Classic Rock Weekend

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 weekend course aims to climb some of the finest quality routes in the country from grades V Diff to VS. 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.

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.

Dates & Prices

Date	Meeting in		Availability
Fri 10 Jul – Sun 12 Jul 2026	Betws Y Coed		Available Book now »
	£555
Fri 4 Sep – Sun 6 Sep 2026	Betws Y Coed		Available Book now »
	£555
Fri 11 Sep – Sun 13 Sep 2026	Betws Y Coed		Available Book now »
Course Guide/Instructor David Percy Last 2 places	£555

This course is available to book in GBP, USD and EUR.
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Group size: 2 – 8 people.

For comparison, this course starts from £185 (GBP) per day (price Without Flights).

What the price includes

• 2 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation in Betws-y-Coed, on a single room basis.
• 2 days' guiding/instruction 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 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

• ‘Mo judged our ability and motivation well,stretching me well beyond what Id expected to do.I think we both always felt safe and challenged, so learnt a lot.’ CF, Classic Rock Weekend, May '16
• ‘World class - we had high expectatations after the previous course but Sam was really amazing - we learned so much with her - especially how to have a great time while staying safe. KL’ Classic Rock Weekend 18 July 2014

Leader Reports

• Classic Rock - 20 to 22 June '14
  “We've just had an amazing weekend with Jason and Nicola on the Classic Rock course. The weather was fantastic and we even ended up searching out the shade of the higher mountain crags on Sunday. The focus for the course was...”
  report added 24/Jun/14