Winter 09-10 Climbing and Mountaineering Courses:

Winter Skills for Climbers - Wales and Scotland: January - April 2010 (Various dates)

Introduction

Last months incredible climbing conditions have seen hundreds of people enjoying the readily accessible and quite superb routes of North Wales. Many of whom have stepped into crampons for the first time and swung their first ice axe in anger. With the thawing of the ice brings the opportunity to prepare for the rest of the winter. Training, sharpening ice tools and gaining the knowledge which will allow access to longer and more remote, and possibly more hazardous objectives.

Pre-requisites

The course is aimed at those with some experience of winter climbing although any winter hill goer may find benefit in the syllabus.

Itinerary

Our 'Winter Skills for Climbers' course is run over a single day and looks at:

Understanding and avoiding the avalanche threat

Simple problem solving

Approach and descent from routes

Prevention of cold injuries

Choosing appropriate objectives

Movement on snow and self arrest

Equipment required for remote objectives

Administration

Welsh courses can be based in either Northern or Southern Snowdonia. All of our Scottish Winter courses are being run from the West Highlands with Fort William being a fairly central location. There are a number of accommodation options within the area some of which can be found on our links page. A detailed kit list will be provided on booking and we can loan most items of equipment and clothing required on a first come first served basis. Clients will need to provide their own mountaineering boots however, these should obviously be compatible with the crampons that they intend to use (further explanation can be found here). Both boot and equipment hire can be found locally. We are obviously more than happy to discuss any administrative issues over the phone, email or any other way and will do our very best to help where possible.

Dates

Numerous midweek and weekend dates available in Wales and Scotland. Presently there is a good level of snow cover in North Wales but as with all of our Welsh courses we won’t hold anyone to a booking if winter conditions aren’t around.

Prices

North Wales: £150 per day (1 or 2 people), extra people (max 6) charged at £25 each.

Scotland £200 per day: (1 or 2 people), extra people (max 6) charged at £25 each

Scottish Winter Skills: January - April 2010 (Various dates)

Introduction

Winter in the Scottish mountains, and indeed other areas of the British Isles, creates quite a unique environment. Our Northerly latitude and exposed island setting serve to create conditions far more complex and difficult than the modest height of our mountains alone would suggest. Our Winter Skills Course aims to pass on the knowledge and skills required to venture safely into the mountains in winter.

Pre-requisites

Experience of summer hill walking in the British Isles and a reasonable degree of physical fitness.

Itinerary

Either a 2 day (weekend) or 5 day (mid week) course. The exact itinerary and areas visited will depend on the peculiarities of the weather at the time. Topics covered will be: Selecting suitable objectives, Choice of clothing and equipment, Use of ice axe and crampons, Specifics of winter navigation, Interpreting and making the most of the weather forecast, Avalanche awareness, and Emergency procedures.

The 2 day course is run with a fairly structured feel as there is a lot of subject matter to get through. The routes undertaken would be short with a lot of time spent working in one location. The 5 day course allows for a more practical learning experience, the days spent in climbing mountains including well known 'Munros' allowing participants to develop their skills and decision making in real situations.

For both courses we’ll work off a maximum instructor to student ratio of 1:4.

Administration

All of our Scottish Winter courses are being run from the West Highlands with Fort William being a fairly central location. There are a number of accommodation options within the area some of which can be found on our links page. A detailed kit list will be provided on booking and we can loan most items of equipment and clothing required on a first come first served basis. Clients will need to provide their own mountaineering boots however, these should obviously be compatible with the crampons that they intend to use (further explanation can be found here). Both boot and equipment hire can be found locally. We are obviously more than happy to discuss any administrative issues over the phone, email or any other way and will do our very best to help where possible.

Dates

Our Scottish Winter Courses will start running in early January 2010 and run through to early/mid April. The exact balance of courses that we’ll run will depend on demand. If you book early you may well have the choice of any dates you like.

Prices

2 day course £150 per person.

