best of snowdonia
...it is not down on any map; true places never are...
Here you will find some of the most challenging experiences to be had in Snowdonia; For experienced walkers, scramblers and climbers, these journeys are unforgettable, physically-demanding, and not to be underestimated. Situated across Snowdonia's three major mountain ranges, the Carneddau, Glyderau and Snowdon Group, these are 'The Best of Snowdonia'.
This is not an exhaustive list however, and there are many more, audacious ideas, from link-ups on Tryfan's East and/or West Face, to Snowdon's Triple Crown: Cyrn Las, Clogwyn Y Ddysgl and Clogwyn D'ur Arddu. What can be achieved is limited only to your imagination (and stamina!).
All of the following activities are based out of Llanberis, in Snowdonia National Park. Prices are per person. Recommendations and advice for accommodation can be found at the bottom of this page. Meeting places and timings will be confirmed at the time of booking. Typically the ratio of instructors to participants is 1:6 or less. If you have something else in mind, and wish for some expert help, then please Get In Contact to discuss your aspirations.
This is not an exhaustive list however, and there are many more, audacious ideas, from link-ups on Tryfan's East and/or West Face, to Snowdon's Triple Crown: Cyrn Las, Clogwyn Y Ddysgl and Clogwyn D'ur Arddu. What can be achieved is limited only to your imagination (and stamina!).
All of the following activities are based out of Llanberis, in Snowdonia National Park. Prices are per person. Recommendations and advice for accommodation can be found at the bottom of this page. Meeting places and timings will be confirmed at the time of booking. Typically the ratio of instructors to participants is 1:6 or less. If you have something else in mind, and wish for some expert help, then please Get In Contact to discuss your aspirations.
snowdon horseshoe
Be guided along one of the most infamous journeys within the Snowdonia National Park. Beginning at the Pen-Y-Pass car park, this single-day journey takes you over each of Snowdon's main ridges and summits - Lliwedd, Crib Y Ddysgl and Crib Goch. Learn the history of the mountain, it's ridges and surrounding areas, whilst negiotiating this unforgettable, classic route.
MOUNTAIN WALKING EXPERIENCE RECOMMENDED Lliwedd Ridge // Snowdon South or East Ridge // Crib Y Ddysgl // Crib Goch Main Ridge // Crib Goch East Ridge or Crib Goch North Ridge and Fox's Path |
Title:
Snowdon Horseshoe 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
6 1 6 |
Price:
£75 £250 £65 |
Ratio:
1:6 1:1 1:6 |
Ultimate snowdon horseshoe
A demanding extension to the already-infamous Snowdon Horsehoe, this route includes a further three major obstacles. A demanding scramble and climb on the north faces of Lliwedd and Crib Goch respectively and a final negotiation of the picturesque and underrated 'horns' of Snowdon. To complete this in a single push would rival some of the most revered routes in the Alps.
SCRAMBLING AND CLIMBING EXPERIENCE RECOMMENDED Bilberry Terrace // Lliwedd Ridge // Snowdon South or East Ridge // Crib Y Ddysgl // Reade's Route // Crib Goch Main Ridge // Crib Goch East Ridge or Crib Goch North Ridge and Fox's Path // The Horns |
Title:
Ultimate Snowdon Horseshoe 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 1 2 |
Price:
£175 £325p/d £165p/d |
Ratio:
1:2 1:1 1:2 |
Ultimate Oggie
Be guided along the Ultimate Oggie; an unforgettable journey, combining walking, scrambling and climbing in the Ogwen valley; Requiring efficiency from all party members, it is best attempted during the summer, with daylight on your side. Fancy trying it in a single day? Why not enjoy the route over 2 leisurely days? Whichever you choose, expect an early start and a late finish.
SCRAMBLING AND CLIMBING EXPERIENCE RECOMMENDED North West Face Route or Idwal Staircase and Continuation // Cneifion Arete // False Y Gribin // Dolmen Ridge or Shark Buttress // Bristly Ridge // Pinnacle Rib Variant // North Ridge of Tryfan |
Title:
Ultimate Oggie Ultimate Oggie 2-day 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 2 1 2 |
Price:
£175 £315 £325p/d £165p/d |
Ratio:
1:2 1:2 1:1 1:2 |
Tryfan Triple
Tryfan is one of the most iconic mountains in Snowdonia, and home to some of the longest and most historical routes in North Wales. Three 'Classic Rock' climbs are situated on its East Face, rising majestically up from the Heather Terrace. Completing all three climbs in a single day, along with navigating some of the best scrambling terrain to be found on the mountain, would be a huge effort and a significant achievement.
SCRAMBLING AND CLIMBING EXPERIENCE RECOMMENDED Grooved Arete // Little & North Gully (descent) // First Pinnacle Rib // South Ridge (descent) // Gashed Crag // North Ridge & North Tower (descent) |
Title:
Tryfan Triple 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 1 2 |
Price:
£175 £325p/d £165p/d |
Ratio:
1:2 1:1 1:2 |
circuit of kings
Circuit of Kings is the longest of these 5 journeys, encompassing three giants of the Carneddau: Pen Yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd & Carnedd Llewelyn. Carneddau, or 'the Cairns', symbolises the many neolithic and ancient monuments found on the range. Often referred to as the 'King' mountains, after the late ruler of Wales, 'Llywelyn the Great', and his grandson Dafydd.
