Classic Rock Week

Overview

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Introduction

Snowdonia is arguably the best place to go rock climbing in the UK. Steeped in the history of the early pioneers, it is home to a diverse range of rock types and cliffs, from mountain crags with long, multi-pitch routes, to sea cliffs and low-level crags. Within a relatively small area you can climb on as many as six or seven different rock types.

The Classic Rock Week aims to climb some of the finest quality routes in the country from grades V Diff to VS. You may start the week on V Diffs, but who knows what you’ll be climbing by the end of the week! You’ll also have the opportunity to lead if that is something you would like to do.

The course is instructed at a 1:2 ratio, meaning you spend maximum time on the rock and can be paired with a climber of a similar standard.

We also offer a Classic Rock Weekend course.

Who is it for?

Classic Rock is suitable for those with previous rock climbing experience, who are comfortable tying on, belaying, removing protection and abseiling.

Typical routes climbed

Described below is a selection of the very best routes in North Wales, many of which are included in the Classic Rock book.

Grooved Arête (VD), Tryfan East Face
"As good as anything of the kind in Wales", at 560 feet, Grooved Arête is for many people, their first long mountain route. It takes an open line up ribs and grooves on the North Buttress of Tryfan.

Lot's Groove (VS), Glyder Fawr
A North facing cliff but with clean, rough rock providing good friction and large holds, 'Lot's Groove' is a superb pitch on Glyder Fach which is characterised by jamming and bridging.

Hope, Lazarus, The Arête, Grey Slab
Four possible Classic Rock 'ticks' in a day. These routes combine to make up one of Snowdonia's classic mountaineering outings, taking you to the summit of Glyder Fawr. Starting with the slabs of Hope (V Diff), Lazarus is a step up in difficulty with an exposed section on small 'pockets' at Hard Severe. The Arête is straightforward (V Diff) in an excellent position. Then it's a walk to the base of the immaculate Grey Slab (VS). Three pitches on superb rough rock, high up and with stunning views. A 15-minute walk and you're on the top of Glyder Fawr. Classic Rock indeed!

Nea (VS), Clogwyn y Grochan
The Grochan is a popular crag just above the road in the Llanberis Pass. Nea weaves its way up the left hand buttress and is an interesting climb requiring a variety of climbing techniques.

Brant (VS), Clogwyn y Grochan
"A Welsh Classic", the traversing lines of 'Brant' weaves its way through steeper terrain, before picking a line through the myriad corners and ledges which make up the upper half of the Grochan.

Crackstone Rib and Wrinkle (S and VD), Careg Wasted
Two classic open routes on mostly excellent rock characterised by positive small edges and hand holds. The crag is a popular venue in the Llanberis Pass, with a variety of routes in the low to medium grades.

Flying Buttress (HD), Dinas Cromlech
A superby positioned line up the right side of Dinas Cromlech that feels almost Alpine in character. The crux involves steep moves to access the final chimney crack.

Spiral Stairs (HD), Dinas Cromlech
This climb defines the word 'exposure'. You rarely get into positions like this at such an amiable grade. Although it can feel intimidating to traverse out around the arête on the first pitch, the holds are huge and secure, despite the polished rock. A very memorable outing.

The Cracks (HS), Dinas Mot
Catching the morning sunshine, Dinas Mot is a superb place to climb, The Cracks is the classic of the crag. Pitch 1 follows a sparsely protected slab, pitch 2 is an intricate traverse under an overhang, pitch 3 climbs perfect cracks and the final pitch, which is the crux, involves the famous "boulder problem above a sheer 250ft drop"!

Main Wall (HS), Cyrn Las
A long route with a real mountaineering feel, situated high above the Llanberis Pass on the Imposing Cyrn Las. The route follows an intricate line on superb rock up the left hand side of the cliff and is sustained, although nowhere too difficult.

Creag Duh Wall (HS), Tremadog
Tremadog is well known for being in the rain shadow of Snowdonia and is an excellent choice if it's wet in the mountains. The red rock is unique; forming angular corners, cracks and overlaps. Creagh Dhu Wall takes a prominent pillar on Craig Y Castell, one of the crags which make up the Tremadog cliffs. It weaves an intricate line in a superb and airy setting.

Mur y Niwl (VS), Craig Yr Ysfa
Although this route doesn't feature in Classic Rock or Hard Rock, it is one of the very best climbs at the grade in the area, being steep, exposed and continually difficult!

Pinnacle Wall (HS), Craig Yr Ysfa
A popular continuation climb to Mur Y Niwl, the climb wanders about, finding the easiest line and is exposed.

Additional Information

Information about the Course venue and accommodation, Course Director and instructional ratios, Equipment, Insurance and Inclusions and Exclusions... read more

Recommended reading

Classic Rock, Ken Wilson (Diadem)
North Wales Rock (Ground Up)
Llanberis Pass (Climbers' Club)
Ogwyn and Carneddau (Climbers' Club)

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the course or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

What the price includes

• 5 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation in Betws-y-Coed, on a single room basis.
• 5 days' guiding at a 1:2 ratio maximum.
• Road transport to fulfil the course programme.
• All group climbing equipment, such as ropes and other technical equipment.

What the price does not include

• Transport to the course base (Betws-y-Coed).
• Lunch and evening meals.
• Personal climbing equipment, clothing, rucksack.
• Mountaineering and travel Insurance

Photos & Videos

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Reports & Reviews

Have you been on this trip? If you'd like to contribute a trip report then we'll post it up on the site.

Team Member Reviews

• ‘

  To move up a few grades in a week was made possible by Andy /Sam giving the climbing experience a tailored structure.

  ’ RT, Classic Rock Week, 2017
• ‘Sam's enthusiasm knows no bounds. It would be hard to imagine anyone not being happy on a course run by her.’ RM, Classic Rock Week - July '16
• ‘Sam was just perfect. Good company, highly professional. Kept me relaxed and pushed me on gently. She's a diamond!’ JL, Classic Rock Week - June '15