Snowdonia Scrambling Adventures

Scrambling in Snowdonia

Are you bored of trudging up the same old routes on the same old mountains? Do you lack the confidence to leave the well made paths? Do want more adventure and greater challenge? Scrambling in Snowdonia may be the answer to your mountain aspirations!

Gradient adventure offers scrambling courses in awe-inspiring Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. Our scrambling courses fall into three types –

• Introductory Scrambling course
• Advanced Scrambling or learning to lead scrambles
• Guided scrambling days.

What is Scrambling?

Scrambling is the link between hill walking and rock climbing. It allows a competent hill walker to venture onto steeper and potentially more interesting ground. Quite often this means leaving the crowds behind on the main paths. It also gives a greater sense of satisfaction once a summit is reached. Scrambling is usually given 3 grades of difficulty.

What are the scrambling grades?

Grade 1 : Scrambling at this grade is usually within the capability of most experienced hill walkers. Most people do not use rope protection. It would usually consist of short steeper sections of rock interspersed with easier angled rocky ground. Typical grade 1 terrain would be the spectacular North ridge of Tryfan; the amazing YGribin ridge in the Ogwen valley. There is also the Uber classic Crib Goch ridge on Snowdon.

Grade 2: The scrambling at this grade generally has longer steeper sections. They may include some difficult gullies and ridges. Rope protection may be required on the difficult sections. Typical Grade 2 scrambles include: Northwest face route near Idwal slabs and the exposed East Ridge of Y Garn.

Grade 3: This scrambling grade would normally contain short sections of terrain that require rock climbing rope protection techniques. In climbing terms you would pitch these sections with the leader placing protection and the second anchored to the mountain. We would teach these skills on our advanced scrambling course. Typical classic grade 3s include the sensational Cneiffion Arete, the classic Dolmen ridge and the unique Chasm face.

On all of our scrambling courses you will:-

• Learn the skills to keep you safe in the mountains
• Gain greater satisfaction from your hill days
• Push your limits in the hills
• Increase confidence to atempt more adventurous routes
• Tackle some of Snowdonia’s classic ridges and scrambles while learning new skills and techniques
• Have small group ratios allowing you to learn more and do more

Why choose Gradient Adventure for your Snowdonia scrambling course?

• We specialise in small group courses and strive to run these in a relaxed and stress-free way.
• All our courses are led by qualified, local and experienced Moutaineering Instructors (not the lesser mountain leader qualification)
• Courses are tailored around your needs
• We will provide pre and post course advice

Why choose snowdonia and north wales for your scrambling course?

The breathtaking mountains of Snowdonia are the perfect area to develop your scrambling aspirations. Northern Snowdonia is a relatively compact area and contains a high density of classic scrambling routes, The Ogwen valley is undoubtably one of the UK’s best area’s to learn and to perfect your scrambling craft. Some of these scrambles are almost roadside and most are within a 90 minute walk from the main road.

Who are our Snowdonia scrambling courses suitable for?

If you have a few mountain walks under your belt and would like to progress your skill levels our intro courses are for you.

If you have done a little scrambling and want to learn how to keep safe on more challenging routes our advanced courses are for you.

Where do we meet for our Snowdonia scrambling courses?

More often than not we will meet at Ogwen cottage in the Ogwen valley.

What to wear while scrambling?

We will provide all technical equipment

• Scrambling helmet
• Harness
• Scrambling rope
• Climbing hardware

You will need to provide

• Warm outdoor clothes
• Full set of waterproofs
• 30ltr rucksack
• Suitable footwear
• Food water etc