended.”

  • Karen

    “I had best adventure ever this weekend❤️Sally is the best coach I’ve had. Her person-centred approach is invaluable. I never thought I would be able to get back into climbing even though I loved it so much💜 Sally’s approach to life, warrior strength and values are wonderful💜 I could not of broke through my fear without her support. WOW. and our shared joy of cake and her beautiful van❤️ Amazing.”

  • Matt

    “Sally is, and I don't say this lightly, the best instructor I've had the pleasure to be taught by. When delivering my RCI and Lowland Leader training, Sally did so in supportive and positive fashion, demonstrating a good understanding of the importance of positive feedback and with her wonderful coaching style, something I have sought to emulate in my work.”

  • Sara

    “Sally is a fantastic coach. Super attentive, easy to talk to, and 100% models what she teaches. Couldn't ask for more.”

  • Gav

    I've just returned from two days of amazing climbing on the Cornish sea cliffs with Sally.

    The days on Bosigran and Gurnard’s Head were planned perfectly; they had just the right blend of technical climbing, exposure and intensity to combine into truly first class experience.

    My climbing improved along with my technical knowledge of trad climbing AND I got to experience ‘Right Angle’ above an incoming tide; something I'll never forget.

    Sally's energy, knowledge and passion for the Cornish sea cliffs was apparent from the outset and this only added to an unforgettable trip and one that I'm already planning to repeat.”

  • Adam

    “I thought Sally was very friendly and skilled in everything that was needed to make a very successful trip. She had a good sense of humour and was great at tailoring things around the individual. Her knowledge was on point and I am really struggling to come up with any areas where she could develop.

    I would definitely join another course of hers and I can't stress enough how great it was on the course and to be coached by her.

    Very strong climber also!! Great coach!!”

  • Grace

    “Best coach ever.”

  • Almaas

    “Sally has a real passion and great ability to both coach and lead people in the mountains. Her attention to detail was impressive and she was great fun to be around. If you're looking for someone to teach you to get to the summit, be it climbing, scrambling or walking I would highly recommend Sally!”

  • Elsie

    “I went on an amazing bouldering coaching trip with Sally to Albarracin in Spain. The week was so much fun! Sally is a really inspiring climbing coach. I learnt so much during the week. Sally is brilliant at explaining technique and tactics and despite being a group trip really tailored the coaching to our individual needs. I highly recommend Sally as a climbing coach.”