Classic Scrambles Week – Snowdonia
Five Days of Guided Scrambling from Grade 1 to Grade 3
Join our Classic Scrambles Week in Snowdonia for a five-day adventure that takes you from beginner-friendly grade 1 scrambles to more technical grade 2 and 3 routes. This course is perfect for hillwalkers looking to build confidence, learn ropework, and explore some of the UK’s most iconic scrambling terrain.
📍 Location: Snowdonia (Eryri), North Wales
💷 Price: £600 per person
👥 Ratio: 1:4 for the first 3 days, 1:2 for the final 2 days
🕒 Duration: 5 days
👥 Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
Summer hillwalkers ready to explore steeper terrain
Beginners with no prior scrambling experience
Those looking to progress to roped grade 2 and 3 scrambles
Anyone preparing for trips to Skye, the Alps, or other mountaineering destinations
You’ll start with grade 1 scrambles and gradually build the skills and confidence to tackle more exposed and technical routes by the end of the week.
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the week, you’ll gain hands-on experience and instruction in:
Movement skills on steep and rocky terrain
Route selection and risk assessment
Reading and interpreting scrambling guidebooks
Ropework for protecting scrambles and nervous partners
Basic climbing techniques for grade 3 terrain
How to progress your skills independently after the course
Featured Scrambles
Grade 1 Routes:
Tryfan’s North Ridge
Bristly Ridge
Crib Goch
Seniors Ridge (Glyder Fawr)
The Gribin Ridge (Glyder Fawr & Snowdon)
West Ridge of Moel Siabod
Grade 2 & 3 Routes:
Cneifion Arete – A knife-edge ridge with pitches of Difficult-grade climbing
Dolmen Ridge (Glyder Fach) – A three-star grade 3 scramble near the summit
Clogwyn y Person Arete – Alpine-style scrambling with rock climbing and descent via Crib Goch
Routes are selected based on weather, group ability, and aspirations to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.
Course Structure
Days 1–3: Focus on grade 1 scrambles with a 1:4 instructor ratio
Days 4–5: Progress to grade 2 and 3 scrambles with rope protection (1:2 ratio)
This structure ensures personalized instruction and maximum safety as you move onto more technical terrain.
Previous Experience & Fitness
You don’t need prior scrambling experience, but you should be:
A reasonably fit hillwalker
Comfortable tackling steeper ground
Prepared for full days in mountainous terrain
What’s Included
Five days of expert instruction and guiding
Use of specialist equipment: ropes, harnesses, helmets, climbing rack
Detailed kit list provided upon booking
If you have your own gear, you’re welcome to bring it.
Accommodation & Transport
Accommodation is not included, allowing you to choose lodging that suits your budget. Snowdonia offers a wide range of options from campsites to boutique hotels.
Meeting Point & Times
After booking, you’ll receive:
A confirmation email
Comprehensive course notes
Detailed kit list
Meeting instructions
Courses begin at 9:00 AM in the Ogwen Valley and finish around 4:00 PM daily.
Got Questions?
If you have any questions not answered on the website, feel free to — we’re happy to help.
Course Dates & Booking
2027
12th -16th April: 3 spaces
7-11 June: 4 spaces
12th – 16th July: 2 spaces
FAQs
Do I need prior scrambling experience?
No. 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.
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
Hi Rob, Many thanks for the Classic Scrambles Course last week! David was a superb guide, thoroughly professional and offering the perfect balance of challenge and encouragement. He explained things with great clarity and patience allowing swift learning. He also organised the week to build on skill development in a structured way with a steady progression. On top of that – great company for the week! Overall a fantastic week during which I feel I have gained a bit more confidence and learned and consolidated a few skills! Cheers, Mark. By Mark S for Classic Scrambles Week on Jul 08, 2024
Other Reviews
I attended the Classic Scrambles with John as our instructor. We climbed Y Gribin and Crib Goch on the first two days, then East Ridge of Y Garn, Nor Nor Buttress variant, The Notch and finished on the last afternoon with Cneifion Arete! John was excellent throughout. He explained clearly the different anchors and use of protection as well as going over basic ropework and climbing equipment. I always felt safe even on the more challenging exposed sections and his knowledge of the area meant routes were planned that linked well and made the most of our time. I highly recommend this course to progress in a well-structured and fun way from grade 1 scrambles to roped grade 2 and 3 scrambles. Thanks to John and to Rob for another great week.
By Olivia M Classic Scrambles Week Review on Sep 29, 2025
This is the 2nd trip I’ve done with Rob and his company Expedition Guide. What can I say other than a well organised, structured and efficient course. We had Dave as our guide, and even through inconsistent weather we had a logical and pragmatic approach to the days scrambling. This wasnt just guided days but a learning and coaching course, from the pre-brief, climbing and post debrief with cake and tea the course and guide added in relvant considerations and tips. We got to tackle easy through to challenging terrain, including the use of rope and equipment. A great course and foundation in Scrambling. By Nigel K for Classic Scrambles Week on Jul 18, 2024