Scrambling and summer mountaineering courses in the UK

Course Description

These courses are designed to develop the skills required of summer mountaineering and scrambling routes, where there are a number of different disciplines involved, from navigation and route finding, climbing movement,  un-roped scrambling, through to moving together on a rope. Based on practical sessions the courses also explore 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.

These courses are usually run at a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 and  are tailored to meet individual abilities and aspirations.

Course Information

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 ( LL24 0EN – 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:

For North Wales ( Betws-y-Coed ):
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

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

or drop me a line if you have any queries: alec@guidedmountain.co.uk