Scrambling Courses in Snowdonia: Beginner to Advanced Training
Find the Right Scrambling Course for You in Snowdonia (Eryri)
Gain skills and explore with our expertly guided scrambling courses, designed for all experience levels. Whether you’re new to scrambling or ready to tackle advanced roped routes, we offer progressive training in one of the UK’s most iconic mountain regions. Our intro courses cover routes like the North Ridge of Tryfan, Bristly Ridge and Crib Goch. Our advanced courses cover routes like the Cneifion Arete, Dolmen Ridge and the Clogwyn Y Person Arete.
Run by Rob Johnson & Huw Gilbert, both holders of the WMCI – the highest instructional qualification in the UK. We have been running scrambling courses in Snowdonia since 2004.
Beginner Scrambling Courses: Grade 1 Introduction & Guided Trips
Advanced Scrambling & Learn to Lead Courses: Tackling Grade 2 & 3
Guided Scrambling Trips
Long Scrambles & Easy Climbs (Snowdonia)
Enjoy a week of Grade 2–3 scrambles and easy multi-pitch climbs (Diff/V Diff). Prior roped experience required.
Ben Nevis & Glencoe Week
Scramble iconic Scottish ridges like Aonach Eagach and Tower Ridge. For graduates of our advanced course.
Cuillin ridge, Isle of Skye
Experience Alpine-style scrambling on the UK’s most dramatic ridge. A bucket-list adventure for seasoned scramblers.
Why Choose Expedition Guide for Your Snowdonia Scrambling Adventure?
We have been running scrambling courses in Snowdonia since 2004. We hold the highest instructional qualifications in the UK (WMCI) and Rob has spent 18 years on the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team – including being team chairman. We know the routes intimately and firmly believe in learning by doing – we will give you as much scrambling as possible with top tips, practical coaching and plenty of fun along the way. Our intro courses are run at a 1:4 ratio whilst our advanced courses are run with one instructor to two clients, providing industry leading safety standards.
What Is Scrambling?
Scrambling bridges the gap between hiking and climbing. You’ll leave the trail behind to ascend steep ridges and gullies, often with exposure and hands-on movement. Routes are graded from 1 (non-technical) to 3 (roped climbing required).
Choosing the Right Course
If you’ve tackled routes like Crib Goch or Tryfan’s North Ridge and want to go further, our progressive model helps you build the skills to lead your own adventures. Start with an intro or guided day, then move up to advanced and lead courses. All of our instructors hold the highest qualifications in the UK.
Advanced Scrambling Course Reviews:
Hi Rob, Thanks for another great couple of days on the Advanced Scrambling course. I still can’t believe we ticked off Dolmen Ridge on day 1 and Idwal Buttress/Staircase on day 2. They felt like big steps up from grade 1 scrambling but as ever, your patience and clear explanation allowed us as students time to work out a way to follow you up without pressure. I felt safe, thoroughly enjoyed both days and can’t wait to do more! Thanks again, Olivia By Olivia M on Aug 04, 2025
Another fantastic couple of days out with Rob in the mountains, joined also by Nick, on the advanced scrambling course. We touched base with some grade 2 scrambles to begin with, learning rope techniques, before moving onto new things at grade 3 +. Immersed in a beautiful landscape, great route choices on both days from Rob allowing for the weather conditions and our previous experience. Challenging and very rewarding, Looking forward to the next course in Scotland soon. By Stuart L on Jul 05, 2025
I can’t recommend this course highly enough: Rob and Huw were both helpful and really friendly whilst maintaining true professionalism. The course was well planned out and pitched at exactly the right level, giving the perfect mix of adrenaline and fun. It enabled me to push myself without feeling overwhelmed and Huw’s wealth of knowledge and experience was always reassuring – I always knew I was in very safe hands! I’ve learnt a lot, had a truly enjoyable few days and met some lovely people who I hope to stay in touch with; I can’t wait to come back and do more with these guys. Book some time away from your desk and go find yourself again in the mountains!By Alex V for Advanced Scrambling Course on Nov 03, 2024
Classic Scrambles Week Reviews:
The ‘Classic Scrambles’ in Snowdonia trip was first class on so many levels. Yes, we had great weather (always helps!), but everything about the trip was excellent. Rob experience as a top mountain guide shone through. From meeting him from the first time at Ogwen cafe, he consistently went out of his way to make sure we were happy with his daily plan, and led our little group through the week with a graduated, safe approach to scrambling, until we reached the heady hights of a Grade 3 on our last day. Our introduction to John, second guide on our penultimate day was also so well planned. John was competent, caring, safe, and really wanted us all to have a nice time! We cant recommend Rob, and this particular trip enough. If you are considering it, do it! You will not regret it, and have some wonderful memories for a very long time to come. Thank you, Sian and Rob W By Sian W on May 18, 2025
It was a brilliant trip, expertly planned and with a great sense of progession over the week. Rob was an excellent, friendly and professional guide who has a wealth of local knowledge. He was very calm and this was so reassuring when I was nervous about tackling some of the scrambling ground. I will definitely return for another course. By Claire J on Jul 20, 2025
I had a wonderful week in Eryri with Rob and Huw. The first day was really windy so Rob talked us through the weather forecast and what was an appropriate and safe route to take considering the conditions. It was a brilliant start to the week. The weather improved each day as did the difficulty of the scrambles. I was thrilled (and a little scared) to be doing Cneifion Arête by Thursday, by which time we were working in a 1:2 ratio. Huw put me at ease immediately with his enthusiasm and encouragement and made me feel safe on the steepest ground, so it wasn’t long before we topped out with huge smiles having completed our first grade 3. I’ll never forget it! Rob and Huw both obviously love being in the mountains and sharing their passion and experience with others. Their enthusiasm is infectious and I’ll definitely be back to do some more with them. By Ian M on Jul 14, 2025
FAQs
Do I need prior scrambling experience?
Not on our intro to scrambling course or our Classic Scrambles Week. We will take you out on scrambles that are suitable for a hillwalker with no previous scrambling experience. We will build on that experience through the week.
Is this suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely! Many participants join solo.
What if the weather is bad?
We adapt routes to suit conditions and ensure safety.
When is the best time of year to go scrambling in Snowdonia?
We run our courses from April to November. We are very lucky in Snowdonia that we have a wealth of routes to choose from that work well in most weather types. Our favourite time of year is spring and autumn when the mountains are generally quieter and the weather settled. In the summer it can be busy so we avoid weekends.
What is the difference between Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 scrambling?
Grade 1 scrambling is hillwalking but with sections that you could fall off. With good route finding and movement skills it is usual to enjoy gardening 1 without the protection of a rope. Grade 2 and 3 scrambles move more towards rock climbing and indeed many grade 3 scrambles are also shown as climbs in the climbing guidebooks. We use ropes, helmets and harnesses to look after you in this terrain.
Intro to Scrambling Course Reviews: