Snowdonia Multi-Pitch
Snowdonia is a rock climbers paradise and this tailored two day course is the perfect option for experienced single pitch climbers seeking the essential skills to tackle multi-pitch terrain. Just prepare to become addicted!
Description
Our Snowdonia Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing course is a very popular option. Once you’ve cut your teeth on indoor walls and single pitch venues the draw of the bigger climbs can be strong. We are with you. An adventurous mountain day on a longer multi-pitch route is always top of our list too.
The mountain crags of the Snowdonia National Park offer an amazing playground. There’s a vast selection of multi-pitch venues with many reasonably close to access roads. The available routes offer a lifetime of climbing options and there’s also that sublime mountain landscape to enjoy.
Our team of Mountaineering Instructors have been climbing there for years. You’ll benefit from their vast experience, their in-depth local knowledge and their passion for climbing. Course content will be matched carefully to the your experience level, but you will need some single pitch trad experience before attending.
Keeping the agenda as flexible as possible allows us to make best use of conditions and so itineraries may change slightly. But, we usually spend the first day looking at key climbing skills on easier multi-pitch climbs. Then we move onto some classic longer mountain routes on day two. This course always runs with a low instructor to client ratio (1:2) to give you maximum instructor input. You’ll have a very busy couple of days!
We provide all the technical equipment. You’ll just need to ensure you have suitable clothing and a rucksack to carry your day to day equipment. We can also help with local transport if you are travelling to the area by public transport. All participants for this course must be over 16 and under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
If you don’t feel ready to attend our Snowdonia Multi-Pitch Climbing course then our Peak District Introductory or Intermediate Climbing courses make perfect options for honing your trad skills first. If you are unsure which option suits your needs please Contact Us or call and we’ll be delighted to advise.
Course Syllabus
Who is the course suitable for?
Our 2 day Snowdonia Rock Climbing Course is a progression from our Peak District courses and suits anyone who has a reasonable amount of experience climbing outside or, of course, anyone who’s previously attended either our 2 day Intermediate Rock Climbing or Learn to Lead Course.
The specific focus of this course is to introduce the skills needed for climbing on multi-pitch climbs in a mountain environment. The course is suitable for adults of all ages and we are happy to have participants as young as 16 although under 18’s need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you want us to arrange a similar event for groups under 16 please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
What is the format of the day?
We will meet at 9.30am in the Moel Siabod Café which is conveniently situated the right in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park in the village of Capel Curig (full Joining Instructions will be sent with your Booking Confirmation). We are very keen to help protect this precious natural environment so if you don’t have a car we can collect you at the local train station and if you are travelling by bus we can also pick you up and drive you to the venue. Once introductions are complete we’ll head out to one of the many world class venues around the park and get started.
After kitting everyone up with safety equipment and introducing some key climbing skills we’ll focus on getting plenty of time on the rock. Climbing venues are always selected to ensure there is a range of challenge levels so you won’t be left struggling on climbs that are too difficult or be short of routes to challenge you either.
We stay out for the full day so be sure to bring food and drink for lunch at the crag.
The ratios for our Snowdonia Rock Climbing Course are deliberately lower (1:2) so participants get the maximum chance to develop their skills.
During the 2 days you’ll try a selection of climbs and learn a broad ‘toolbox’ of essential climbing techniques ready to progress your climbing in the future if you choose. We’ll also visit a variety of venues to give you a thorough taste of the amazing climbing Snowdonia has to offer.
The selection of techniques covered will include:
- Gaining an understanding of the skills required to operate safely in a mountain environment (this will include discussion on weather, venue choice, dealing with emergencies, safety equipment and other related issues)
- Developing a full understanding of climbing grade systems for multi-pitch climbs
- Crag etiquette and best practice when climbing on multi-pitch climbs
- Selecting appropriate equipment for multi-pitch climbs
- Skills for building efficient belay stances on multi-pitch climbs
- Efficient rope management on longer routes
- Route finding on multi-pitch climbs
- Dealing with common problems that might occur on multi-pitch climbs
- Safely managing descents from multi-pitch crags (by descent path and abseil)
- Plenty of climbing!
The days will typically end at about 4.30pm.
Who will be looking after me?
