How To Start Rock Climbing
Think climbing is only for a certain "type" of person? Think again.
Over on OS Maps, our very own Rosie James shared her incredible journey of starting her climbing journey in her 30s—and how it completely transformed her life.
"My biggest fear when I first walked in through the doors was that I'd be confronted by an atmosphere of gym-bro gatekeeping... In reality, I received a warm greeting, a 'Ladies' Night' invitation, a hot drink, and a piece of cake. Sold."
Six years later, Rosie is living in the heart of Eryri and working as a Rock Climbing Instructor right here at Plas y Brenin! 🏔️
If you’ve been wanting to take your first steps onto the wall or rock but don't know where to start, Rosie has compiled the ultimate beginner's blueprint for women looking to get into the sport:
💡 Rosie’s Top Tips for Beginners:
- Look for Adult Socials: Check your local climbing wall for dedicated adult social sessions. They are the best, lowest-pressure way to meet a brand-new community of partners.
- Learn on Autobelays & Bouldering: You don’t need a partner to start! Bouldering and autobelays let you show up solo, practice your movement, and build endurance at your own pace.
- Learn from a Pro: Invest in an introductory or 'learn to belay' course. It's much safer (and easier) to build solid habits from a qualified instructor than trying to copy random methods at the wall.
- Ditch the Grade Pressure: Make your priorities safety, fun, and learning (in that order). Your journey is entirely your own—don't waste energy comparing your progress to anyone else’s.
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
This summer, Rosie will be part of the instructional team at SheClimbs 2026 —our massive weekend festival dedicated to women and non-binary climbers. Whether you are a total novice or transitioning from indoors to real rock, we have a workshop with your name on it.
Read Rosie's full, inspiring feature on OS Maps:👉How to Start Rock Climbing: A Guide for Women 🔗
Lunch Break in the new Mountain Equipment Stonewear
At Plas y Brenin, we're all about gear that works as hard as we do. Our partnership with Mountain Equipment ensures that our team are equipped for whatever the day throws at them—in the office, on a session, or in this case bunking out to make the most of the weather. Mountaineer turned marketer, Emma, has literally lived in the new Stonewear gear since it arrived, and is showing no signs of that changing anytime soon. Tough enough to handle a session at the crag, and not look out of place in the office, it's fair to say the new range has become a firm favourite.
Peak PS Demo PFDs are now available in stores
Getting the right fit in a PFD isn’t just about comfort; it’s about how it performs when you’re actually moving. For women, the traditional "unisex" foam blocks have often been a compromise—either sitting too high, feeling restrictive across the chest, or shifting around the moment you start paddling dynamically.
We’re big believers that your kit should feel like it’s part of you, allowing you to focus entirely on your skills and the environment. That’s why we’ve just added two new sets of women’s specific PFDs from PeakPS to our stores at Plas y Brenin.
We now have the Wrapid Vest and the Wraptor Zip available as demo stock for use on our courses.
What makes these different is the "Wrap" foam system. Instead of flat panels, the foam is shaped to contour around the body. The women’s versions feature a unique chest section designed specifically to fit comfortably and securely without the "crushing" feeling of standard buoyancy aids.
- The Wrapid Vest: This is an over-the-head entry PFD. It’s low-profile, sleek, and stays exactly where you put it. It’s a great choice if you want something that feels minimal but offers plenty of movement for freestyle or technical river running.
https://peakuk.com/pfd/wrapidvest
- The Wraptor Zip: If you prefer a front-entry jacket, the Wraptor uses a clever side-entry zip system that still maintains that "wrap-around" foam feel. It’s incredibly easy to get on and off over layers without sacrificing that snug, integrated fit.
https://peakuk.com/pfd/wraptorzip
Both models are part of Peak’s Eco range, using Gaia non-PVC foam and recycled polyester shells, which aligns nicely with our commitment to looking after the places we play.
