
Guided Scrambling in Snowdonia
“Two days of hands-on-rock, maximum of four to an instructor. On a good weekend that means Crib Goch and Tryfan.”
Oct 2-4, 2026 · Snowdonia, Wales















































About this trip
On every big mountain day we run, the thing that slows people down isn't fitness. It's steep, awkward ground - people stop trusting their feet, everything takes twice as long, and a day that should have been enjoyable turns into a grind. Learning to scramble properly fixes that, and it opens up terrain that was previously off-limits.
Some people will look at this weekend and think it's expensive. But work out what a weekend in London costs you. Dinner out on Friday, an expensive gym class and brunch on Saturday, a night out after it - you're close to this number before Sunday has even started.
This is two days of Grade 1 scrambling. Steep rocky ground, hands as well as feet, no ropes and no climbing experience needed. On a good weekend that means Crib Goch and the north ridge of Tryfan, the two best scrambles in Wales and arguably in Britain.
We cap it at four people to an instructor. We could run six or eight and make considerably more money - we don't, because this ground is intimidating and the whole point is that you come away knowing how to move on it, which doesn't happen when an instructor is spread across eight people. You should be able to walk into the mountains afterwards with more confidence than you had, and that takes attention.
October is deliberate. Along with April and May, it's the best time to be in North Wales: the crowds have gone (have you seen all the queues on the popular mountains recently!?) and the weather is usually more than fine to be out in. Not warm, necessarily. Last year we had cloud inversions and 18 degrees.
And as with every Jove trip, the social side isn't an afterthought. Everyone's back together in Llanberis each evening - dinner, the pub, and the part of the weekend where you get to know the people you spent the day on the hill with.
If you've never scrambled before, this is the good one to start with. We can't wait to show you.
“I’m not sure I’ve got a head for heights.”
Most people booking this aren't sure either. Exposure isn't a fixed trait - it's mostly about knowing where to put your feet, and that's teachable. Grade 1 means you're always in contact with the rock and always close to your instructor if you want to be.
What a small group actually buys you
Four to an instructor is closer to private guiding than to a group walk. It means the route gets chosen around how you're moving rather than the slowest person in a party of fifteen, you get coached on foot placement as you go rather than shouted at from thirty metres up, and there's no queue at the awkward bits.
From people who felt the same way
“I was nervous about taking on the Welsh 3000s challenge. I was right to be nervous. It turned out to be the most incredible experience I've ever had! Principally because of the supreme organisation of Freddie, Fran and the Jove Club, who instructed, supported, encouraged, fed, guided and protected me for the entire gruelling 51km, up and down the Welsh peaks in gale force winds, horizontal rain, no visibility and the dark. I loved every minute of it. I could not have completed this as a group of friends on our own. Freddie's skilled navigation (in the dark), mountain expertise, and clear leadership ability made this terrifyingly enjoyable. What hurts most are my cheeks from smiling for 21hrs. I didn't realise I could complete this challenge. What the Jove Club has showed me is I'm actually made of stronger stuff than I thought. Drying out my boots for next year!”
Willow Dawes“I went on the Peak District Climbing adventure not knowing any of the group but felt immediately welcomed by everyone. The group was very supportive given my lack of any prior climbing experience and definitely pushed my limits. The trip itself was extremely well organised, everything was covered from food and instructors to what gear to bring. Immediately came home and booked myself on another adventure!”
Olly“Huge shout out to Freddie for sorting out the winter skills training in the Cairngorms. We had an extremely knowledgeable instructor who took us through everything we needed to know about Scottish winter! I had a great weekend away and the group really topped it off as a stand out trip. Would also highly recommend the weekly social bouldering sessions in London.”
Tom Roberts“I joined a Jove Club trail run weekend in Devon and had such a brilliant time, couldn't recommend it enough! It gave me the opportunity to do something I'd otherwise shy away from organising myself, and I felt well looked after and in safe hands throughout. I attended this trip with my partner, but would feel very comfortable going solo too, its a great way to find new friends with similar hobbies. What I love most about Jove Club is the welcoming environment, it feels accessible to all levels, but every person leaves feeling more confident, stronger and fitter. I love how there is regular training programmes on offer to get you fit enough for the challenges ahead. They've really thought about it all. Thanks Fred and the team for the great experiences!”
