Mountaineering and scrambling courses

These courses are designed to develop your skills on mountaineering  routes where there are a number of different disciplines involved, from navigation and route finding, to un-roped scrambling, through to multi-pitch climbing. Based on practical sessions the course also explores the decision making process necessary for efficient and safe travel over a variety of mountain terrains.

Most mountain courses are based in North Wales, an area particularly suited to applying the above techniques .

A typical course starts at 09.15 hrs, meeting in Capel Curig where after an introduction, issue of equipment and safety briefing, the mountains can be easily accessed from the Ogwen valley - navigation, route finding, climbing movement, introduction of the rope and safety systems, belaying, knots e.t.c can be studied.

The final day of these courses would further consolidate the skills learnt and explore the decision making process during the completion of a "named" route.

This course is usually run at a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 and  is tailored to meet your ability and aspirations.

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Mountaineering and scrambling course information - North Wales.

The Ogwen Valley in Snowdonia National Park offers several classic graded scrambles within easy access of the A5 - there are several parking areas, small cafe and toilets at Ogwen cottage, a Youth Hostel, Climbers Club Hut and campsites at Gwer Gof Isaf and Gwern Gof Usaf.
Most courses start at 08.45 hrs at the Pinnacle Cafe Capel Curig ( just at the beginning of the valley from the Betws Y Coed side ), packed lunch and outdoor gear is available from here if you need anything.
During this initial meeting we briefly discuss what you are hoping to get from the day, your past experience and your aspirations for after the course - this will allow us to choose the best itinerary to suit you !
After issuing any technical equipment and a brief safety talk we head off into the Ogwen Valley.

Transport links to Capel Curig:

Betws-y-coed has good rail links: http://www.directrail.com/train_tickets.aspx
and coach services via :http://www.nationalexpress.com
( Local transport around the park is included in the course fee )

Accommodation:

As a popular tourist destinations, Snowdonia has many options for accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets including good campsites, chalets, bunkhouses, Youth Hostels, B&B’s, self catering cottages and hotels – please note, winter camping can be hard ! – all to be found on :
http://www.visitwales.co.uk/holiday-accommodation-in-wales/wales-holiday-accommodation-search-cottages-b-and-b-hotels/

You will need !

Waterproof Jacket - full weight breathable model preferred
Base Layer
Warm fleece jackets or softshell jacket or insulated jacket
Trousers and waterproof overtrousers 
Hat or Balaclava - must fit under a helmet
Gloves – ( leather 'calf skin' gardening gloves are good )
Socks – calf length, loop stitched with high wool content.
Stiff soled walking boots with good ankle support

Technical Equipment ( all technical equipment can be supplied – but if you have your own, bring it with you , it will help familiarise you with your equipment and may be a discussion point about the various merits of equipment )
Harness
Climbing Helmet
Long sling + locking karabiner

Miscellaneous
Sunglasses ( on a good day ! )
Suncream
Rucsac 25-35 litres
Waterbottle and / or thermos flask
Headtorch
Personal medications + blister kit
Camera
Map / Compass ( can be supplied )
Packed lunch for the mountain days.

Although I have Public Liability insurance to the value of £ 5M, you may wish to purchase personal accident, and travel insurance as you think necessary ! Packages which include insurance for climbing and other mountain activities are available from:
www.thebmc.co.uk or www.adrenalinetravelinsurance.co.uk

What is included !

Technical equipment – harness, helmet, Long sling + locking karabiner.
I have a selection of other equipment available – Please let me know if you need anything else e.g day sac etc. – especially if you are intending to buy any equipment for the course.

Course aims :
The aims of the course are to introduce you to the activity at a level that suits you, develop your technical skills and experience so that you can operate independently.
Technical skills covered will include movement over steep ground, route finding and navigation, use of the guide book, simple rope techniques for safeguarding short pitches and abseiling
You will gain the most from the day by being comfortable, relaxed and receptive to the training and climbing , an open mind and open, questioning approach to your day will help achieve this.
The ‘Mountains of the Uk’ have an international reputation as areas of unique mountain environments , with their own challenges and rewards to the mountaineer, this course will hopefully give you an insight into the skills required and the inspiration to independently explore these beautiful mountains.

Further information:
Scrambling in Snowdonia – Steve Ashton – Cicerone Press - ISBN-10: 1852840889
Scrambles and easy climbs in Snowdonia- Grey Stone books- Sparks Hutton Rawson - ISBN-10: 1902017013
The Hillwalker's Guide to Mountaineering: Essential Skills for Britain's Classic Routes - Cicerone Techniques -
ISBN-10: 1852843934
Online sources include http://www.ukclimbing.com

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