If you're joining us on a course soon, and are keen to try Peak’s latest PFD development, ask your instructor or the stores team to try one of the Wrapids or Wraptors for the day. The best way to know if kit works for you is to actually use it in the environment it was built for. They’re hanging in the stores and ready to go.
Diary of a CA - Niamh
My first week! (19th to 26th April, 2026)
Why I came here:
Juggling a full-time job while living at least an hour from the mountains, lakes, or even decent woodland makes fitting in QMDs, and actual enjoyment of the outdoors, difficult. I came to Plas y Brenin for the opportunities the Centre Assistant scheme could offer: qualifications, experience, and development. More importantly, though, I came to spend as much time in the mountains as possible, and surround myself with like-minded people.
On the ferry over, all I could think was: why did I leave a job I loved to move somewhere I knew no one?
First impressions:
Despite arriving a week later than most of the other CAs, both the people and the environment welcomed me with open arms. I arrived during the sunniest week of the year so far, to a million introductions to the most interesting and accomplished adventurers.
The people here are incredibly welcoming and supportive. The knowledge base among the staff is unreal. From day one, we were invited to join the morning instructor meeting (every morning meeting feels like a masterclass from massively experienced instructors and contractors). With the Duty Instructor’s door always open, and Mountain Training not 30 seconds from our accommodation, any question, query or concern is answered. There is a bottomless well of learning and knowledge at our fingertips.
Week 1:
Since arriving, I’ve driven a grand total of 30 minutes. Everything is right on the doorstep: hills, trails, lakes, climbing, and training opportunities. In just 7 days, and alongside my first week of work, some days have genuinely become 3 activity days! Here's what I got up to in just the first seven days
- Hiking(4): As I’m currently working towards my Mountain Leader assessment, hiking has been my main focus so far. That is hardly a difficult objective when every window seems to frame a new mountain view. This week I completed 3 separate Quality Mountain Days, covering a total of 47.2km and 3509m of elevation gain, alongside an evening navigation session on the hill with a fellow CA.
- Climbing (3): I managed two post-work trad climbing sessions with other CAs, as well as borrowing climbing pads from stores for a morning bouldering session before work.
- Paddling (2): Introductory paddling masterclass from Sid, covering everything from strokes and basic rescues to the even more challenging task of paddling in a straight line in my tiny borrowed kayak. With the fantastic access to stores, borrowing kit and knowledge, we headed out later in the week for another paddling adventure to practise what we’d learned and explore further ourselves.
- Mountain Biking (1): Hosted by a fellow CA and supported by Alex, we had an introduction to mountain biking using the Centre bikes, pump track, and skills track - a completely new experience for me.
What I’ve gained so far:
In just one week, I’ve gained confidence, learned new skills, and thrown myself into new challenges. The environment here encourages curiosity, adventure, and development in every form.
As I continue through the scheme, my aim is to say yes to every opportunity, ask questions, get involved, and make the most of the incredible surroundings during every morning, evening, day off, or spare hour.
A New Chapter for Plas y Brenin
It’s with real pleasure that we share the news that Sport England has confirmed a five-year commitment for us to continue running Plas y Brenin as the National Outdoor Centre on behalf of the outdoor sector.
This is a big moment for us — not just in securing the future of the centre, but in reinforcing the role we play in helping more people access and progress in the outdoors.
Just as importantly, Sport England has supported this with an investment programme into our facilities, activities and environment. As a centre based within a listed building, that support really matters. It means we can keep improving what we offer while looking after a place that’s unique and steeped in history, and ensuring it remains fit for the future.
Together, this commitment and investment give us a strong platform for what comes next.
We care deeply about the role Plas y Brenin plays in the outdoor community. Our focus is simple: delivering high-quality experiences for everyone — whether it’s someone taking their first steps outside or coming back to build on years of experience.
To help drive this forward, we’re delighted to welcome Sam Mason as our new CEO. Sam joins us full-time and locally based, bringing a people-first leadership style and a strong track record of building sustainable services and high-performing teams. His connection to the outdoors runs deep — he’s been walking, climbing, skiing and biking since childhood, and still spends most of his free time in the mountains of North Wales and the Lake District.