5 day course £350 per person (£300 per person if booking out all 4 places).

Scottish Winter Mountaineering: January - April 2010 (Various dates)

Introduction

The long and rich history of Scottish mountaineering has played an important role in shaping the development of mountaineering around the world. Those early routes, and of particular interest to us those early winter routes still lay down the same challenges today that they did over 100 years ago. Our Scottish Winter Mountaineering course looks to move on from climbing summits via their lines of least resistance and seek out the attraction of climbing routes in their own right.

Working over grade i to ii ground on both ridges and gullies the course aim is to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle such routes.

Pre-requisites

A good base level would be a fairly steady head for heights and some scrambling or rock climbing experience. As well as some experience of Scottish winter walking however those that have done a good amount of summer hill walking and have a healthy sense of adventure would be suitable. It goes without saying that a good level of physical fitness will be necessary.

Itinerary

Usually run as a 5 day (mid week) course. The exact itinerary and areas visited will depend on the peculiarities of the weather at the time. The general theme each day will be to attempt some of the classic routes of the area taking opportunities to teach along the way. This simple plan will allow participants to develop their skills and decision making in real situations.

Topics covered will include all areas listed on our Winter Skills course as either a refresher or new subject, depending on participant experience. Some of these themes will then be expanded further, in particular use of a single ice axe and crampons in a scrambling/climbing context and avalanche awareness. The main additional topic will be simple rope work suitable for grade i to ii ground.

This course could be run as a 2 day (weekend) course for those who already have a good level of experience of Scotland's mountains in winter.

We’ll work off a maximum instructor to student ratio of 1:2.

Administration

All of our Scottish Winter courses are being run from the West Highlands with Fort William being a fairly central location. There are a number of accommodation options within the area some of which can be found on our links page. A detailed kit list will be provided on booking and we can loan most items of equipment and clothing required on a first come first served basis. Clients will need to provide their own mountaineering boots however, these should obviously be compatible with the crampons that they intend to use (further explanation can be found here). Both boot and equipment hire can be found locally. We are obviously more than happy to discuss any administrative issues over the phone, email or any other way and will do our very best to help where possible.

Dates

Our Scottish Winter Courses will start running in early January 2010 and run through to early/mid April. The exact balance of courses that we’ll run will depend on demand. If you book early you may well have the choice of any dates you like.

Prices

5 day course £400 per person (£350 per person if booking out both places).

2 day course £200 per person.

Introduction to Scottish Winter Climbing: January - April 2010 (Various dates)

Introduction

Snow and ice climbing is perhaps the most fickle but rewarding discipline in the whole great mountaineering game. The unique appeal of Scottish winter climbing is renowned the world over with its variety of snow gullies, buttresses and ridges, water ice routes and mixed face climbs. Our introduction to Scottish winter climbing course aims to give clients a taste of as much of this variety as possible at an appropriate level.

Pre-requisites

A good head for heights, summer rock climbing experience and the willingness to work in the cold would be a good starting point. Prior experience of winter walking or mountaineering isn’t essential though without it time at the start of the course would be spent wisely in looking at simple winter skills. Winter climbing is a tough old game therefore a good level of physical fitness is essential.

Itinerary

Run as a 5 day (midweek) course. The exact itinerary and areas visited will depend on the peculiarities of the weather at the time. The general theme will be to climb as much as possible at a grade range of ii to iii. We’ll take every opportunity for teaching along the way so that by the end of the course participants will be competent and comfortable seconding winter climbs.

We’ll work off a maximum instructor to student ratio of 1:2.

Administration

All of our Scottish Winter courses are being run from the West Highlands with Fort William being a fairly central location. There are a number of accommodation options within the area some of which can be found on our links page. A detailed kit list will be provided on booking and we can loan most items of equipment and clothing required on a first come first served basis. Clients will need to provide their own mountaineering boots however, these should obviously be compatible with the crampons that they intend to use (further explanation can be found here). For our winter climbing courses these will need to be a 'B3' boot. Both boot and equipment hire can be found locally. We are obviously more than happy to discuss any administrative issues over the phone, email or any other way and will do our very best to help where possible.

