The cloud can suddenly come in. 5 mins ago it was clear

The cloud can suddenly come in. 5 mins ago it was clear

This course is all about getting into the mountains up high. We spent 2 days and one evening where we talk about walking in the mountains safely. Topics discussed included planning your route, route finding, clothing systems, mountain weather, emergency situations and of course navigation particularly in bad visibility . You will get technical help in the future to keep developing those mountain skills.

This is an ideal way to become comfortable in the mountains and to have the confidence whatever you want, like Crib Goch, Tryfan, to mention a few.
http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/walking/mountain-skills-course/

Wild camping enables you to adventure further

Wild camping enables you to adventure further

Getting into a comfortable position is place gear is important

Getting into a comfortable position is place gear is important

A full day out Multi pitch climbing in Llanberis Pass this week. We just had the perfect weather. WE started on Phantom Rib (VS), an exposed rib which is always interesting on Clogwyn Y Grochan, then First Pitch which is another VS that has a committing crux and finally finished on Skylon (HS going on VS for the crux moves) on Carreg Wastad. All good multi pitch Rock climbing routes. a good way of getting your climbing off to a swing start this summer. http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/rock-climbing-courses-snowdonia/

Just below the crux

Just below the crux

Wear can eventually lead to sharp edges

Wear can eventually lead to sharp edges

The latest news on perma-draws is just a reminder the risks we take when we assume sport routes are safe as houses. These bits of kit can see a lot of traffic and the wear can leave sharp edges on the rope karabiner leading to rope failure or even failure themselves, with obversely devastating consequences if you should fall on it. The recent BMC Technical Committee report hi-lights what can go wrong when climbers don’t check this kit before using it, and knowing of course when to back off can save your life! This follows a recent incident where a climber in Switzerland suffered a fatal ground fall when his rope was cut, and there has been other incidents where climbers have had their ropes severed but escaped with non fatal injuries. In these cases their ropes were cut by sharp edges cut into permanent quick draws by general wear. Take care!

Tufted saxifrage nestled in the rock, the only example left in Snowdonia

tufted saxifrage nestled in the rock, the only example left in Snowdonia

We walked around Cwm Idwal and Tryfan on a valley walk identifying various plants on the way ..a great relaxing day out, even saw some goats! http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/walking/

Welsh 3000s (14 peaks): Greg confident on the Crib Goch ridgeWelsh 3000s (14 peaks) Challenge this weekend.
Really good weather for the Welsh 3000s at the moment with a distance of 30 odd miles and 14 of Snowdonia’s highest peaks ..what a fantastic walk!

The beautiful sunrise across Snowdonia

The beautiful sunrise across Snowdonia


Have a look at the pictures there are some excellent views across Snowdonia first thing in the morning! Whether you want to attempt this in 24 hours or a more relaxing 2 days staying in mountain accommodation have a look at http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/mountain-challenges/ and call for a chat
The Glyders in the background

The Glyders in the background

Good stance organisation is essential for multi pitch climbing

Good stance organisation is essential for multi pitch climbing

A day out learning and practicing rope techniques for climbing in the mountains. We spend the day setting up belays and safe ways to Abseil off a route if the weather comes in. We covered so much including leading with appropriate rope systems for on multi pitch routes, stance organisation, Location of you on a stance, rope preparation, Belay systems, and abseiling.
We discussed a lot of climbing issues such as double vs Single vs twin ropes for routes, Safety of climbers on stance. Efficient changeover at belays, stance can accommodate everybody/organised such that the leader can move off with the minimum of fuss and disruption, leader and second stacked in climbing order (e.g. leader at top/outside; second at bottom/inside), leader on stance at side they will move off from for next pitch. Leader/second clipped in without crossing ropes Sort ropes out so leaders rope on top of stack (back coiled). Tying into anchors (single and multiple): linking anchors with sling Vs tying into anchors, clipping ropes and extending runners. Belay direct and in direct. Abseiling from rock anchors, backing up anchor for first person down. Cows tail on harness for clipping into belay, the use of friction devices and the use of the French Prussic.

What a day!

In reach and out of reach anchors

In reach and out of reach anchors

The sharp ridge of Grib Goch which is the most technical part of the walk

The sharp ridge of Grib Goch which is the most technical part of the walk

Welsh 3000s Challenge . We are close to the longest days in the year and it’s time its an excellent time do it!
This is the ultimate Snowdonia walking adventure. Traversing the three main Snowdonia Massifs, Snowdon, Glyderau and the Carneddau. Summit all the Snowdonia’s peaks over 3000ft, from Snowdon to Foel Fras. You can plan to do it in 24 hours or over 2 days staying in fully equipped mountains huts.
http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/mountain-challenges/ for more information!
Coming down off of Elidir Fawr at the start of the Glyders range

Coming down off of Elidir Fawr at the start of the Glyders range

Climbing on the original route VS on Dinas Mot

Climbing on the original route VS on Dinas Mot

Climbing multi pitch routes in the Pass. This day allowed Jim and Simon to practice their stance manage and multi pitch rope in truly exposed situations. A great day out and it all came together for them. If you want to extend your climbing to multi pitch situation but just to check out efficient systems to use let me know. Have a look at http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/rock-climbing-courses-snowdonia/

Never a more important time to keep your ropes organised

Never a more important time to keep your ropes organised

Stunning views from Llanddwyn Island

Stunning views from Llanddwyn Island

We walked from Llyn Rhos ddu down to the beach, along Llanddwyn bay to Llanddwyn Island and back through Newborough forest along Malltraeth sands. The damage caused by the recent storms on the beach was clearly visible. The weather was excellent ! http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/anglesey-coastal-path/
The walk way will be extended again next year

The walk way will be extended again next year

The Glyders Ridge with Atlantic Slabs in the centre

The Glyders Ridge with Atlantic Slabs in the centre

Walking on the Carneddau in beautiful weather. Such a great day out with excellent views across Snowdonia! Click here for more information on great days out with Mountaineering Joe
Making out way down  towards Bethesda from the Carneddau

Making out way down towards Bethesda from the Carneddau