Maesglasau Falls

Today Pete, Chris and myself head over to Maesglasau Falls IV4*** in some hope the overnight freeze had helped keep it in condition. on approach there was still allot of water flowing down which was not promising. With abit of perseverance and a good waterproof we completed the route.

Access Note - Please call at the farm to let the farmer know how many are in the party and again when you leave as he is very twitchy following a incident on the falls a number of years ago. This is a request he asked us to pass around and as there is no public right of way to the falls we need good relations!!!

Arctic Level 1 Coach

This week i am on a BCU level 1 coach training and assessment course at Plas Menai and yes it is freezing. For the past few days we have been spending part of the day in a clasroom with the second part spent at Llyn Padarn in Llanberis. From this location you can see a full view of Snowdan which leaves me longing to be up there and not on a lake The current arctic conditions are causing any water on our clothing to instantly freeze and turn us into some sort of a ice sculpture.

Perfect Winters day on Snowdon

A trek up Snowdon was the order of the day in near perfect conditions, the sun was shining and not a breath of wind. High up on the mountain the recent snowfall is now starting to consolidate and with the continuing cold spell forecast weeks ahead things are looking good for winter climbing routes coming into condition later this week.

Winter Ascent of Tryfan

Today Dan, Alex and myself made a ascent of Tryfan Picking our way up from just behind Milestone Buttress. We put our crampons on and got our axes out low down just so as we could practice moving around on rock although crampons were needed high up on the hill. Winter has really set in up in north wales, will it stay????

Carneddau Navigation Course - Winter has arrived

Iv been out with Huw Gilbert today running a Navigation Course for Rob Johnson high up in the Carneddau. The 4 clients on the course got a little more than they bargained for with full on winter conditions on the hill. Theres been a considerable amount of snow fall over the hills today with temperatures well below freezing and with this forecast to continue it is looking promising for another early welsh winter climbing season.

Winter Skills Courses Now On Sale

Things are shaping up in Scotland with all the early signs of another good winter on its way. SAIS started there avalanche forecast service early due to the early arrival of winter.

My range of winter skills courses are now online. Visit www.verticalworlds.com to book now. I am offering a range of courses Cairngorm winter skills 2 Days, West Highlands winter skills 2 days, Snow Shelter expedition 3 days, Winter Skills 5 days.

SPA Training

The later part of the last week I was working on a SPA training course for members of a local climbing club. Thursday took us to the shores of Llyn Trawsfynydd where personal climbing issues were looked at followed by a trip to Plas Y Brenin for a evening session on there wall. Barmouth slabs was the order of the day on Friday, it is by far the best group crag I have come across which I visit on a regular basis with groups. The only down side is it gets very busy although the crag is very extensive so a spot can always be found.