Dates

Our Scottish Winter Courses will start running in early January 2010 and run through to early/mid April. The exact balance of courses that we'll run will depend on demand. If you book early you may well have the choice of any dates you like.

Prices

5 day course £400 per person (£350 per person if booking out both places).

There may be a need to use ski lift systems to access climbing areas, if required clients will need to bear the cost of their own tickets.

Intermediate Level Scottish Winter Climbing: January - April 2010 (Various dates)

Introduction

The names of mid grade Scottish winter routes such as Tower Ridge and Crowberry Gully stand out in Mountaineering folklore, their ascents memorable for a lifetime. There are 2 possible aims of our intermediate level Scottish winter climbing course. Either to lead clients up as many of these great routes as we can or to teach the skills required for them to progress to leading the routes for themselves.

Pre-requisites

Previous winter climbing experience (comfortable seconding routes up to grade iii) and a good level of physical fitness.

Itinerary

Run as a 5 day (midweek) course or a 2 day (weekend) course. The exact itinerary and areas visited will depend on the peculiarities of the weather at the time. Time will be taken at the start of the course to discuss the clients own aspirations and a suitable itinerary drawn up. Routes climbed would be expected to be in the grade range of iii to iv.

We’ll work off a maximum instructor to student ratio of 1:2.

Administration

All of our Scottish Winter courses are being run from the West Highlands with Fort William being a fairly central location. There are a number of accommodation options within the area some of which can be found on our links page. A detailed kit list will be provided on booking and we can loan most items of equipment and clothing required on a first come first served basis. Clients will need to provide their own mountaineering boots however, these should obviously be compatible with the crampons that they intend to use (further explanation can be found here). For our winter climbing courses these will need to be a 'B3' boot. Both boot and equipment hire can be found locally. We are obviously more than happy to discuss any administrative issues over the phone, email or any other way and will do our very best to help where possible.

Dates

Our Scottish Winter Courses will start running in early January 2010 and run through to early/mid April. The exact balance of courses that we’ll run will depend on demand. If you book early you may well have the choice of any dates you like.

Prices

5 day course £400 per person (£350 per person if booking out both places).

2 day course £200 per person.

There may be a need to use ski lift systems to access climbing areas, if required clients will need to bear the cost of their own tickets.

Private Guiding and Bespoke Courses (Any Dates)

If none of the above courses quite match what you're looking for then please contact us and we’ll be more than happy to see if we can help.

Spring 2010 Climbing and Mountaineering Courses:

Snowdonia Scrambling Courses - Introductory and Advanced: April 2010 (midweek and weekend dates)

Introduction

Scrambling is the ground between hill walking and rock climbing. At their simplest scrambles may require nothing more than occasional use of the hands to aid upwards progress. More difficult scrambles require rope and belay techniques more akin to rock climbing. Scrambling is maybe one of the most enjoyable forms of the great mountaineering game. The joy of moving over rock up striking lines free from the encumbrance of heavy gear and the ponderousness of consecutive roped pitches.

Pre-requisites

Some hill walking experience, a fair level of physical fitness as well as a head for heights.

Itinerary

Two day weekend and midweek courses based in Northern Snowdonia.

Our Introductory Course is based on grade 1 to 2 and will look at the techniques required to cover these routes confidently and safely, including the occasional use of a rope. We will work off a maximum instructor to student ratio of 1 to 4.

Good introductory routes include:

Tryfan North Ridge

Bristly Ridge

Crib Lem

Idwal Staircase and Continuation

Y Gribin and East Ridge of Snowdon.

Our Advanced course is based on grade 2 and 3 ground. More frequent and efficient ropework is naturally the main ingredient of this course. We will work off a maximum instructor to student ratio of 1 to 2.

