Situated next to the beautiful Padarn Lake (Llyn Padarn in Welsh) Lion Rock is the go-to place for beginner rock climbing sessions near Llanberis.
Just a 10 minute walk from parking area up to the crag, it is ideal for taster climbing sessions for people who have never climbed outdoors. The views are stunning, with Snowdon, Crib Goch, Padarn Lake all visible. There is a safe waiting area where you can take photos and have a snack while you and your family take turns climbing on Lion Rock.
Union Rock, on the opposite side of the lake, is also an option with similar easy grade climbing routes. It is a much shorter walk from the parking area but still has amazing views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Climbing on Lion and Union Rock is very safe. As mentioned they are “easy” grade climbs, however still a challenge for anyone who is not used to climbing on real rock. Even for people who have climbed indoors before, climbing outside is a completely different experience and people often struggle to find hand holds and foot holds as they are not painted in bright colours unlike when at the indoor climbing wall!
If you booked an outdoor climbing session but the weather was really bad, we could go to the Beacon Climbing Wall in Caernarfon and hopefully rearrange to do some climbing outside when the weather permits.
Rock climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses would be provided. We would book a session either morning, afternoon or evening and it would take approximately 3 hours.
We ask you to bring bring clothing suitable for active movement (no tight jeans etc) also be prepared for wind and rain just in case (a jacket), bright sun (glasses and sun cream), water, snacks. For anyone with long hair, something to it back so it doesn’t get caught in the climbing (belay) device or tangled with the rope.
No climbing experience is necessary of course. If you enjoy this taster session and wish to progress to something more challenging then we can help you with that. We can also coach you and improve movement skills, technique, and learn to belay and be self sufficient tying in with harness and rope etc so you can go to the climbing wall with friends etc. See the “About me” page for more info on my qualifications, and if I have an assistant with me then they will also be suitable trained/qualified in relevant climbing knowledge.