Scramble
Discover interesting ways to the top
Scrambling is the middle ground between hill walking and climbing where you need to use your hands to aid progression and sometimes, depending on the seriousness of the terrain, the use of a rope may be required.
Scrambles are graded by difficulty, from 1 to 3 –
Grade 1 is usually short sections of easy climbing where you need to use your hands to aid progress but a rope is rarely needed.
Grade 2 usually has longer sections of easy to moderate climbing where the use of a rope may required to safeguard the more exposed sections.
Grade 3 usually has extended sections of graded rock climbing where the use of a rope and removable protection is essential.
From the classics to the obscure, Snowdonia offers some of the best scrambling in the UK and the courses here will teach you the skills required to independently and safely access these routes. These courses cover everything from route choice, reading conditions and safeguarding more exposed sections with efficient use of ropes and protection.
Follow the links below for more information on course content and prices.
Introduction to
Scrambling
This Introduction to Scrambling course in Snowdonia will show you how to find the most interesting way to the top of a mountain, a ridge or a gully.
This course is aimed at those with some hill walking experience looking to learn how to safely negotiate more adventurous, steeper routes away from marked paths without the need for rope and equipment. If you are looking for a guided day on a particular route such as Crib Goch or Tryfan, check out my Guided Scrambles
Course Content
This scrambling course is aimed at people wanting to access more challenging routes up a mountain, away from the footpaths and crowds.
Depending on the weather, we will be exploring some classic scrambles on Snowdon, Y Glyderau or Tryfan. Content covered includes:
- Route finding and guidebook use
- Movement skills (foot/hand placements, body position)
- Route selection (apprasing rock security, reading the terrain)
- Decending safely
- Navigation
- Emergency procedures/retreating
The day will start at 9:00 at a convenient place (TBC) to discuss the plans for the day before departing for the day, and will finish approx. 4pm.
The walking distance covered will depend on the route we choose but could be as much as 10km with at least 600m of ascent.
Ideally you will have experience of hillwalking but not essential as long as you’re used to walking on rough terrain.
All safety equipment can be provided at no extra cost.
Prices
Due to the terrain involved this course is run on a maximum ratio of 4 participants to 1 instructor.
1 Day – £280 flat rate
2 Days – £440 flat rate
3 + days – £ 220 per day
Advanced Scrambling
Gain confidence for harder scrambles
Advanced Scrambles courses are designed to give you the confidence to safely take on graded scrambles by showing you the ropework and movement skills required.
You don’t need to have used a rope for scrambling before but proven experience on graded (grade 1 or 2) scrambles is essential to ensure you get the most out of this advanced scrambling course.
To ensure maximum learning, this course is run on a ratio of 2 participants to 1 instructor.
All the necessary safety equipment can be provided at no extra cost.
Course Content
This course is delivered in the mountains of Snowdonia either by myself or, depending on availability, another Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI).
This course is aimed at those who have no experience of using a rope or climbing equipment and will involve spending the majoirty of the day on graded terrain (Grade 2 or 3) with the instructor leading the route, giving you the ability to focus on developing your movement skills on longer, steeper and more exposed routes.
Depending on the weather, we will spend our time exploring classic scrambles on Snowdon, Y Glyderau or Tryfan’s East face.
This course will include instruction in:
- How to find information on a route
- When to deploy the rope
- Putting on a harness
- Tying on to a rope
- Emergency procedures, should you ever need to retreat or call for help
Equipment needed:
An equipment list will be sent up on booking and any specific safety equipment can be provided if you don’t have your own at no extra cost.
Depending on prior experience, it may be beneficial to book a 2 day course so you can have 1 day on easier terrain without a rope to go over the movement skills, route selection and planning elements of the Intro to scrambling.
Prices
These courses are run on a max ratio of 1 instructor to 2 participants.
1:1 – £240
1:2 – £280
Equipment included if required
1 to 1 – £440
1 to 2 – £480
Guided Scrambling
Let me show you the best routes
If you are looking for someone to show you the way up a particular route you’ve wanted to do, or to be taken on terrain you want to experience but don’t know where to start I can show you some of the best examples of scrambling Wales has to offer.
All safety equipment will be provided but you will need a sturdy pair of boots or approach shoes. A full equipment list will be sent to you upon booking.
Prices
These courses are run on a max ratio of 1 instructor to 2 participants.
1:1 – £240
1:2 – £280
Equipment included if required
1 to 1 – £440
1 to 2 – £480
Walk
Climb
