About Climbing

Show Climbing Activities

Contour’s varied selection of courses and holidays are aimed at both the complete novice and the seasoned mountaineer. If it is your first time on the rock, or you are an experienced climber wanting to up your grade, we have the instructors and courses that can help you achieve your goals. If nothing among our set courses and holidays meets your requirements, then Contour is ready to tailor a package to meet your specific needs.  Visit the Guiding and Consultancy page or our Wye Valley & South Wales or North Wales Activity and Taster Days page for prices and details of our day and half day packages

What to Expect

LEVEL I

Fitness Level I | 1 to 2 fitness sessions per week (gym, jog, walk, cycle). At this level the Pen-y-Pass to Summit of Snowdon (via the Miner’s track) should take the walker carrying a rucksack 2 hours

Technical Difficulty Level I | May have had a previous intoduction to scrambling, climbing or bouldering, but not a regular climber.  Not familiar with current climbing practice, techniques or equipment

LEVEL II

Fitness Level II | 2 to 3 sessions per week. A 4 to 5 hour walk in mountainous terrain should pose no problem. As an example, a walker at this level should be able to reach the Summit of Glyder Fawr or Glyder Fach in 5 hours

Technical Difficulty Level II | Climbs occasionaly, mainly at the climbing wall, as part of an established all round fitness regime.  Has a basic understanding of the climbing equipment and techniques used indoors and is able to tie into a harness and belay.  Has a basic understanding of the climbing sequence and climbing movement   

LEVEL III

Fitness Level III | 3 to 4 fitness sessions per week. One of the 3 to 4 sessions may take place over the weekend and be more demanding in nature. A walker, at this level, should take a walk of 6 to 8 hours in their stride, with a day out like the Langdale Horseshoe being within their capability

Technical Difficulty Level III | Climbs both at the climbing wall and at the crag on a regularly.  Has a good understanding of what is required of a second and leader - both in and outdoors.  Will have good experience of leading indoors, and may have led some rock routes, both traditional and bolted, outdoors already.  Experience of rock climbing restricted to regional venues 

 

LEVEL IV

Fitness Level IV | 4 fitness sessions per week, and able to walk 30km in a day. At this level a person would plan to tackle 3 to 4 Munros in one day.

Technical Difficulty Level IV | Climbs inside and outside around once a week.  Leads outside and has a good knowledge of what is required of the leader and second.  Has led numerous single pitch, and may have some experience of multi-pitch climbing as a second and leader at a diverse variety of venues

LEVEL V

Fitness Level V | 5 fitness sessions per week. Criteria highlighted in Level 4 would pose no problem and a person would be able to complete similar distances on consecutive days

Technical Difficulty Level V | Climbs inside and outside more than twice a week. Leads outside and has a good knowledge of what is required of the leader and second. Has led numerous single and multi-pitch routes at different venues throughout the UK

Equipment List

Below is a list highlighting the clothing and equipment that's required to undertake the activity.  Seasonal demands as well as personal preferences will alter the type of clothing and equipment for the day's activity.  As a matter of course, Contour will advise, in your pre-joining instructions, what's needed before you head out on your adventure. If you don't own it then you may be able to borrow it from us (asterixed), or purchase at a discounted rate from our preferred equipment partner Trekitt Mountain Sports.  Click on the for Trekitt Logo (below) for details on discounts and offers relating to clothing and equipment used for climbing & scrambling

EQUIPMENT LIST                            

Daysack 35 Litre*     

Waterproof liner for day sack*                                                      

Torch* (head torch preferable)

Whistle*

Notebook and pen

Toilet paper

Sun cream

Insect repellent

Small first aid kit

Personal medication

Spare glasses 

Waterproof jacket (with hood).

Waterproof trousers (preferably with leg zips)

Hat (synthetic or wool)

Hat (sun protection)

Gloves and spare gloves                                                                           

Base Layer: Thermal underwear (synthetic or wool)          

Mid-layer: Fleece (synthetic or wool)                                       

Trousers                                                                  

Socks (plus change of socks)                                                                                             

Boots & if owned climbing shoes                                                                                            

Water bottle or flask                                                           

Food                                                                                               

Camera

Sunglasses                                                                                  

Mobile phone                                                                               

CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

Helmet*                                                                                        

Harness*           

Belay Device*

Chalk bag & chalk

Rock Climbing Shoes/Boots (ring or email for advice)

Personal climbing equipment (if owned)

Additional Items for Overnight Trips

Sleeping Bag and Compression Sack

Sleeping mat                                                                                

Tent*

Food                                                                                               

Water bottle

Stove, fuel and accessories                                                    

Pots and cleaning pad

knife, fork & spoon                                                                                            

Toiletries & Towel

Spare clothing (additional socks & underwear)                                                                             

Flip-flops or similar for wear in campsite