Big Wall Skills
  • Plas y Brenin
  • 2 Days
  • 4 People to 1 instructor

Big Wall Skills

  • Climb
  • Advanced
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Overview

If you're a competent rock climber and are planning a big walling trip for the first time, or want to hone skills you've already learned, this weekend course is for you.

You'll get practical instruction and advice on aid climbing techniques, hanging stances, hauling and sleeping on the wall; delivered by our experts who are highly qualified climbing instructors experienced in big wall climbing. They will share their in-depth knowledge of big walling with you in the controlled environment of the climbing wall. You'll then progress to local crags where you'll put what you've learned into practice, ready to get the most from your trip. As they're so passionate about what they do, they'll add that personal touch too by helping you plan your trip using their first-hand experience, so you can get the most out of it.

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The Objectives

- We’ll cover all of the technical aspects of big wall climbing, from equipment to managing long traverses and crossing roofs.
- You’ll get a chance to pick the brains of a Plas y Brenin instructor about your big wall trip and have a chance to discuss your plans with an expert.
- You’ll have two days of practical learning both in the Plas y Brenin climbing wall and on any number of the great crags for which the area is famous.

Itinerary

* Please note: Itinerary is subject to weather and availability.

What to Expect

We'll begin in the controlled environment of the climbing wall, and progress to local crags once the basics have been mastered. We intend to cover the following areas

:Basic aid climbing techniques

Stance management, and fixing ropes

Jumaring - a variety of systems

Hauling systems

Pendulums and tension traverses

Pegging and de-pegging

Marginal gear - mashies, rurps, sky hooks, beaks

Bivouacking skills with and without portaledges

A review of Big Wall areas

Our staff will help you plan your trip, with first hand experience and advice. All our staff are dedicated climbers and have a great depth of knowledge of Big Walling. They're qualified and experienced in teaching climbing at all levels, and will be keen to pass on their knowledge to you.

Experience Required

You should be an experienced climber capable of leading VS or above. As the ropework is often complex, you should have a good understanding of basic ropework.

We want to help you to achieve your goals so comfortable accommodation (with WIFI included) and home-cooked food are part of the deal if you've booked accommodation with us. Support is on hand from our friendly, and exceptionally well qualified, staff to help develop your understanding and personal skills. What’s more, we have a wide range of specialist equipment that’s available for you to borrow if you don’t have your own.

What do I need to bring?
Equipment List
How should I prepare?
Preparation guide
What do I need to bring?
Rock Shoes Crag approach shoesBase layerClimbing trousers, FleeceHard shell waterproofsWarm hat Leather gloves (fingerless)Rucksack 40-50 litresPersonal First aid kitSpare clothing – e.g. extra fleece, belay jacket, spare gloves, spare hatSun glassesWater bottle and/or flaskHarnessHelmetBelay Device, your rack and any big wall gear you have such as etriers etc. We have an extensive range of specialist equipment you can borrow if you don't have your own.
How should I prepare?
Ensure you're climbing regualary at VS before the course, to make sure you're moving confidently in that kind of terrain, so as to enable your learning.

Available Course Dates

Start the booking process by selecting a course date, then adjust your details to suit your requirements.

Course Start Date
Duration
Cost*
Course Start Date
26th April, 2025
Duration
2 Days
Cost*
Non-Residential:
£354.00
Residential:
£494.00
Course Start Date
6th September, 2025
Duration
2 Days
Cost*
Non-Residential:
£354.00
Residential:
£494.00
Course Start Date
4th October, 2025
Duration
2 Days
Cost*
Non-Residential:
£354.00
Residential:
£494.00

*If your course is based at Plas Y Brenin, Capel Curig, residential prices include catering from the morning of your course start date and cover the duration of your course, accommodation starts on the night before your course commences to the morning of the last day of your booking.

Your Booking

Course Start Date
Duration
Cost
You have reached the maximum number of places for this course. To book further places, please call +44 (0) 1690 720 214
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