Good advanced routes include:

Dolmen Ridge

Cneifion Arete

Clogwyn y Person Arete

Sentries Ridge

Lliwedd West Peak via Bilberry Terrace

Administration

There are a number of accommodation options in Snowdonia, from camping to self catered to plush hotel.

Dates

17th - 18th April (weekend)

22nd - 23rd April (midweek)

24th - 25th April (weekend)

26th - 27th April (midweek)

Other dates available on request.

Prices

2 day Introductory Course £150 per person (£100 per person if booking all 4 spaces)

2 day Advanced Course £200 per person (£150 person if booking both spaces)

Skye Munros: May 2010 (Dates TBC)

Introduction

There are twelve peaks on the Isle of Skye which achieve Munro status, eleven are on the main Cuillin Ridge and all but one require some rock climbing or scrambling to reach their summits. These mountains present a challenge like no other in UK mountaineering and are quite rightly often referred to as the British Alps.

Pre-requisites

Some hill walking experience, a fair level of physical fitness as well as a head for heights.

Itinerary

We have five full days mountaineering, the exact itinerary will depend upon the vagaries of the weather (though May is traditionally the 'Ridge' season) and the ability of the party. Most competent hill walkers could expect to climb around six of the Skye Munros given reasonable weather over the five days. It would however be possible for a strong party to climb them all. We will work with an instructor to student ratio of no more than 1:4.

Administration

There are a number of accommodation options on Skye, from camping to self catered bunkhouse to plush hotel. We could arrange this for you if required.

Prices

5 day course £400 per person (£300 per person if booking out all 4 places)

Summer 2010 Climbing and Mountaineering Courses:

Lundy Island Climbing Adventure: 2nd - 7th September 2010

Introduction

Rugged, wave pounded and inaccessible, Lundy Island sits twelve miles off the North Devon coast in the Bristol Channel. Coupled with the afore mentioned attractions is the fact that along the whole length of its three and a half mile western shore are to be found some of the largest and highest quality granite sea cliffs in the British Isles.

Pre-requisites

If this all sounds attractive and you’ve some climbing experience (comfortable seconding routes up to VS) and a fairly robust sense of adventure then this is the place to find your climbing highlight of the summer.

Itinerary

Our itinerary gives us four full days climbing plus an afternoon and morning on our arrival and departure days. There are any number of quality climbs to have a go at in the grade range of VDiff to VS, many involve awkward approaches and abseils in just getting to the start of the route.

The aim of the week is simply to climb as much as possible, saver the unique environment and take every opportunity to pass onto you as many skills and techniques that we can. We’ll work off a instructor to student ratio of 1:2 and have a maximum of 4 places. Details of last years trip can be found here).

Administration

We get out to Lundy on the MS Oldenburg sailing from Ilfracombe in North Devon. Our five nights on Lundy are spent at the islands campsite (though there is more upmarket accommodation available if you prefer) which has pretty good facilities and is the most cost effective means of staying. Though Lundy has a shop and pub we’ll bring over and cook ourselves all the food we need for the week. If you like we can get all the food shopping done and have it packed up and ready to go on the boat.

Prices

The price for instruction is £450 per client. As Lundy is a popular spot to visit and spaces fill up quickly we will book and pay in advance for the boat crossing at £56 and the campsite at around £50, we’ll just add these costs to our invoice. We will require a deposit of £150 per client upon booking and the remaining balance paid one month before the trip, and suggest that you think about taking out holiday cancelation insurance in case for some unforeseen reason you can’t make it.

Welsh Climbing Road Trip July: 2010 (Dates TBC)

Introduction

The diverse range of climbing to be found in Wales is quite spectacular, very few places in the world offer such geological variety and contrasting styles of climbing packed into such a geographically small area. Our Welsh Road Trip aims to exploit this diversity and create a truly memorable weeks climbing.

Pre-requisites

No prior climbing experience is required though you’ll need to be fairly physically fit, have a head for heights and the motivation for 6 days climbing.

