Our Rock scrambling courses offers an opportunity for the experienced hill walker with a head for heights, to ascend and scramble along rocky summits, ridges and gullies. The Snowdonia National Park in North Wales provides scrambling that varies in difficulty from technical walks with some short sections of difficulty, to routes that require basic rock climbing skills and rope protection. 

Developing your rock scrambling and rope work skills allows you to move more efficiently over steep ground, and confidently gain access to those more exciting and adventurous walks.

Location: Snowdonia, North Wales

Some of the routes we have selected as being particularly enjoyable, are described below:

GRADE 1: Scrambles of this grade are within the capability of most experienced hill walkers and are unlikely to require rope protection. Typical terrain covered in a Grade 1 scramble include: the classic ridge traverse of the Snowdon Horseshoe; the magnificent knife-edged traverse of Crib Goch; and the excellent North Ridge on Tryfan.

GRADE 2: At this grade, the scrambling may include some difficult gullies and ridges. Rope protection may be required on difficult sections. Grade 2 scrambles include: the slabs and buttresses of Idwal Staircase and Continuation, Glyder Fawr; and the exposed East Ridge, Y Garn.

GRADE 3: On routes with this grade, you can expect to encounter sections that require basic rock climbing skills and rope protection (using rope work techniques). NOTE: We provide instruction on basic rope techniques to prepare clients before they attempt the difficult sections. We expect our clients to have Grade 1 scrambling or some climbing experience for these scrambles. Grade 3 scrambling routes include: the  exciting Tryfan Bach Approach to Tryfan’s East Face; the bold, Wrinkled Tower on the West Face of Tryfan; or exposed scrambling on Cneifion Arête, Glyder Fawr.

Approach to Skills Development

Our patient and friendly approach will enable you to develop your skills and competence, and gain confidence in your new found abilities.

We believe that a small group size is important and will provide the best learning experience. Our maximum group size is 4 clients to one qualified instructor for the ‘Introduction to Scrambling’ course and 2 clients to one instructor for our ‘Advanced Scrambling and Classic Scrambles’ courses.

Course Content

All courses cover safety, access, conservation, environmental and impact issues where relevant. Each course has a differnt focus to develop your skills progressively. For further information please see the course outline provided for each course. We will make the most of the prevailing weather conditions (knowing that the British weather can be unpredictable).

What experience do I need?

• Intro to Scrambling: Summer hill walking experience is essential and a head for heights.
• Advanced Scrambling: Summer hill walking experience, scrambling at grade 1 and a head for heights.
• Classic Snowdon Scrambles:Summer hill walking experience is essential. If you choose a Grade 3 Scramble then Grade 1 and/or 2 scrambling experience is required. A head for heights is necessary.

What equipment do I need?

Mountaineering Joe provides all technical equipment: helmet, harness and belay device (where required) unless stated on the individual course information. We use our own ropes. You must wear boots and clothing, appropriate for mountain walking and for the time of year. Your instructor will check that your equipment is appropriate for the activity. A kit list is provided for each course. Get out and do bigger stuff with Mountaineering Joe’s Rock scrambling courses.

All courses are on an ‘instruction’ basis only. NOTE: We are able to advise on local facilities.