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Rock climbing’s special combination of mental and physical challenges make it a unique experience. Once you’ve tried it, you’re hooked.
The intrinsic rewards that come from combining concentration, agility, balance, strength and judgement are unequalled in any other sport. Nothing heightens the senses more than the combination of delight and relief that comes from reaching the top of a demanding rock climbing route. Whatever standard you rock climb at, from novice to expert, these feelings remain the same. The key lies in seeking out new and exciting challenges.
That’s where Plas y Brenin comes in to its own. Based in the heart of North Wales' Snowdonia we’re surrounded by some of the finest rock climbing routes in Britain, from the towering sea cliffs of Gogarth and exposed mountain crags of Cwm Silyn to the inviting slabs of Cwm Idwal and Tremadog. There’s even a choice of rock to rock climb on too with limestone, rhyolite, quarzite, dolerite and slate all within easy reach.
This unique position in North Wales and teh Snowdonia national park not only allows us to conjure up great variety, it also means we can be flexible, adapting our rock climbing course location and content to suit both the weather pattern and your ability. Which ultimately means you get the most from your time on our rock climbing courses.
You'll find a full list of our courses below but befor eyou make a decision, why not take a look at what makes our rock climbing department so special in our new rock department page,
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Attended this course in June. Apart from the problem of heavy rain, so we weren't able to go to certain climbs, the whole course was fantastic. I've climbed ind .........
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Distil everything that's great about climbing down to the purest fundamentals, and you're left with bouldering. Everything that's good about the purest movement on rock ? without the hassle of learning rope skills or the stress of heights and with minimum risk of injury.
Progressing from the indoor bouldering wall to a variety of outdoor venues, this course gives you the purest introduction to the sport of climbing. By the end of two days you will have learned all about specialist rock-boots and precision footwork, the fundamentals of good technique and balanced climbing, as well as the injury avoiding arts of 'spotting', using mats, and warming up.
You may never get far above the ground, but you?ll certainly get your fill of great climbing on this fast moving introduction to the sport.
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£175 (2010) |
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Perhaps you're an indoor climber who wants to make the move into 'the great outdoors' one step at a time? Or you'd like to make some rapid progress in developing your technique and fitness by finding out what Sport Climbing could do for you?
If making 'maximum moves' for minimum stress sounds appealing, then these two days will immerse you in all that's great about clipping bolts and sport climbing.
During two action packed days you?ll cover technical skills like clipping, belaying and lowering off to keep you safe. You'll receive coaching on your movement skills to improve your performance. You'll take time to consider the psychological skills to keep your 'mojo' working. And you'll gather the skills and knowledge to help you warm up, perform at your best, and avoid injury. All whilst doing loads and loads of great climbing.
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£267 (2010) |
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It's the time of year when the good guys are all pushing themselves on the bolts - to gain the technique, fitness and performance only sport climbing can offer. Find out just how much there is to 'proper' sports climbing in this intensive and exciting 'red-pointing' weekend. It's just not as simple as 'trad climbing on bolts' - not if you want to make the most of it! Learn how to climb harder, push yourself further (and then let go before you get it wrong and waste your efforts)! And of course, we'll help you develop the correct mental preparation for the redpoint.
The tactics of Sport Climbing are just as important as the techniques and moves - this weekend will leave you understanding how (and wanting more).
From making the most of indoor walls to pushing it out on the limestone or slate we've got everything you need to progress in leaps (or lobs) and bounds.
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£295 (2010) |
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Based in Finestrat, this course is designed for people who have climbed indoors or out a number of times and who wish to climb on some sunny rock during the dreary months of the UK winter. From small (ten metre) sport routes to ?big day? expeditions, the cliffs of the Costa Blanca have a huge variety to suit all aspirations.
