Guided Scrambling - Classic Scrambles
in North Wales & Snowdonia

 

Classic Scrambles Course

 

Scrambling the great ridges of North Wales with a mountaineering instructor is a perfect introduction to the world of alpine climbing whilst knowing that you are in safe hands.

We can take you to the summits of some of Snowdonia highest and most dramatic peaks - Snowdon, Tryfan, Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach and Y Garn - via some very good scrambling.

There is also the option to combine the guided routes with learning the technical intricacies involved in scrambling safely - the skills learnt from an instructor whilst scrambling will give you the the basics for moving competently and safely over steep, rocky terrain and allow you to enjoy some of the best mountain routes in the UK.

Scrambling with a mountaineering instructor will give you the experience to gauge the difficulty of a route and let you learn how to protect both yourself and your partner on steep ground. It is possible to cover all aspects of the rope work used on scrambles; running belays, moving together, direct belay techniques, abseiling & short roping.

There are many brilliant scrambles in Snowdonia and some of the most popular include:

• Cneifion Arete (Ogwen) - Grade 3. This is a superb arete with an alpine feel that lies above Llyn Idwal. The hardest part of the scramble is at the start with very steep rock, but the holds are good. There is a good platform above that makes a great stance for the difficult chimney pitch - don't worry it looks harder than it is. Above here are lots of flakes and spikes to use as both hand holds and as protection. The top half of the route is a good place to practice moving together whilst roped-up and can be made harder or easier as required - staying close to the arete gives the hardest (and best) climbing. This scramble is quite exposed so you will need a head for heights.

• Crib Goch (Llanberis Pass) Grade1/2. Crib Goch (Red Ridge) is in the Snowdon Massif and forms part of the Snowdon Horseshoe. It is a massively exposed scramble that starts as a broad rib and then higher up turns into a classic knife edge ridge with steep sides and a very narrow top. It is possible to carry on scrambling to Lliwedd after you have reached the Snowdon Summit if you have any energy or adrenaline left over.

• Bristly Ridge (Ogwen) Grade 1/2. This is an absolutely classic scramble and possibly the best grade 1 in Wales. It is possible for the fit to combine this with a scramble on Tryfan for a long, but very satisfying day out.

However there are any other routes that offer equally good days out in possibly quieter surroundings: Clogwyn Y Person arete on Clogwyn y Ddysgyl or for the more experienced the intimidating Sentries Ridge on Mynydd Mawr.

If you want some background information then there are several guides to scrambling in North Wales, but probably the best are Scrambles and Easy Climbs in Snowdonia and Scrambles in Snowdonia

 

 

 

Mountain Scrambling Grades

 

The UK Scrambling Grading system uses four categories .

Grade 1 Scramble:

These scrambles will have exposed positions, but should not require specific mountaineering skills and should be within the ability of experienced and adventurous hill walkers. They will normally be an occasional hard step where you will certainly be required to use your hands. Route finding is straight forward and ropes are not normally needed in normal conditions.

Classic examples in Snowdonia are the North Ridge of Tryfan, the very popular Crib Goch traverse to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and Crib Lem (Llech Ddu Spur) on Carnedd Dafydd.

Grade 2 Scramble :

These routes normally require some prior scrambling or mountaineering experience and involve longer sections of difficult ground. A rope will often be necessary in all but perfect conditions. Route finding can be difficult and escape from the route may not be easy.

Clogwyn Y Person Arête and Llechog Buttress on Crib Y Ddysgl are fine examples of grade two climbs.

Grade 3 :

These scrambles will involve pitches of basic rock climbing and rope protection is fairly mandatory. The scrambler will need a solid knowledge of rope techniques in order to construct belays, running protection and in extremis set up an abseil. Dry conditions may be essential. These routes are often hard to escape.

Sentries Ridge on Mynydd Mawr, The Tryfan Bach Approach on Tryfan and Cneifion Arete are classics at this grade

Grade 3s / 4 / Scottish Grade 4 + 5:

Scrambles at these grades should only be undertaken by the most experienced of scramblers with a strong background of mountaineering skills. The routes will be serious, exposed and involve climbing steep rock; it will often be necessary to climb sections rock at Very Difficult (VD) rock climbing grade. Ropes and mountaineering equipment are mandatory

The West Peak via Bilberry Terrace on Lliwedd is a perfect example of this grade - a long, inescapable route with 300m of climbing.

 

 

Pricing for the Classic Scrambles course

 

The prices below are for private courses - just let us know what you would like to do and when you would like to do it and we will try to arrange it.

 

Technical Scrambling equipment provided by us: We have a comprehensive collection of technical equipment that you can use for any of our scrambling or climbing courses; this includes ropes, climbing hardware and a helmet and harness for each client.

What you need to provide: You will need to provide suitable warm clothing for the time of year, a full set of waterproofs (top and trousers) and walking boots. It is best if the boots are rated as being 3 - 4 season and have stiff soles, this type of footwear makes standing on small rock edges much easier and more secure.

You will also need a rucksack (30 - 40 litre capacity) and food and drink for the day.

What is not included: Prices do not include, transport, accommodation, meals or personal insurance.

Ratios and course sizes: The Classic Scrambles course is best taught at a ratio of between 1 to 3 clients to 1 instructor.

Dates, venues and duration of all of the scrambling courses are by arrangement and totally customisable. Please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your requirements or to contact us for more information.

The full terms and conditions are on the booking page