Clare DoohanHighlights
- Two full days on the ridges and crags of Snowdonia
- Small groups, no more than four to an instructor, so you get proper attention and instruction all weekend
- Possible routes include Tryfan and Crib Goch, weather dependent, some of the best scrambling terrain in Wales
- Based in Llanberis, evenings in the best mountain town in Britain
- Small teams on the hill, everyone back together in Llanberis each evening
- Multi-pitch climbing runs the same weekend for experienced climbers, both places now taken
Itinerary
Arrive when you can (see how to get there below) - we do need to be checked into the accommodation by 10pm. For those who arrive early, feel free to head into Llanberis for dinner, a drink or just a look around.
What's included
- Two nights accommodation at YHA Llanberis
- Breakfast Saturday and Sunday
- Saturday group dinner
- Two full days guided scrambling with professional instructors
- Helmets provided if needed
- Route planning, kit guidance, and pre-trip briefing
- Car share coordination from London and other cities
Not included
- Travel to Llanberis and back
- Lunches and drinks
- Personal kit and clothing
- Travel insurance, please arrange your own before departure


Also available this weekend
Want roped climbing instead?
Both places are taken for this weekend. Two days with a qualified instructor on multi-pitch routes above Llanberis, same base, same group, and the climbers are back with everyone else each evening.
£495
Fully booked · 1:2 with an instructor
Good to know
- Everything but travel and lunches is covered: two nights at YHA Llanberis, both breakfasts, Saturday's group dinner and two full days of instruction.
- Maximum of four people to an instructor, which is why places are limited.
- No climbing experience needed. Grade 1 scrambling means hands as well as feet on rock, with no ropes.
- We coordinate car sharing from London and other cities before the weekend, so you don't need your own car.
- Helmets are provided if you don't have one, and the full kit list is on this page, so you can check it before you book rather than after.
Physical requirements
You need a good level of fitness and a reasonable head for heights. It helps to have been up a mountain before, not essential, but if you've done some hiking in the hills you'll know what to expect. Grade 1 scrambling means using your hands and feet on steep, rocky terrain, it's more committing than hiking but there are no ropes involved. Routes are weather-dependent and confirmed on the day by your instructor, on a good weekend that could mean Crib Goch or Tryfan, some of the best scrambling terrain in Britain.
What to expect
Group size
Typically 6-10 people, small enough that you’ll actually get to know everyone.
Going solo?
Almost everyone who books a Jove trip comes on their own.
Your instructors
Qualified instructors, all outdoor first aid trained.
Pace & fitness
We keep an eye on pace throughout, nobody gets left behind.
Meeting point
YHA Llanberis, Llanberis, Gwynedd. Exact arrival details confirmed on booking.
How to get there
Llanberis sits at the foot of Snowdon and is straightforward to reach without a car.
By train and bus
Bangor is the nearest station, direct from London Euston, Chester and Manchester on the North Wales coast line. From outside the station a bus runs to Llanberis in around 40 minutes. Plenty of people do it this way.
Driving
A55 along the coast then the A4086 into Llanberis, roughly four and a half hours from London and about two from Manchester. There is parking in the village and at the hostel.
Car share
We put drivers and passengers in touch before the weekend. Tell us on booking whether you have spare seats or want a lift, and we will sort it between the group.
A note from Freddie
“Grade 1 scrambling is misunderstood. People hear "scrambling" and assume it's more dangerous than it is, when really it's one of the best ways to learn proper skills, route-finding, moving safely on steep ground, knowing when to slow down. Our instructors teach you all of that as you go. It's also a good way to build competence if you're working towards something bigger like the Welsh 3000s, or any other big mountain challenge, you get properly comfortable on exposed, technical terrain in a small group with a good instructor ratio, before you need those skills on a longer day. If you've already got some climbing experience, the multi-pitch option is worth trying at least once. Once you've climbed a proper multi-pitch route with a rope, it opens up a lot more terrain than scrambling alone.”
Freddie Sankey
Founder, Jove Club
Guaranteed to run
Price per person
£390
Dates
Oct 2-4, 2026
Duration
2 days
Difficulty
Beginner
Location
SNOWDONIA
Almost everyone books on their own. You won’t be the only one.
Can’t make these dates?
We run trips like this throughout the year. Leave your email and we’ll tell you when new dates go live, before they go public.
Advance notice on new trips and events, and the best place to meet the people you'll be going with.
Ready to come along?
Oct 2-4, 2026 · Snowdonia, Wales · £390
Google Reviews
What they said
when they got home.