By the end of the course, you should have the skills you need to climb independently on a variety of European cliffs. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
5 |
£675 (2010) |
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A whole five days to take you from indoor climbing or traditional climbing and open up the doors to redpointing sport climbs. Sport climbing is often about pushing yourself physically. Trying to ?on-sight? routes in a traditional style is not the way forward. Over the five days we take you through all the basic skills of clipping, belaying, and lowering off. We will coach your movement skills to improve your performance, we will introduce the concept of bolt to bolt, clip and drop and the psychological preparation required to make the all important redpoint. Here in North Wales we have abundant well bolted sport crags both on limestone and slate. Plas y Brenin contributes to the North Wales Bolt Fund through which volunteers give up their own time to maintain the climb.
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
5 |
£530 (2010) |
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In the world of rock climbing, North Wales is Mecca for the ?trad climber?. The reason? Within easy access of Plas y Brenin, we can climb on over six fundamentally different types of rock ? each with their own variations and styles of climbing. If you're a keen climber, who wants to diversify and explore the full range of climbing experiences ? this must be the course for you. We?ll try to climb on a different rock type each day, as our instructors open your eyes to a new rock, a new style, and coach your techniques to match. From the quintessential ?rock-over? on slate, to the limestone crimp, and the 'fiddly nut' on quartzite; you?ll develop a real understanding of the absorbing variety within your sport, and this exceptional area. It is, after all, why we are here in Snowdonia! If variety is the spice of life ? then there has never been a better course. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
5 |
£530 (2010) |
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This weekend gives you the chance to learn all of the basic climbing skills in a practical and safe way under the direct supervision of our expert instructors and guides. You will cover basic ropework, equipment selection and most importantly get the chance to climb some of North Wales' classic routes. Bouldering, top-roping, single and multi-pitch - we guarantee you will do lots of climbing! |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£267 (2010) |
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In five days we will help you progress from never having climbed before to the possibility of leading your own climbs in a controlled and confident manner at the end of the week. All of the basic ropework, equipment selection and climbing techniques will be covered and many of North Wales' most famous climbing areas will be explored, such as Tremadog, the Llanberis Pass and the Ogwen Valley - always under the direct supervision of our expert staff. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
5 |
£550 (2010) |
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Designed to specifically meet the needs of the family, In five days we will help you progress from never having climbed before to the possibility of leading your own climbs in a controlled and confident manner at the end of the week. All of the basic ropework, equipment selection and climbing techniques will be covered and many of North Wales' most famous climbing areas will be explored, such as Tremadog, the Llanberis Pass and the Ogwen Valley - always under the direct supervision of our expert staff. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
5 |
£551 (2010) |
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If you're experienced on the indoor wall but not too confident about the transition to outdoor climbing then this two day course is a perfect start. By the end of the weekend you'll be a competent second with an understanding of anchor selection and belay techniques, and knowledge of what makes the outside world so different. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£220 (2010) |
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Designed specifically for the growing number of people who climb regularly on an indoor wall and are not sure how to develop their skills to help them climb confidently outside at the crag. The course is structured to help you become self sufficient as quickly as possible, covering anchor selection and construction, rope handling, abseiling and self protection along with a host of other skills unique to outdoor climbing.
In the evenings you'll discover how to use guide books, and understand the complexities of access and crag etiquette as well as picking up tips on equipment selection, training and mental preparation techniques.
After this week you should leave ready to take to the outdoor crag with confidence and enthusiasm. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
5 |
£556 (2010) |
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Single pitch, multi pitch, trad, sport, sea cliffs and mountains - we have it all on our doorstep. if you've started climbing and want to progress to more challenging situations then this is the ideal way to get the experience.
