Route finding

Instruction in Trad climbing – Leading To lead in Snowdonia, North Wales

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Placing gear whilst leading

Placing gear whilst leading

When learning to lead on trad climbs, there is a lot to think about above actually climbing. Route finding, placing gear at the right time, getting into balance to place gear, keeping your ropes tidy, protecting your second, setting up belays and the rest. Then you have to climb the route! Learning to do this correctly first time and in a safe environment. Here is Jim successfully leading his first route leading entirely on his own in 2 days of teaching showing a lot of confidence. Have a look at http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/rock-climbing-courses-snowdonia/ and get it right first time!

Looking at the east side of Senior's Ridge

Grade 2/3 scrambling, Ogwen Valley, in Snowdonia on Direct Approach to Senior’s Ridge and Cneifion Arête

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The top of the chimney on Cneifion Arête

The top of the chimney on Cneifion Arête

We were Scrambling in the Ogwen Valley in excellent weather this week . Paul wanted to do Cneifion Arête an incredible grade 3 scramble but It starts a long way up in the hidden valley, Cwm Cneifion so we added in Direct Approach to Senior’s Ridge a grade 2 scramble to get to it, which really made a good mountaineering day out! If you are interested in extending your walking adventures, trying more ambitious walks then try our introduction to scrambling days, which is scrambling for walkers and make your walks more adventurous!

The southern Snowdon horse shoe

Team ‘RASEY’ from Mercedes-Benz in the Netherlands summit Snowdon.

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The joy of making it to the summit of Snowdon.

The joy of making it to the summit of Snowdon.

The Dutch Party – ‘Team RASEY’ (Rap, Anouk, Si, Eric and Yvette) from the Netherlands came to Snowdonia, North Wales, to complete a challenge and a team building weekend.

Arriving on Saturday afternoon they went straight out to have a go at climbing having never tried it before. After 4 routes on Tryfan Bach (Little Tryfan) they abseiled down the rock face a few times.

On the Sunday having never been on a mountain before, they summited Snowdon via the Rhyd Ddu path, returning down the Snowdon Ranger path. This is one of the more difficult routes up and down Snowdon.

On the ascent looking back towards Rhyd Ddu they had wonderful views of the valley and Llyn y Gadair and Llyn Cwellyn, with Dyffryn Nantlle through the pass between the two lakes. On the horizon are the summits (left to right) of Moel Hebog, Moel yr Ogof, Moel Lefn, Mynydd Drws y Coed and Y Garn, with Mynydd Mawr behind Llyn Cwellyn.

At Llechog ridge around Cwm Clogwyn, they all dug in as they saw the steep ascent ahead, zigzagging their way up towards Bwlch Main. At the top of the zigzag section the path is very narrow. This is the rocky ridge of Bwlch Main (Narrow Pass) with steep drops either side.

It was a weekend buzzing with ambition, determination, motivation and excitement! It was a pleasure to be out in the mountains with Team RACEY.

We are happy to arrange corporate, private guiding or instruction to suit requirements. Contact us to make a booking enquiry.

Carnedau in full sunshine

A fine walk across the Carneddau

Walking towards Carnedd Llewelyn

Walking towards Carnedd Llewelyn

A beautiful walk across the Carneddau, in perfect sunny weather. Rodney, Keith and San having a great day out. We started out by an accent of the ridge Pen Yr Helgi walking the ridge with great views across to the Glyders. Around to to Carnedd Llewelyn, and then walked down to Carnedd Gwenllian following the ridge out pass Drosgl and down to Bethesda.
Have a look at our midweek and weekend guided walking here

Spectacular views from the Rhyd Ddu route - Snowdon

Walking on Snowdon – Snow, Ice and Sunshine

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Today we enjoyed a glorious mountain day walking on Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). Two classic routes, an ascent of 895m (2,936ft) via the Rhyd Ddu path and descent via the Snowdon Ranger path, completing our walk back to the Rhyd Ddu car park by taking the footpath across marshes, fields and the remains of the old slate quarry.

Initially the ascent is gradual (to get you warmed up!). It gets steeper and rockier and this is sustained. Today in the winter sunshine we had a spectacular view of Llyn y Gadair, Llyn Cwellyn and Dyffryn Nantlle through the pass between the two lakes.

From the exposed Llechog ridge we had fabulous views of Cwm Clogwyn and its three small lakes of: Llyn Glas; Llyn Coch; and Llyn Nadroedd.

After the zig-zags, we reached Bwlch Main. This is a narrow and rocky ridge with steep slopes either side. It was covered in snow and some ice but not enough to require crampons. However, when we reached the point above, where the Watkin Path joins the Rhyd Ddu path, crampons made progress to the summit easier, as there are sections of thick ice on this final rocky section.

Descending from the summit care was taken on icy sections of the path at Clogwyn Du’r Arddu and Bwlch Cwm Brwynog. Again crampons make progress much safer and easier. A leisurely descent and sunshine ensured we enjoyed the views all the way back to the car park at Rhyd Ddu.

See our walking pages for more details. We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements.

To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.

Joe and Kyle on the rocks at Penrhyn - Anglesey

Family Walks in the Winter Sunshine in North Wales

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Half term and four days of warm Winter sunshine walking in Snowdonia and along the Anglesey coastal path with the Hanlon family.

