Big Wall Climbing

If you’re a competent rock climber and are planning your first big wall trip, or want to hone skills you’ve already learned, look no further.


Plas Y Brenin

2 Days

Instructor Ratio4:1

Location

Plas Y Brenin

Length

2 Days

Instructor Ratio

4:1

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Overview

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.

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

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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 confidently leading at VS or above on multipitch crags, with an eye to going big walling.

How Do I Prepare?

Ensure you’re climbing regularly at VS before the course, to make sure you’re moving confidently in that kind of terrain, so as to enable your learning.

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Next course recommendation

Rock Improver 2 day

Alternative Course recommendation

Classic Rock

Why Plas y Brenin?

Plas y Brenin is at the forefront of outdoor instruction. Whether you are starting a career in the outdoors, or just want to take an adventure holiday, PYB is the place for you.

We inspire explorers. We train trainers. We’re internationally recognised. We’ve been around since 1798, with our earliest guests including Queen Victoria. Since then, we’ve focussed on providing the best customer experience, working alongside some of the greatest, 007 included.

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Expert Tuition

You’ll receive expert supervision from fully qualified and psyched instructors, creating the perfect environment to learn and enjoy something new!

Our Instructors

Explore Eryri

Your experience will take place in the heart of the extraordinary Eryri National Park. Our National Outdoor Centre features accommodation, a bar, dining, and more. And while you’re here, why not check out some local gems?

Explore Eryri

Develop a Passion

Everyone at Plas y Brenin, from staff to visitors, is excited about adventures and inspired to get outside. Our guests return year after year to experience all that North Wales offers.