SCRAMBLING AND CLIMBING EXPERIENCE RECOMMENDED Braich Ty Du or Craig Lloer Spur // Crib Lem // Ysgolion Duon (Black Ladders) Ridge // Cwm Eigiau Spur // Craig Yr Ysfa Great Gully or Amphitheatre Buttress // Eryl Farchog (Flying Eagles) Ridge |
Title:
Circuit of Kings 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 1 2 |
Price:
£175 £325/d £165p/d |
Ratio:
1:2 1:1 1:2 |
Spears and slabs
Soldiers, in service to Welsh Princes, inhabited the Nant Ffrancon valley in the 9th century. They bared sharp, unforgiving spears, known as 'franca'. The name given to the Nant Ffrancon valley derived from the word describing these spears. Alongside the famous Atlantic Slabs are some of Snowdonia's most difficult ridges - the spears of the Nant Ffrancon valley. Combine the best of these spears and slabs, and negotiate their underrated difficulties.
SCRAMBLING AND CLIMBING EXPERIENCE RECOMMENDED Needle's Eye Arete // South Arete // Tower Ridge or Great Ridge // Atlantic Ridge // Left Edge // Central Route |
Title:
Spears and Slabs 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 1 2 |
Price:
£175 £300p/d £165p/d |
Ratio:
1:2 1:1 1:2 |
snakes and ladders
Snakes and Ladders is the ultimate way to explore one of Snowdonia's most stunning landscapes and historic landmarks. Negotiate chains, ladders, tunnels and chasms, as you weave your way through the various areas and levels of the dramatic Dinorwic slate quarry. Enjoy a real-life board game-adventure, before harnessing some of the best climbing the Llanberis quarries have to offer. Price includes hire of a helmet and harness.
MOUNTAIN WALKING EXPERIENCE RECOMMENDED Snakes and Ladders // Dali's Hole // California // Australia // The Lost World // Mordor // Never Never Land // Rainbow Slab or Vivian Quarry |
Title:
Snakes and Ladders 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
4 1 4 |
Price:
£115 £300 £100 |
Ratio:
1:4 1:1 1:4 |
- What is included in the price?
Instruction at the above ratios, all non-personal specialist equipment such as ropes and climbing hardware, all emergency first aid equipment. - What is not included in the price?
Accommodation, food and drink for the day, personal insurance and personal equipment (unless stated otherwise). - What is the minimum number of participants required to ensure my activity runs?
2 for all of the above activities at a 1:2 ratio. 3 for all of the above activities at a 1:6 ratio. And, with fear of being obvious, 1 for 1:1 private bookings! - Who will staff my activity?
Your activity will be staffed by me or another fully qualified mountaineering and climbing instructor (MCI), or a British mountain guide (BMG). - Can I hire walking boots and/or climbing shoes from you?
No, sorry. Because of vastly different shoe sizes from person to person, I do not stock a large range. However, there are numerous shops and hire services available in the local area to your activity or course, or you can Get In Contact if you need any more help acquiring a pair. - Can I hire a rucksack from you?
Yes, please arrange this at the time of booking. Rucksacks cost £20 per person, per day. A deposit of £75 to cover any damage or soiling of the materials is required. - Can I bring along my own helmet, harness, ropes and climbing hardware to use or ask questions about?
Yes of course, however this equipment will be thoroughly checked by me or another member of staff before it is deemed suitable for use. - Where can I stay?
There are a variety of options in Snowdonia, to suit everybody's tastes and budgets. There are many more options than the ones suggested below, and of the options suggested below, all operate independently from me:
Hostels - Plas Curig; YHA Pen-Y-Pass; Snowdonia Mountain Hostel.
Campsites - Bryn Llys; Gwynant campsite; Llanberis campsite; Gwern Gof Isaf; Gwern Gof Uchaf.
B&Bs - Glyn Peris; Snowdon View; The Ferns Guesthouse; 'Air BnB' options are also available. - What kit do I need to bring?
For all of the above activities you may be out in the mountains all day, and therefore will require the following:
1. Warm clothing, including suitable hats, gloves and sunglasses where appropriate
2. Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
3. Walking boots, or suitable trainers or 'approach shoes'
4. Food, drink and personal medication
5. Small personal first aid kit, if required (to include things like blister plasters, suncream)
6. Mobile phone and whistle
7. Personal walking poles
8. Personal climbing shoes and any climbing hardware you own, such as a belay plate or karabiners (not required for 'Snowdon Horseshoe')
9. Personal helmet and harness (unless stated otherwise) (not required for 'Snowdon Horseshoe')
10. Head torch and spare batteries
11. Rucksack (30L minimum recommended) and waterproof liner
"I had an absolute blast with Alex, on the Tryfan-classic 'Grooved Arete'. Alex kept me safe, taught me loads, and we shared plenty of banter along the way!"
J. Nicholl (Guided Multi-pitch Rock Climbing)
J. Nicholl (Guided Multi-pitch Rock Climbing)
+44 (0) 7 7 0 2 0 4 1 9 9 0
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