Peak Mountaineering prides itself on the quality of its instructors and our excellent reputation. The instructor that leads your day will be fully qualified and fully insured. They will be also be one of our close knit instructor team and personally known to us. We only use instructors who know the area well so they can ensure you visit the best climbing venues and get the most from your day.
Having said all that, we know that the views of past clients are probably your best guide to the quality of our provision. Please take the time to read the independent reviews clients have left before you book.
Where can I stay?
Snowdonia has a wealth of accommodation options to suit all budgets. There are plenty of ideas in suitable locations available on our Snowdonia Accommodation Options page.
What do I need to bring?
We provide all the technical equipment including harnesses and helmets (although you are welcome to bring your own if you have them) so all you need is suitable clothing and lunch. Long trousers that you can move in freely and warm upper layers are ideal.
The best footwear is climbing shoes specifically designed for rock climbing. We have a selection of climbing shoes in various sizes which we will happily lend you free of charge. You will also need a pair of boots or supportive shoes suitable for descending difficult terrain.
Please also bring a set of waterproofs as the weather can change significantly over the course of a day.
Other benefits for Peak Mountaineering customers
We have negotiated some great discounts with a selection of great retailers for all course participants. Full details will be sent with your Joining Instructions.
Location
Our multi-pitch climbing courses take advantage of the amazing opportunities available in the Snowdonia National Park. We base them from Capel Curig which is right in the heart of the park and close to many fantastic venues.
Capel Curig is a small village with limited facilities (there is a grocery shop, an equipment shop and a few pubs within walking distance), but the much larger village of Llanberis is only 20 minutes drive away and the popular tourist village of Betws Y Coed is about 10 minutes drive away. Either of these would be an ideal base and both have plenty of shops and cafes. Betws Y Coed is also on the train line and we’ll be able to help with transport if you are travelling to the course by public transport.
Capel Curig gives us access to a wide variety of world class climbs and such a broad range of options allows us to cater for different abilities, fitness levels, aspirations and for Snowdonia’s varied weather. Snowdonia really is the heart of U.K. climbing.
We usually meet at the legendary Siabod Cafe which is a cosy mountaineer friendly cafe near to Capel Curig. Full details on the course meeting point will be sent with your joining instructions.
FAQ's
Here are a list of questions clients frequently ask about our climbing courses. We hope you’ll find the info you need but, if there’s something you want to know that we haven’t covered, please call or email us and we’ll be more than happy to help. Infact, if you’ve thought of it then the chances are other people have too – so we’ll add it to the list!
What equipment is provided and do I have to pay to use it?
We supply all the technical equipment you’ll need for your course completely free of charge.
Do I need insurance?
We have professional indemnity insurance and for all UK courses we are all lucky enough to have free access to mountain rescue services and healthcare (although you may still consider it worthwhile purchasing your own personal accident and cancellation insurance). The following companies provide appropriate mountaineering insurance:
British Mountaineering Council www.thebmc.co.uk 0870 010 4878
Snowcard Insurance Services www.snowcard.co.uk 01327 262 805
What if I have a specific objective or want to learn things not offered on one of your courses?
That’s what we specialise in! Just get in touch and we will happily tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements.
What about under 18s?
For climbing courses we welcome participants over 16. For younger children we can still offer a great range of family climbing options – details on these are available on our Family Activities page. Please note that under 18s must be accompanied for the duration of the course by a parent or guardian.
Will you give my details to other people?
All information supplied to us remains completely confidential and we will never pass it on to third parties.
Why is the instructor to client ratio so important?
You will get more out of your time with us if you work in a group where the numbers suit the activity. We favour small instructor to client ratios so that you benefit from quality time and instruction, where you have time to ask all the questions you want, the routes chosen can be tailored to suit you, and we can take plenty of time to show you specific techniques and skills.
What if I need to cancel a course booking?
If you cancel over 26 weeks in advance of a course start date we refund all the money you have paid us so far. If you cancel within 26 weeks of a course start date, you forfeit the deposit, but we refund any other money you may have paid. If you cancel within 8 weeks of the course start date you forfeit the full amount unless we are able to resell your place. See the Terms and Conditions page for more detailed information. To cover this eventuality we recommend you take out an insurance policy that includes cancellation of your trip or holiday.