Over 5 days we will build up your technique, rope work, protection and self reliance skills so by the end of the course you'll be better prepared to lead more confidently and safely. All the time our expert instructors will be coaching not just your practical skills but also your mental approach. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
5 |
£550 (2010) |
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If you're an experienced indoor climber or you've spent time on single pitch crags and you'd like to make the progression to longer multi pitch climbs then this is the perfect choice. Over these two days you'll learn all the skills required to climb multi pitch routes safely. Covering everything from selection of equipment and ropework to understanding guidebooks and choosing routes. This is a good follow up to our two day Introduction to climbing 'getting started' and an excellent stepping stone towards an 'introduction to leading.' |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£294 (2010) |
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This two day course is ideal for anyone with seconding experience and wanting to lead their first climb. Covering everything from selection of protection and ropework to understanding guidebooks and choosing routes, you should leave with a confident understanding of lead climbing. An excellent follow up to our Rock Developer course.
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£295 (2010) |
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If you are looking to develop your scrambling skills further this course is designed for you. Covering the advanced skills required to negotiate the harder grade scrambles and onto easier rock climbs you will gain experience in all the techniques required to help you make a smooth transition from scrambler to rock climber. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
5 |
£551 (2010) |
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The course that every rock climber should have been on. This two day course will teach you how to get out of those tricky situations that should never arise but all too often do. If you have any doubt how you would react in an emergency then this weekend, covering self rescue technique and how to look after an injured partner, is an ideal way to put you and your climbing partner's minds at rest. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£230 (2010) |
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Two days on the sharp end, consolidating and expanding your leading skills, under the watchful eye of our expert coaches. Get the tips, the techniques and learn from all their experience. Whether you want to lead harder routes, or get slicker and safer, this intensive course could take you further than you dreamt possible. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£299 (2010) |
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If you're planning a Big Walling trip for the first time, or wanting to fine tune what you've already learnt on your first epic, this weekend is worth its weight in gold. The weekend course is crammed full of practical instruction and advice on aid climbing, bivouacking, hanging stances and hauling. Exactly what you need to help you get the most from your trip.
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£250 (2010) |
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Simply as good as it gets: World class coaches giving you personal coaching at the best venues. All this combines to give you the finest possible chance to improve your performance. Through this intensive five-day course, we focus on your specific needs, helping to develop your trad climbing skills. Through bouldering outside, or on the wall, we?ll fine-tune your movement skills. Then we?ll move on to leading outside, trad or sport to improve your skills on the sharp end. Dealing with the practical, physical and mental skills our staff will take your climbing further than you imagined possible. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
5 |
£625 (2010) |
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Does your jamming let you down? Do you ignore or hate crack pitches?
Simply as good as it gets, our top notch coaches and trad climbers giving you personal coaching at the best venues. Over 2 days we'll focus on your crack climbing skills, with the end product of you being a more rounded trad climber, more able to tackle everything the crag throws at you rather than avoiding it! A high staff to student ratio from the outset means we'll tailor the course, getting the best out of the crag and you! |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£294 (2010) |
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A great weekend to pull it all together and move your climbing on. Get the best advice and practical coaching from expert instructors with unparalleled trad climbing background. We'll tailor the two days to develop your broader climbing skills or we can focus on specifics. Whether it's technique and movement, ropework, protection or lead climbing our rock climbing staff are the most experienced available to help you make the grade. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
2 |
£310 (2010) |
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Now's your chance to really make some progress as a climber. If you've climbed a little indoors or seen climbers from afar and admired their strength and confidence, this is your opportunity to join them.
Over four weeks you'll receive close instruction from our expert instructors, helping you develop from novice to confident, experienced practitioner. You'll feel the difference in your own mind as you develop your confidence and improve your judgement and you'll see the difference as you master the ropework skills, balance and movement techniques.
Climbing on all kinds of rock at many classic venues, you'll do more than your fair share of climbing too and, as you'll learn all about gear selection, route selection, guidebooks, access and many other surrounding issues you will leave the course confident enough to call yourself a 'climber.'
This month-long break is also ideal for anyone who is entering the sport 'with their teenage years long behind them' who'd like to make rapid progress and make up for some of that lost time. |
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No. Days |
Cost |
Dates |
26 |
£2225 (2010) |
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