His career brings together outdoor culture, heritage venues, visitor experience and partnerships. From leading Kendal Mountain Festival to his work at Brockhole on Windermere, Sam’s focused on creating accessible, meaningful outdoor experiences. He also brings valuable experience in fundraising and partnerships, working with organisations like Wanderlust Women, The Great North Swim and Wheels for All.
Alongside Sam, we’re also really pleased to welcome Paul Warnock as our new Director of Outdoor Training & Education. Paul is a British Mountain Guide and brings over 15 years’ experience across instruction, leadership and programme development. A former Senior Instructor here at Plas y Brenin, he’s worked at Course Director level on the MCI programme and contributed to the development of British Cycling’s mountain bike leadership pathway.
In addition to his technical expertise, Paul is also an MSc-qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, using the outdoors to support resilience, reflection and wellbeing. This combination will play an important role as we continue to grow both our training offer and our work in outdoor health and wellbeing.
With this renewed commitment and investment, we’re excited for what comes next.
What we're in this summer
As the team at Plas y Brenin gears up for spring and summer in the mountains of Eryri, we are excited to get the latest drop from our long-term partners, Mountain Equipment.
Year in, year out, we rely on Mountain Equipment gear to keep us warm, dry, and ultimately safe in the ever-changeable conditions Eryri throws at us.
Base Layers & Technical Tops
- Burren T-Shirt: Part of the new "Stonewear" collection, this tee is built for both performance and sustainability. It features an OCS Blend of 85% certified organically grown cotton and 15% hemp, making it a durable choice for long days on the rock.
- Glace Hooded Top: A versatile, highly wicking layer designed for sun-baked approaches and south-facing granite walls. It uses a really lightweight fabric and HeiQ Fresh odour-neutralising technology to keep the team comfortable and fresh throughout multi-day missions. The hood is a massive bonus for keeping the sun off (when it is out!)
- The Switch Gilet is a must-have for team members engaged in fast-moving mountain sports where temperature regulation is key. This hybrid vest is specifically designed for high-output activities.
Legwear for Every Objective
- Flowstone Pants: These are the new standard for crag life. Constructed from 254g m-2 100% certified organic cotton canvas, they offer the rugged durability needed for climbing and mountain life.
- Ibex Alpine Pants: The ultimate all-rounder for the alpinist. These pants utilize two grades of EXOLITE stretch double-weave soft shell fabric (125 and 210) to balance the warmth needed on 4000m peaks with the breathability required for Welsh hill walking.
Outerwear & Weather Protection
- Aerotherm Jacket: This new addition provides essential windproof protection with an incredibly lightweight design. It is a breathable essential for fast-moving activities and big mountain days when the weather is temperamental.
- Spyre Waterproofs: When the rain sets in, the team will reach for the Spyre range. These garments feature 5-layer DRILITE® XT fabric with a nanoporous membrane, delivering 20,000mm waterproof protection while maintaining excellent breathability for fast-paced mountain days.
- Tupilak Waterproofs: Designed for the harshest conditions, these garments utilize the most durable fabrics in the Mountain Equipment collection to provide an impenetrable barrier against wind and rain. While winter might be over, we all know that an Eryri summer can be brutal!
Find out more about Mountain Equipment gear on their website, or even better have a chat with our team who literally live in it.
Sid Sinfield Returns!
We are delighted to announce a temporary secondment from Paddle Cymru. We welcome back Sid Sinfield, a former senior instructor at the centre, who joins us as our Interim Director of Education and Training.
This appointment reflects the deepening collaboration between Plas y Brenin and Paddle Cymru. Both organisations are dedicated to elevating standards in outdoor education, coaching, and leadership. By integrating Sid's expertise, we ensure continuity in our training provision while strengthening the multi-disciplinary approach essential to our work. We are really grateful to Paddle Cymru for seconding Sid to us.
