FAQ's

What are the Highlights?

• Amazing quality, world-class Traditional rock climbing, Scrambling. 

• Heaps of climbing at amenable grades.

• Beautiful Location.

• Delicious local food, curious local legends.

• Super experienced, friendly, qualified Instructors. 

• Excellent Value.

• Low teaching ratio's.

 

Where are you based?

Our regular base is North wales. However we offer Hot Rock climbing courses abroud and around the UK. North Wales is a mecca for British Rock Climbing. The Snowdonia national park offers a huge array of Rock climbing venues. There are 5 different major rock types, offering a variety of styles. With everything from long mountainous multi-pitches, Sea cliffs, Limestone sport climbing, roadside trad climbing, child-friendly single pitch, Scenic outdoor bouldering. With such an array of options, its often still possible to find dry rock, even with a poor forecast! This is why we will often decide upon the venue once we have met and discussed aims.

 

 

Where will we meet?

Joining instructions will be emailed to you upon booking. We normally meet at 9.15 am in Caban Cafe in Brynrefail, (but it's your course so we're flexible, let us know should you wish to change the meeting time/location). We'll start the day with some brief introductions, over an (optional) brew, and clarify your previous experience, course aims and come up with a plan for the day (factoring in the weather!). If this meeting location doesn't suit you, let us know, we are flexible!

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Is transport provided?

We are pleased to accommodate complimentary transport with the majority of small groups, to help reduce our carbon footprint and save you the hassle of driving to and from the crag (*limited number of Spaces may mean you are still needed to drive).

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Can I bring my Under 18?

​Yes! Climbing is a great sport for kids and young people. A parent or guardian will need to be present. 

 

Do we have to walk far?
Approach walks to climbing venues can be between 1 minute to 1 hour depending on the venue.

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Can I watch / walk whilst my wife/husband/friend climbs?
No problem! If you want to come along to watch / take pictures we can accommodate this. 

 

Can we do a multi-pitch?

Yes! As we only do private guiding, we will tailor the venues and route choices to you & your group. This might mean Single or Multi-pitch, guiding or teaching. Perhaps you want to learn to lead? No problem. Perhaps you would like to have a big adventure. Maybe you want a fun introduction or advanced rescue skills, anything is possible. Snowdonia has great Sea Cliffs, Mountain Crags, Roadside venues, long ridges, easy scrambles and everything in-between! Please discuss your learning objectives with your instructor, and agree upon realistic goals and learning outcomes.

Let us know your aims, aspirations, and objectives! (on the participation form but also with your instructor). Get ready for some learning and adventure!

 

What time do we finish?

We'll normally aim to be finished around 4.30 pm before dark so that you have time to enjoy a relaxed evening and sample a lovely Welsh pub, restaurant or similar. 

 

Is there anything I need to do before i arrive?

Each group member should fill out our participation form.

 Pay any outstanding balance for your course. 

 Let us know the name and address of where you intend to stay (We may be able to adjust the course meeting place to suit!)

What equipment should I bring?

Check out our handy kit list!

Is accommodation provided?
No! Don't forget to book some accommodation (see our recommendations below).

There's a wide range of available places to stay. The course cost does not include accommodation. We recommend you to find accommodation to suit your own tastes, as there are many affordable options. You'll find a wide range of options online (Air B&B, Booking.com are good places to start). The Rocks (B &B) & Ben's bunkhouse, Royal Victoria Hotel & Beech Bank hotel are recommended. There are plenty of close by campsites in Llanberis and Nant Peris and Nant Gwynant. 

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How do i pay?

Once we have agreed upon dates, then you can simply pay the full amount or 50% deposit via the Website here.
If you prefer to pay via Bank Transfer or other methods then let us know!

 

What is Included?

• Guiding, Coaching, and Instruction

• A British Qualified mountaineering and Climbing instructor

• High definition photographs, and video

• All Technical climbing equipment, including shoes, helmet, harness, ropes, etc.

• Complimentary transport from the agreed meeting location to/from the climbing area for small groups.

 

What dates do you have available?

We have availability all year, please get in touch to arrange dates, we normally run bespoke courses, so we will tailor a course to suit your preferred dates. We will do our best to accommodate a change of course dates when possible. 

Can I bring a friend?
Yes. If you have a private booking then you can book as many people as you like. Please see our pricing page for costs. Everyone should fill out the participant form before joining.

 

Who will run my course?

Gibbon Adventures is a small company, dedicated to inspiring adventures & quality educational climbing courses and adventures, run by James Monypenny. Normally I (James) will be on hand to run your course, however, if I'm not available, I am happy to organise one of our experienced, qualified instructors to run your course. 

  

 

Is it possible by public transport?

There are train stations in Bangor and Betws-y-Coed.   

It is possible to get to Llanberis (and the mountains by bus) but please contact us and we may be able to accommodate a meeting location that is more convenient for you! 

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How much previous experience should I have?

A: It doesn't really matter! Because we only accept private bookings, we'll tailor each course, climb and route to you / your group. You'll be fully guided by an experienced instructor who will teach you relevant skills and techniques, and coach you throughout. 

 

What if the weather is bad?

The weather isn't always sunny in North Wales, but it is often sunny somewhere in North Wales! And if it's possible we'll always do our best to find the driest spot. Sadly it isn't always possible to completely avoid wet weather. If the day is looking like a wash-out then we could head to the indoor climbing center to learn some skills there. If you're still keen on an Outdoor Adventure then it may be possible to go Gorge Scrambling or Coasteering, or a Wet yet easy outdoor climb. Just communicate with us your thoughts and let's come up with a suitable plan together! Occasionally we might have availability to switch dates to a drier day.

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what are your terms and conditions? 

Please find our full terms and conditions here

 

can you help me buy the correct climbing gear?

Yes, we are happy to help. We are pleased to offer our clients a 15% discount, through the AMI partnership scheme, at V12 and Joe Browns Outdoor Shops in Llanberis. Please find your discount voucher attached.  

 

Do I need insurance?

Whilst we have our own professional indemnity insurance, we would always recommend you have your own personal accident cover. The BMC and Snowcard are recommended. If joining us abroad on a hot rock holiday then please ensure that your insurance is appropriate for overseas adventures (i.e. includes technical rescue, medical and repatriation). 

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Can I use my own climbing equipment?

Yes! (If it's safe- we will inspect it, and may ask questions.)

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What qualifications does my instructor hold? 

Gibbon Adventures instructors hold the Mountaineering and Rock Climbing award, as well as current Liability insurance and a Valid First Aid certificate. You can view James' Mountain training profile here, and his Certificates here. 

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