Itinerary

Starting on the sandstone outcrops of the South Wales Valleys and travelling first west then north to our ultimate destination of the shattered quartzite cliffs of Gogarth on Anglesey.

Although our exact itinerary will remain flexible to accommodate the vagaries of weather and tide, our trip will include climbing from golden beaches on Gower limestone and the wind swept gabbro sea cliffs of North Pembrokeshire.

We’ll show you the hidden gritstone gems of Southern Snowdonia and the ever popular roadside dolerite crags at Tremadog. Moving north again we’ll enter the high mountains and the famous rhyolite cliffs of Ogwen and the Llanberiss Pass before crossing the Menai Straits and onto Anglesey.

Although our aim is to do as much climbing as possible we wouldn’t miss any opportunities to pass onto you as many skills and techniques that we can. We’ll work off a instructor to student ratio of 1:2 and have a maximum of 4 places.

Administration

Being a road trip the journey obviously starts and finishes at opposite ends of the country. We’ll take care of all the transport required and can pick you up in Cardiff at the start of the trip and drop you off at Bangor at the end.

Alternatively you could meet us in Corris before we set off for South Wales thus being able to get back to your car at the end. As the driving is only a means of getting us to our climbs no leg of the journey will take more than 2 hours and many will be much shorter.

Accommodation along the way will mostly be camping some nights in established campsites and some just sleeping on quiet beaches. We’ll spent one night in a bunkhouse as we come through Corris on the mid point of our journey. We’ll sort out the food which will pretty much all be cooked ourselves at the campsites.

Prices

The total cost of the trip is £500 per person this includes all instruction, accommodation, food and transport. If you prefer you could pay for instruction only at £350 per person and make all other arrangements yourself, we would of course help you with this.

Mountain Marathon Workshops: Summer 2010 (Dates TBC)

Introduction

Huw has over 17 years of fell running experience and some notable mountain marathon results including first male pair in the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon. Our Mountain Marathon Workshop is aimed at first time to intermediate level runners wanting to improve there performance and enjoyment of the sport.

Pre- requisites

No fell running experience required but we will be looking to run round in the hills for some of the course so a fair degree of physical fitness is required.

Itinerary

Over the 2 day course we will pass on knowledge of race navigation and route choice, clothing and equipment, hydration and nutrition, race tactics and preparation and training. A good deal of time will be spent ‘on the hill’ practicing these skills.

Administration

The course is run from Corris where there are a number of accommodation options in the near area, from self catered bunkhouse to plush hotel.

Prices

£150 per person

Classic Mountain Rock Climbing Weekend: Summer 2010 (Dates TBC)

Introduction

Ken Wilson’s iconic book ‘Classic Rock’ first published in 1978 lists and describes some of the finest mountain rock climbs in the British Isles. The 21 routes given for Wales are all found in Snowdonia and span almost the full history of rock climbing as we know it today. All are superb, offer great days out and are achievable for anyone with an interest in climbing and a reasonable degree of physical fitness.

Pre-requisites

No prior climbing experience is required though you’ll need to be fairly physically fit and have a head for heights.

Itinerary

Most of the ‘Classic Rock’ routes involve a certain amount of walking to reach them, anything from 10 minutes to 2 hours, and some finish on the very summits of Wales’ highest mountains. For this reason the true mountain routes take a single day to climb in their own right.

Of the valley routes it’s possible to do a couple in a day. Many other climbs of comparable quality can also be found near by (they just aren’t on the list) and these may be used to provide or full days climbing or a necessary alternative if forced by weather or popularity. Depending on what you fancy climbing we can base ourselves in either Northern or Southern Snowdonia.

We’ll have 2 full days climbing and if you are keen we’ll try and make maximum use of the summer evening.

Administration

There are a number of accommodation options in Snowdonia, from camping to self catered bunkhouse to plush hotel.

Prices

£200 per person (£350 per person if booking out both places).