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Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing courses in North Wales

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,

Review Quote
I decided to do this course as although I have been a keen walker for many years and have climbed a little on an indoor wall, I have never climbed outdoors, and  .........

Review Quote
 
Andrew Galloway - Discover Rock Climbing
 
Find out what others thought by clicking the review Climbing Course Reviews button below any course.


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Mountaineering Expedition Symposium

Mountaineering Expedition SymposiumIn November 2009 we are dedicating the entire centre to host our Expedition Symposium. This unique weekend offers the opportunity to find out how to organise independent expeditions to the seven continents of the world.
Whether you are inspired by major walks, distant summits or first ascents there will be first hand tales from around the globe.But this weekend is not about story telling its about sharing knowledge and experience. Through out the weekend running alongside these inspirational presentations will be a series of workshops and lectures covering essential topics to help you plan and run your own expedition or trip. The range of topics will be diverse including; expedition planning and logistics, remote first aid, dealing with altitude, communication in remote areas, world wide navigation (including GPS), customs, cultures and security, how to prepare for an 8000m peak (including dealing with fixed lines), women’s issues, expedition photography, fundraising and sponsorship. For climbers there will be the opportunity to learn hauling, aiding and living on a portaledge
A number of equipment suppliers will be on hand to advise you on the best gear for your adventure be it light weight trekking through Africa to base camp mountaineering in the Himalaya.This is a unique opportunity not only to be inspired but have the opportunity to question, learn and drink with some of Britain’s most experienced and accomplished mountaineers!
Previous Experience:  An interest in undertaking an expedition at any level, whether you’re planning your first trip to the Alps or you are a veteran of countless high altitude expeditions there will still be plenty to learn and lots to enjoy.
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£100
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Hitting the Wall

Hitting the WallA weekend designed to equip you with all the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to climb at your local climbing wall under your own steam. Using our two indoor walls, you'll cover everything including equipment choice, tying in, belaying, body movement and general safety principles, emerging an inspired and confident indoor climber. A fantastic winter starter for beginners, allowing you to get the basics right before you attend our 'moving out' course later in the year and a perfect opportunity for indoor climbing partners to learn the ropes together.
Previous Experience:  none required.
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£175
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Discover Rock Climbing

Discover Rock ClimbingThis 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!
Previous Experience:  none required.
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£255
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Introduction to Rock Climbing (Under Your own Steam)

Introduction to Rock Climbing (Under Your own Steam)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.
Previous Experience:  none required
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
5
£525
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Rock Climbing for Families (Under Your Own Steam)

Rock Climbing for Families (Under Your Own Steam)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.
Previous Experience:  none required
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
5
£525 (475 for each child with an adult)
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Moving Out

Moving OutIf 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.
Previous Experience:  Some indoor climbing.
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£210
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Touching Stone

Touching StoneDesigned 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.
Previous Experience:  some indoor climbing
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
5
£530
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Rock Improver

Rock ImproverSingle 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.
Previous Experience:   must be a proficient second and have an understanding of the principles of leading.
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
5
£530
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Rock Developer

Rock DeveloperIf 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.'
Previous Experience:   indoor wall experience or single pitch climbing experience.
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£280
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Introduction to Leading

Introduction to LeadingThis 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.
Previous Experience:  an understanding of basic rope work and belaying techniques.
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£280
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Scrambler to Climber

Scrambler to ClimberIf 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.
Previous Experience:   Experience of grade 2 scrambles
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
5
£525
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Troubleshooting Techniques (Advanced Ropework)

Troubleshooting Techniques (Advanced Ropework)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.
Previous Experience:  Some rock climbing outside
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£220
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Lead Climbing Coaching

Lead Climbing CoachingTwo 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.
Previous Experience:  some experience of leading ?trad? routes and have an understanding of the principles of leading.
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£285
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Big Wall Climbing

Big Wall ClimbingIf 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.
Previous Experience:  competent multi-pitch climber.
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£250
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Performance Climbing Clinic

Performance Climbing ClinicSimply 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.
Previous Experience:  Leading at VS or above
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
5
£599
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Crack Climbing Masterclass

Crack Climbing MasterclassDoes 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!
Previous Experience:  Climbing at VS or above
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£280
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Performance Climbing Workshop

Performance Climbing WorkshopA 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.
Previous Experience:  Comfortable climbing somewhere between Severe and HVS or 4 ? 6b indoors.
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
2
£299
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Rapid Development Clinic (Climbing)

Rapid Development Clinic (Climbing)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.
Previous Experience:  
No. Days
Cost 09
Dates 09
26
£2120
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