Learn how to Scramble

 

What to Expect

 

Expect to come away with a wealth of new knowledge and experience in scrambling and mountaineering. We should have time to complete several scrambles over the course and build your confidence in leading grade 2 and 3 scrambles. 

 

Syllabus

 

• Anchors: Building, Placement, removal, Selection, Attachment, Equalization.

• Equipment use: Harness, ropes, helmet, protection, extending runners.

• Technical Skills: Knots, Belaying leader & second, lowering

• Using the guidebook: Crag & Scramble selection, Grades

• Route Selection, and route finding

• Confidence Building, and movement skills

• Personal Abseiling (rappeling), use of the prusik knot & Lowering

• Theories into practice

• Basic problem solving

• Principals of Leading and simulated Lead scrambling

• Actual scramble leading

• Unplanned use of the rope, improvised harnesses. 

• Short roping

• Taking chest coils

•  Body belays, direct vs in-direct belays

• Moving together 

 

The plan 

Meet: Normally we meet at 8:15 or 9 am in a cafe, either Pete's eats in Llanberis, Moel Siabod in Capel Curig, or Eric Jones at Tremadog, or South stack Cafe depending on what is most convenient for you and our plan for the day. - Joining instructions will be sent out upon booking. 

 

Drive: A short drive, then a short walk to our chosen scramble.

 

Activities: As a general ethos we aim to teach as we scramble. We won't spend very long standing around, expect to learn hands-on by actually going scrambling and look at each skill, technique and learning point as its appropriate. 

 

Finish: Around 4:30-5pm

 

What to bring

Warm ‘outdoor’ clothing (including full waterproofs), packed lunch, water, sun cream, mosquito spray, walking boots (with a stiff sole), Rucksack. Any climbing Equipment you own. Click here for a full kit list. 

 

 

What is included

• Guiding & Instruction from a Qualified instructor

• Any Equipment you require

• Photos

• Tea and Snacks

• We may be able to provide free transport to/from the climbing area

 

Where

Our Climbing courses are mostly in Snowdonia National Park. We'll usually meet in a cafe and have a quick introduction over a cuppa, and decide on where to go. We'll pick the most suitable location based on you, the objectives and the weather. If the weather is good it's nice to head to a crag in the mountains, if the forecast is looking bad then we'll often seek dry rock at Tremadog, the Molwyns or Holyhead.