private guiding and instruction

A family adventure day out with the kids in Snowdonia, North Wales

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Learning to climb is such great fun

Learning to climb is such great fun

We had a great day out climbing in Snowdonia. One the first day we went rock climbing and the kids just loved it. It is so different to what they had been used to. What looked impossible when they started seems easy by the end. They improved so fast in the end they completed everything I gave them as a challenge, I couldn’t find a harder problem so they were winding me up! It was amazing! On the second day we went up the mountain Tryfan which is a real mountain where you have to scramble in places and they loved it! It has a real peak and excellent views from the top, assuming of course you get a clear day! It’s a real goal to summit and when you get here you feel like you have achieved something.
If you are looking for something different to do have a look at http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/ and contact me for a special personalised weekend. Personal guiding for the family is £300 for the weekend included all the technical equipment and, you will do so much!
Just so relaxed!

Just so relaxed!

Climbing outdoors for the first time -Single Pitch Climbing at Holyhead Mountain

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Hanging on in order to solve the crux move
Fancy learning to lead outdoors. Get your season off to a flying start with our Rock climbing courses. We got a great out at Holyhead Mountain. It was just warm enough to get some classic routes in. We started on Mrs Murdoch, New Boots and Panties, Laceration, Teaser, Cursing, and ended up on C’estla Vie as the day warmed up! Nice to get a good day in so early in the season. If you have been on the indoor wall and fancy transferring your skills to the outdoor have a look to see what we have to offer. http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/rock-climbing-courses-snowdonia/

Abseiling safely

Abseiling safely

Scrambling whilst practicing short roping techniques.

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The main Crib Goch ridge in the background

The main Crib Goch ridge in the background

Geraint and Rob wanted to develop their scrambling experience in the mountains and also learn the rope techniques required to develop their scrambling. So we spend the first day scrambling looking at safe and efficient roping techniques required in order to move fast across this type of ground in the mountains. They had the opportunity to put all these roping techniques in to use on the second day by leading a scramble themselves using direct and indirect belays they had learn on the previous day. I have never seen two people move so efficiently on their day out using short roping. It was good to see they had picked up and remembered everything from the first day! http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/rock-scrambling-courses/

Success! Finishing the Crib Goch Ridge

Success! Finishing the Crib Goch Ridge

Walking on The Northern Anglesey Coastal path between Traeth Dulas and Benllech

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A rugged coast line in places along the top coast but with good paths

A rugged coast line in places along the top coast but with good paths

We had a great out walking on the north coast of Anglesey between Traeth Dulas and Benllech with its stunning beaches and coves. There is always something new to see with the ever changing coastline from rugged cliffs to laid back quiet beaches. http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/anglesey-coastal-path/
Peaceful quite beaches on the top coast of Anglesey

Peaceful quite beaches on the top coast of Anglesey

Walking in Glen Nevis, Lochaber, West Highland, Scotland.

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Amazing water falls due to the snow melting

Amazing water falls due to the snow melting

With 50 to 60 mph winds forecasted, we had to choose a walk which offered some protection from these high winds. Walking up Coire Mhusgain and around the side of devils ridge in to Sgurr a’ Mhaim and return into the valley. This route offered a fair bit of protection from the wind coming in from the west. It also avoided the potential avalanche ground on the North faces which are getting worse due to the rise in temperatures recently. We could see the damage left by some of the previous avalanches. The size of the rocks coming down with the snow! You just would not want to be there at that time! The streams also were difficult to cross at times with some impressive water falls! A great day out! http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/walking/

Winter Navigation practice in the Cairngorm mountains.

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Taking a bearing is harder in winter with gloves!

Taking a bearing is harder in winter with gloves!

A day out practicing Navigation on the Cairngorm plateau. Which really has to be more of the most difficult places to navigate in bad weather.
http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/navigation-courses-snowdonia/

Winter Walking in the Cairngorm mountains.

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Walking up Coire na Ciste

Walking up Coire na Ciste

It was a lovely day really crisp with clear views across the cairngorm mountain range ! But the wind was about 30 mph but so cold, the wind chill factor must have made it -10 degrees but it was worth it! Walking on the Cairngorm plateau was just so beautiful when it is like this.

Winter walking climbing Snowdon, in Snowdonia national park

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The Snowdon horseshoe

The Snowdon horseshoe

We had beautiful winter conditions on Snowdon but the weather came in during the afternoon. Just shows you how it can all change. We Walked up the PYG track which is sheltered from the wind with some excellent views of the Snowdon horse shoe on the way. http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/

Patey’s Route IV, 5 Winter climbing at Sneachda in the Cairngorm.

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Patey's Route crux pitch

Patey’s Route crux pitch

The base of the route was banked out with snow but the first ice bulge was good but thin with the snow was powdery so pulling over did not feel so secure. The crux pitch was also thin on ice but made for some good climbing. An great route.

The Prodigal Principal V,5, winter climbing at Sneachda in the Cairngorm

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The Prodigal Principal V,5

The Prodigal Principal V,5

The route was well banked out with snow at the bottom, but the two pitches were excellent particularly the top pitch which is an ice up gully with some hard moves to enter it. A good day!