Can you guarantee good conditions?
Unfortunately we can’t control the weather. However, we do always try to plan areas and routes that should be appropriate and in good condition. One of the advantages of being in small groups with flexible itineraries is that we can make the best of the conditions on the day. This does mean that we reserve the right to change the itinerary for safety reasons if required. Please follow the kit lists and be prepared for all the ‘interesting’ weather the U.K. has to offer.
What is the timetable for courses?
We will meet somewhere convenient on the first morning of the course and a typical day lasts from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Full meeting arrangements will be included in the Joining Instructions provided with your booking confirmation.
What about transport arrangements?
We ask you to provide your own transport to and from venues although we can quite often organise car sharing to minimise environmental impact and reduce fuel costs. Once we are there we will try to use car sharing to get us around during the course.
We can usually collect you from a local station if you are travelling to your course via public transport.
How do you try to reduce your environmental impact?
We are passionate about protecting the natural environment. Please take the time to read our Environment Page.
How fit do I need to be?
It goes without saying that arriving fit and well is important if you want to get the most out of your course and it is essential for succeeding on many of our objectives. Please take note of the guidance on the Course Syllabus before booking and contact us in advance if you need more information.
Do you need to know about medical conditions?
It is essential that you let us know about any medical condition or injury when booking and that you also let your instructor know on the starting day of your course. This information will remain completely confidential, but is essential to allow us to tailor our activities to suit you and to ensure the safety of other group members.
Accommodation Options
Hotels
Bryn Tyrch, Capel Curig, North Wales, LL24 0EL Tel 01690 720223
Gallt-y-Glyn Hotel, Llanberis, Gwynedd , LL55 4EL Tel 01286 870370
B&B’s
Snowdonia Mountain Lodge, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda Tel 01248 600500
Hostels
Plas Curig, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed, North Wales, LL24 0EL Tel 01690 720 225
Bens Bunkhouse, Nant Peris, Nr Llanberis, LL55 4UD Tel 07989 500657
YHA Llanberis, Tel 0845 371 9645
YHA Pen-y-Pass, Tel 0845 371 9534
YHA Betws-y-Coed, Tel 01690 710796
YHA Capel Curig, Tel 0870 770 5746
YHA Idwal Cottage, Tel 0870 770 5874
Camping
There are several camp sites in Capel Curig and the Ogwen Valley. They are all fairly similar in that they provide basic facilities in farmers’ fields.
Kit List
Of course we always hope that your Snowdonia Climbing Course will take place in stunning sunny weather, but this is the UK and so we have to accept that anything is possible! We will always try to adapt the course venue to the weather conditions, but our courses always take place outside and many of the crags are quite exposed. Please also be aware that, unless there is a significant safety risk, our courses will always run regardless of the weather. So, the key message is to please come well equipped to climb in all conditions and to be warm, dry and comfortable for extended periods outside. It is also worth mentioning that venues in Snowdonia aren’t too far from the road and so don’t worry about packing light – it is worth bringing more than you think you might need rather than being uncomfortable during the day.
- Rucksack large enough to carry all your clothing and lunch items. We will also ask you to carry a helmet, harness and rock shoes and so it helps to leave some spare capacity for these items.
- Additional small rucksack if available. On some multi-pitch climbs we will leave our main bags at the bottom and carry a smaller rucksack on the climbs. This allows us to carry a spare warm/waterproof layer and sometimes it is useful to carry shoes if we have to walk off the crag – walking any distance in rock shoes is far from ideal!
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Walking boots, approach shoes or sturdy trainers. The walk ins to crags is likely to be over challenging ground and it may be wet or muddy.
- Thermal base layer (synthetic fibres rather than cotton)
- Fleece mid layer
- Another spare warm layer
- Trousers that allow a full range of movement (not jeans)
- Hat and gloves
- Lunch and drink
- Spare food
- Personal first aid and medication
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Rock climbing shoes or trainers
We can provide all specialised climbing equipment but if you have your own feel free to bring them along. The key items are a climbing harness (with belay device and screw gate carabiner), helmet and rock shoes. If you have any other climbing hardware you are welcome to bring that too. We will always provide ropes.