Sid brings extensive experience in performance management, coach development, and pathway design, not to mention his love of the outdoors. His deep-rooted network across national governing bodies will be invaluable in refining our programmes and delivering safe, inspiring learning experiences. This partnership allows both organisations to share insights and align pathways, ultimately benefiting the wider outdoor community across Wales and the UK.
International Mountain Day
Olly Sanders - Senior Instructor PYB
"Changabang (aka the shining mountain) India. I read Pete Boardman's classic book during my first ascent of the west face in my youth, and until recently hadn't had a second ascent . I was lucky to be invited on an attempt about 15 years ago and we had a good go but were stopped by massive snowfall. It was a fantastic desperately hard and humbling trip , but I got to see it in the full glow and to see why it was called the Shining Mountain"
Kenton Cool - Climber and Mountain Guide
"Everest. It's totally defined my guiding career"
Charles Gay - Partnerships Manager, Ellis Brigham
"Carnedd Llewelyn. It tends to be quieter than it's neighbours and has better views!"
Andrew Denton, CEO, Outdoor Industries Association
"An unnamed summit in Antarctica. If I have to name just one, single mountain from 50+ years of climbing, it’s an unnamed summit in Antarctica. My wife and I made the first ascent with a friend, Nick, as part of an extended ski mountaineering trip. We were down there for a month climbing and skiing incredible mountains, many of them unnamed and unclimbed. This particular one took three days. We stashed our skis about a hundred and fifty metres below the summit and climbed an airy, corniced ridge to a tiny pointed top – the first people ever to stand there.
A day in the life of a GORE-TEX Jacket
Here at Plas y Brenin, we rely on gear that can handle the sheer volume and intensity of our work. That’s why our partnership with Mountain Equipment has been a cornerstone of our operations for over 20 years.
Our instructional staff are on the mountain virtually every day, all year round. Whether guiding on winter mountaineering courses or climbing for their own personal development, our gear takes an absolute pounding. This constant, accelerated use means our clothing, particularly our waterproof shells, are pushed to the very limit.
We don't just use Mountain Equipment kit; we are a crucial part of their testing and development process. By using their clothing in the worst conditions imaginable, we provide the vital, real-world feedback that helps them ensure their kit truly is Built Better. If it survives a season with a Plas y Brenin instructor, it's ready for anyone.
With such intense wear, maintaining our high-tech apparel is essential to its performance. To keep our waterproof jackets performing at their best and ready for the next downpour, our team uses Granger's Wash and Care products. It’s the only way to keep the DWR (durable water repellent) working and ensure we stay dry, safe, and comfortable.
Want to keep your gear in mountain-ready shape, just like we do?
- Check out the Mountain Equipment Waterproof Care Guide for tips on keeping your shells performing: https://www.mountain-equipment.com/pages/caring-for-waterproofs
- If your kit needs some serious TLC, explore their Wash & Repair service (UK only): https://www.mountain-equipment.com/collections/wash-repair-services
- Learn how to care for all your favorite kit in their Revere Your Gear section: https://www.mountain-equipment.com/pages/revere-your-gear
Our Partnership with O'Shea Surf
We’ve been working with O’Shea for nearly a decade now, and it’s a relationship we’re really proud of. They’re a team who share our values of creating a great product, and more importantly, helping more people get out on the water.
O’Shea was founded by Farrel O’Shea, a record-breaking windsurfer who spent his life chasing adventure. The brand grew from that passion, with a focus on creating boards that are, in their own words, “built to perform and built to last.” Just as important, they’ve always championed getting people, especially young people into board sports, and that’s been a huge driving force behind O’Shea International.
That’s why our partnership works so well. As paddlers and coaches, we’re not only about teaching technique, we’re about building confidence, sharing our passion, and giving people the tools to head off on adventures of their own.
Whether it’s schools, corporate groups, Paddle UK qualifications, or guided tours, O’Shea boards deliver the quality and reliability we need to give our community the best possible experience on the water.