Working the Idwal Slabs 

The Idwal slabs have long been known as the downfall of many a promising mountaineering instructor, but why should this be? Surely the iconic Idwal Slabs are the perfect place to take beginners climbing, surely, these easily accessible routes, so handy from the road, are an instructor’s dream. You must have heard of the days when the Ogwen Cottage team would wander up them with fours school kid in tow. 

To be fair, as long as you keep moving, it’s rarely the climbing that’s the problem, it’s the descent. Yet, what many don’t realise is, is that there is more than one way to descend from the Slabs. In one, long turbo-charged, day we’ll explore as many of them as we can.

We’ll cover how fast you need to climb, alternatives descents, what to do if the classic routes are full, some history and a bit of enviro. This is not a workshop about stance management or other technical issues. 

This workshop is led by Kath James, who has worked in Eryri for as a Mountaineering Instructor for the past 19 years and also has extensive experience of delivering and directing Mountain Training courses in the area.

At the end of the day you should be familiar with the alternative descents and how to manage them. You will have done a bunch of routes (weather permitting!). You’ll know what it is that your clients need to know. You’ll be much more confident about tackling the slabs with the right team, in the right way and getting the most out of a climbing day on the Rhiwiau Caws.

This workshop is ideal for anyone close to assessment, or a little rusty after assessment or not from the area so are unfamiliar with the intricacies of one of Britain’s great beginner climbing venues.

Previous attendees have found it super useful to bring along a photocopy of the crag topo to write notes on. 

This is not a workshop about stance management or other technical issues (although they may be discussed at times), it's presumed you're already on top of these areas and able to lead climb in a safe and assured manner. You should bring along rack and ropes that are suitable for use at work i.e. PPE log and current in-date kit. 

Payment by BACS preferred please - I'll send you details on receipt of booking form.

Send Kath an email find out more or book info@mountain-expertise.co.uk

Start

03/09/2025 09:15

End

03/09/2025

Total Days

1

Maximum Bookings

4

Venue

Idwal Cottage

Town

Nant Ffrancon

County

Conwy Principal Area

Postcode

LL57 3LZ

Country

United Kingdom

Latitude

53.12329

Longitude

-4.01825

Name

AMI

Phone

07859024799

Website

Email