The grandparents and their grandchildren enjoyed four days of walking at a relaxing pace, enjoying a variety of walking routes.

“Thanks Joe for allowing us to amble along at our own pace and enjoy the stunning scenery. We had a great time and the weather being good was a bonus as well. Thanks for taking the time to plan a walk with us each day so that there was plenty of interest for the grandchildren. Kyle loved the lifeboat at Moelfre and walking along the beaches. Isaac enjoyed the walks along the cliff tops. We all learnt a few new things as well about slate mining in Snowdonia at the Penrhyn quarry, copper mining at Amlwch and about the building of the Britannia and Menai bridges.”

Phyllis, Eric and grandchildren, Staffordshire. 18th-21st February 2013
Here is what the family did:

  • Monday: A relaxing valley walk in Snowdonia, starting in the Ogwen Valley with spectacular clear views of the Carneddau and Glyderau towering above us, along the Nant Ffrancon Valley, bathed in sunshine, to Bethesda.
  • Tuesday: A walk along the Anglesey Coastal Path was today’s family request. Sunshine all the way from Moelfre to Red Wharf Bay. They really enjoyed the variety of this walk, the visit to the RNLI station and centre at Moelfre and the beautiful coastal views along the walk.
  • Wednesday: Colder in the mountains, so we headed off along the Anglesey Coastal Path, following the sunshine of course. Moel-y-Don to Menai Bridge – getting up close and personal to the statue of Nelson out in the Menai Strait, the Britania Bridge (with its famous lions, which you see from the walk) and the Menai Bridge. A lovely walk onto Church Island and along the Belgian Promenade into Menai.
  • Thursday: The sun is still out, but there is a chill in the wind. The family opted for a short walk from Llaneilian to Amlwch. We all enjoyed a cuppa and a few hot chocolates at The Quay Cafe in Porth Amlwch (Amlwch Port). Very family friendly, with cheerful and helpful staff, so we thought they were worth a mention.

See our walking pages for more details. We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements.

To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.

Anglesey - the stepping stones over the Afon Braint

Walking in North Wales

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25th to 28th February 2013 – Daily Guided walks in the spectacular mountains of Snowdonia or along the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, Coastal Path.

Activity: Walking
Duration: 1 day – guide basis only
Cost: £40 per person
Location: Snowdonia, North Wales or the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.
Group size: Up to 6 clients with 1 guide.

For ridge walking see guided classic and epic ridge walks that offer steep and exposed terrains and opportunities for technical scrambling.

If you want to learn Winter Skills or improve your existing skills, see the Winter Skills and Walking pages.

We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements.

To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.

Llanberis Pass Snowdonia

Walking in Snowdonia, North Wales

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18th to 21st February 2013 – Daily Guided walks in the spectacular mountains of Snowdonia.

For ridge walking see guided classic and epic ridge walks that offer steep and exposed terrains and opportunities for technical scrambling.

If you want to learn Winter Skills or improve your existing skills, see the Winter Skills and Walking pages.

We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements.

To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.

Malltraeth Cob Anglesey

Walking the Anglesey Coastal Path

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Winter sun, a fresh breeze. wild birds and beautiful views across Malltraeth Bay from the cob (sea wall).

Malltrath estuary is a haven for wild fowl on their long migratory flights.

During February and March 2013, Join us on our daily guided walks along the stunning Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path (Llwybr Arfordirol Ynys Môn). We arrange transport to return you to your starting point, which is included in the price.

Activity: Walking
Duration: 1 day – guide basis only
Cost: £40 per person. Please enquire for our group rate.
Location: Isle of Anglesey.
Group size: Up to 6 clients with 1 guide.

For examples of ridge walking in Snowdonia see guided classic and epic ridge walks that offer steep and exposed terrains and opportunities for technical scrambling.

If you want to learn Winter Skills or improve your existing skills, see the Winter Skills and Walking pages.

We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements.

To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.

Marram Grass Sculptures, Llyn Rhos Ddu, Anglesey

Anglesey Coastal Path Sculptures

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These amazing Marram Grass sculptures are sited in the car park at Llyn Rhos-ddu.

If you continue out of the car park, an easy walk will take you along the edge of Newborough forest to the beautiful beaches at Newborough. Follow the bay around to Llanddwyn Island (ynys Llanddwyn). There are tidal restrictions here. If the tide is out take a walk along the island, and enjoy the beautiful views over to the Snowdonia mountains.

This is a section of the coastal path walk from Llyn Rhos-ddu to Aberffraw.

During February and March join us on one of our Daily Guided Walks along the beautiful Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path. We arrange transport to return you to your starting point, which is included in the price.

Activity: Walking
Duration: 1 day – guide basis only
Cost: £40 per person. Please enquire for our group rate.
Location: Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.
Group size: Up to 6 clients with 1 guide.

For ridge walking in Snowdonia see guided classic and epic ridge walks that offer steep and exposed terrains and opportunities for technical scrambling.

If you want to learn Winter Skills or improve your existing skills, see the Winter Skills and Walking pages.

We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements.

To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.