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This introduction to mountaineering course in Snowdonia is designed to introduce you to roped scrambling up to Grade 3 and give you the skills to climb short climbing pitches up to Diff on mountaineering routes. You will learn the skills to safely move in boots on mountaineering and easy climbing terrain, learn rope techniques and build confidence on more complex terrain.

By the end of this course, you will have the skills to undertake harder scrambles (grade 2 and 3), be prepared for a trip to the Cuillin on Skye, or the Alps, and be able to safeguard yourself and your climbing partner when approaching and descending off mountain crags.

Instructor Tip:

"Got an old climbing rope? Turn it into abseil tat by cutting it down into 3-4m sections. Take a section or two with you in your rucksack, along with a rated maillon or screwgate carabiner you don't mind leaving behind, to replace any suspect abseil tat, or to use to bail off a route. Use a correctly tied and pulled tight double fisherman's knot to tie the two ends together (leave at least 10cm of tail) if using a boulder, thread or spike as an anchor.

 

Bonus tip: Inspect EVERY INCH of abseil tat before using it! Move it around, check the bits that are behind the block. Are there signs of abrasion or cuts? Does it look like it's been there a while? Check the knot is tied correctly. Check the anchor, is it solid? "

£280pp*

2 DAYS

1:2

* Price indicated is for public course dates. For private/bespoke/1:1 bookings, prices are: 1:1 = £250 per day | 1:2 = £280 per day (£140pp per day)

Get in touch to enquire or click the BESPOKE BOOKING button above.

COURSE OVERVIEW:
This course is for experienced scramblers who want to progress to roped scrambling on Grade 2 and 3 terrain. You'll gain the skills and experience to independently scramble classic mountaineering routes in the UK, such as the Cuillin Ridge on Skye or Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis, or prepare you for a trip to the Alps.

This is a 2 day course. They will be big days in the mountains, looking at the skills below. If you would prefer a 1 day course, please feel free to get in touch!

WHO'S IT FOR?

  • You want to step up from scrambling on Grade 1 terrain

  • Mountaineers looking for guided experience on harder scrambles

  • Individuals who want to learn how to use a rope to tackle harder, more serious scrambles

  • Mountaineers preparing for a trip to the Alps or The Cuillin Ridge on Skye!

  • Mountain walkers who have experience scrambling at grade 1 in the mountains with basic navigation skills and good fitness.

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DIFFICULTY:

(7/10) CHALLENGING - HARD

Full mountain days learning core ropework and movement skills.

Similar difficulty to: Guided Multipitch Climbing

Easier Than: Advanced Mountaineering

Harder Than: Intro to Scrambling

Not sure what this means? See our Difficulty GuideHERE

Compare other Scrambling & Mountaineering Courses


COURSE CONTENT:
Advanced scrambling course covers the following skills:

  • Kit and equipment for mountaineering

  • Scrambling rack

  • Fitting harness and helmet

  • Tying into the rope

  • Belaying techniques - using a belay device, direct belays and body belays

  • Belaying a leader and a second

  • How to choose a scramble

  • Route finding

  • Decision making

  • Using climbing gear and building belays

  • Attaching to anchors

  • Approach and descent techniques

  • Rope skills to safeguard yourself and your partner - Short roping, short pitching and pitched climbing

  • Movement over rock

  • Abseiling and retreat off scrambles


WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • A full day in the mountains on a Grade 2 and 3 scrambles

  • Moving as a roped team on steep and exposed terrain

  • Placing and removing climbing gear

  • Progressive learning in scrambling techniques

  • A focus managing exposure and moving efficiently and safely over exposed, complex terrain

  • Safe, friendly atmosphere with others passionate in the outdoors

  • A focus on your safety

  • Opportunities to build confidence on steep, rock terrain under the watchful eye of an experienced Mountaineering Instructor

  • Low ratio group numbers to focus on your personalised instruction

  • Intro to Mountaineering Course
    Intro to Mountaineering Course
    £280
    Mon 18 May
    18 May 2026, 09:00 – 19 May 2026, 16:00
    Ogwen Valley, Bethesda, Bangor LL57 3LZ, UK
    By the end of this course, you will have the skills to undertake harder scrambles (grade 2 and 3), be prepared for a trip to the Cuillin on Skye, or the Alps, and be able to safeguard yourself and your climbing partner when approaching and descending off mountain crags.
  • Intro to Mountaineering Course
    Intro to Mountaineering Course
    £280
    Wed 10 Jun
    10 Jun 2026, 09:00 – 11 Jun 2026, 16:00
    Ogwen Valley, Bethesda, Bangor LL57 3LZ, UK
    By the end of this course, you will have the skills to undertake harder scrambles (grade 2 and 3), be prepared for a trip to the Cuillin on Skye, or the Alps, and be able to safeguard yourself and your climbing partner when approaching and descending off mountain crags.
  • Intro to Mountaineering Course
    Intro to Mountaineering Course
    £280
    Sat 18 Jul
    18 Jul 2026, 09:00 – 19 Jul 2026, 16:00
    Ogwen Valley, Bethesda, Bangor LL57 3LZ, UK
    By the end of this course, you will have the skills to undertake harder scrambles (grade 2 and 3), be prepared for a trip to the Cuillin on Skye, or the Alps, and be able to safeguard yourself and your climbing partner when approaching and descending off mountain crags.
  • Intro to Mountaineering Course
    Intro to Mountaineering Course
    £280
    Wed 09 Sept
    09 Sept 2026, 09:00 – 10 Sept 2026, 16:00
    Ogwen Valley, Bethesda, Bangor LL57 3LZ, UK
    By the end of this course, you will have the skills to undertake harder scrambles (grade 2 and 3), be prepared for a trip to the Cuillin on Skye, or the Alps, and be able to safeguard yourself and your climbing partner when approaching and descending off mountain crags.
Course Dates

Intro to Mountaineering Course Dates

scrambling on Idwal slabs in snowdonia

WHAT'S NEXT?

DEVELOP:

PROGRESS:

Please refer to my FAQ page for more general information and visit my DOWNLOADS page for kit lists and booking forms.

Scrambling in Snowdonia as a 3

Not sure this course is right for you?

Try my COURSE SELECTOR QUIZ and let me help you find your perfect course!

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Susie - beginner navigator

"I booked  an intro to navigation course on Dartmoor with very little navigation experience and by the end of the day everything finally made sense. Chris explains things clearly and gives plenty of time to practice. I feel much more confident heading into the hills now."

My courses are designed to be safe, fun, flexible and inspiring, providing you with professional instruction from highly experienced and passionate instructors who take pride in what they deliver. My aim is to INSPIRE you, DEVELOP your skills and PROGRESS your climbing and mountaineering.

All my instructors, including myself, are Mountain Training Qualified; Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors (MCI), Mountain Leaders (ML) and Rock Climbing Instructors (RCI), who are members of The Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI), The Mountain Training Association (MTA) and the British Mountaineering Council (BMC)

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PRIVATE BOOKING

Book a private course for a tailormade and bespoke experience. 

A course personalised to your aims and objectives and on a date that suits you.

1:1 instruction or a bespoke course for you and your group.

1:1 £250

1:2 £140pp

COST PER DAY

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