North Wales's mountains offers some world class venues for rock climbing, scrambling and mountaineering. It is a bonus that within this relatively small geographical area lie many climbing areas with very different characteristics; single pitch or multi pitch, steep or slabby, bold or well protected. We are also lucky that many areas have their own micro climates so often, when the mountain crags are under rain, the weather on the coast or in the Moelwyns can be surprisingly dry and warm.
The main mountain areas are:
Ogwen Valley. The Glyderau Mountains are linked to the history of British rock climbing from the very beginning of the sport. The majority of climbers have served their apprenticeship on the Idwal slabs or at Milestone Buttress. There is a tremendous variety in the nature of the rock and the character of the climbing: from easy angled slabs, boulder choked gullies to towering buttresses, but overall this valley offers some of the best mountaineering routes in Britain. The terrain is perfectly suited to scrambling and the Glyders contains some of the best scrambles in the UK - Tryfan, Bristly Ridge and Cneifion Arete.
Llanberis Pass. The valley sits at the base of the Snowdon massif and is orientated so that you can choose sun or shade depending on the conditions. The sides of the Pass are covered in crags, many of which have been central to the development of climbing in this country.
The steep walls of Dinas Cromlech, high above the Llanberis Pass, have always been a forcing ground for climbers and the resulting routes are a litany to all that is good in British climbing. Cemetary Gates, Cenotaph Corner, Left Wall. Resurrection, Right Wall and Lord of the Flies are on every climbers tick list.
Dinas Mot lies opposite the Dinas Cromlech and is one of the most important cliffs in Snowdonia with a wealth of multi-pitch routes weaving their way up intricate natural lines of weakness. The routes on the central shield are justifiably famous, but don't forget to investigate the Plexus buttress for some amazing, hidden gems.
Cyrn Las is a intimidating crag that hosts some intimidating routes that should e on every tick list - Main Wall is one of the best Hard Severe's in the country, whilst Lubyanka and the Skull offer outrageous exposure.
Closer to the road the Grochan and Wastad offer great cragging on rock that dries quickly and has both single and multi-pitch routes.
Slate Quarries .These lie above Llanberis and provide a unique climbing environment. Since quarrying ended in the 1960s climbers have converted the old mine workings into a fantastic area with sport and traditional climbing at all levels. This area is very quick drying and has an unique atmosphere. The popularity of the Slate Quarries has surged recently with many new routes being bolted; the easier new routes in Dali's Hole, The Sidings in Australia Quarry and Never, Neverland proving very popular.
The main coastal locations are:
Gogarth. This beautiful and dramatic venue is set on the Anglesey coast near Holyhead. It is an excellent Winter and bad weather alternative as most crags are West or South facing suntraps. It is a traditional, single and multi-pitch climbing venue with quartzite rock. Many climbers consider Gogarth to be the best cliff in Britain with a unique atmosphere that drags you back time and again for more adventures.
Tremadog. A series of cliffs near Porthmadog in southern Snowdonia with easy access plus rock that has both excellent friction and is quick drying; this is another excellent option when it is raining in the mountains. Its coastal location makes this area a particularly fine winter and wet weather alternative to the main Snowdonia area. The rock is dolerite and the style is traditional and typically, multi-pitch.
Llandudno and coastal limestone venues. The popular area of Pen Trwyn offers a wide selection of limestone crags with sport, traditional and mixed rock climbing areas. It is a very good alternative when it is wet in the mountains or too hot to climb in the sun. The Clwyd Mountaineering Club have recently opened up a new area at Penmaen that seems blessed with good weather.
All courses are run by Silvia Fitzpatrick, who has the Mountain Instructors Award (AMI Membership Number 1369) and is a full member of AMI. Silvia is also a fully qualified PE and Modern Languages teacher.
Courses are constructed around individual needs with the emphasis being placed on meeting clients requirements within a safe and interesting framework.
Dates, venues and duration of the courses are by arrangement and totally customisable. Please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your requirements.