“It's been on my bucket list to explore the Scottish Highlands and try wild camping for some time now and Jove Club gave me the perfect trip I could have hoped for! Freddie was an amazing leader, highly organised and planned an incredible trip (Highland Hootenanny) that was a varied blend of challenging hiking, camping, and exploring Scotland's beautiful nature. Freddie was very knowledgable of the areas, and we went to spots that took us away from the touristy areas of the Highlands to enjoy some truly peaceful and stunning nature. I felt a real sense of achievement having completed the active parts of the trip, and these were well-paced/planned to enjoy some downtime and local culture (lively highland pubs!) in between adventurous days. I learned a lot of outdoor skills from Jove Club including mountain safety, how to plan & prepare hiking trips, trail running, wild camping & cooking just to name a few, and look forward to using these skills on future trips. I would highly recommend the Highland Hootenanny trip to those looking to challenge themselves mentally and physically, improve mountain skills, and explore the Highlands in a sociable group setting. Thanks Freddie for some unforgettable memories!”
James Patterson
“I joined a Jove Club trail run weekend in Devon and had such a brilliant time, couldn't recommend it enough! It gave me the opportunity to do something I'd otherwise shy away from organising myself, and I felt well looked after and in safe hands throughout. I attended this trip with my partner, but would feel very comfortable going solo too, its a great way to find new friends with similar hobbies. What I love most about Jove Club is the welcoming environment, it feels accessible to all levels, but every person leaves feeling more confident, stronger and fitter. I love how there is regular training programmes on offer to get you fit enough for the challenges ahead. They've really thought about it all. Thanks Fred and the team for the great experiences!”
Clare Doohan
“I've attended multiple Jove club sessions in London from running sessions, rock climbing and fitness sessions. Both Fred and the other trainers are great, they are passionate about what they do and incredibly knowledgeable. Would recommend anyone wanting to try new things or meet like minded people to give them a go!”
Emma Towers
“I went to the Jove Weekender earlier this year, and it has definitely been one of the highlights of my year! The Jove team were so down to earth, and everyone in the group was so nice. I went from zero navigational skills to being able to use a map and compass confidently over the course of the weekend. The social on the Saturday night was really fun and was a nice way to unwind with new friends after a day of hiking. I also had my first go at trail running! I already am looking at the future trips to see which I should sign up to next! They're absolutely the group you are looking for if you're looking for adventure, along with fitness, outdoor skills and making new friends along the way!”
Emma Clarke
“I did the week long trip in Scotland with Jove and it has been one of the best experiences I had hiking. An unforgettable week with wild camping, long hikes, unpredictable weather and some truly beautiful scenery. Challenging at times, but there's something very special about spending your days walking through mountains and remote landscapes, carrying what you need with you, and ending the day surrounded by nature. Freddie made sure we were safe but also testing our limits. All in all, one of the best trips I had! I'll definitely join another!”
Andreea Covaci
“After taking on the Welsh 3000s challenge with Jove Club I can highly recommend Freddie and his team! Having someone you can trust to guide you through a challenge like this is so incredibly valuable (especially when the Welsh weather isn't on your side). The team of Mountain Leaders and support team that Jove Club put together were fantastic. Even as the weather turned savage they kept spirits high. It was great to be with like-minded individuals for the weekend. Thank you team Jove 🏔”
Michelle Clarke
“I was nervous about taking on the Welsh 3000s challenge. I was right to be nervous. It turned out to be the most incredible experience I've ever had! Principally because of the supreme organisation of Freddie, Fran and the Jove Club, who instructed, supported, encouraged, fed, guided and protected me for the entire gruelling 51km, up and down the Welsh peaks in gale force winds, horizontal rain, no visibility and the dark. I loved every minute of it. I could not have completed this as a group of friends on our own. Freddie's skilled navigation (in the dark), mountain expertise, and clear leadership ability made this terrifyingly enjoyable. What hurts most are my cheeks from smiling for 21hrs. I didn't realise I could complete this challenge. What the Jove Club has showed me is I'm actually made of stronger stuff than I thought. Drying out my boots for next year!”
Willow Dawes
“I did the Welsh 3000s challenge with Jove Club and absolutely loved it!! Freddie and the team organised everything so well and it was brilliant to be amongst friendly, adventurous people looking to push their limits. I really enjoyed doing something genuinely testing, with the weather, distance and elevation all playing their parts, and at the same time being part of a really supportive group with Jove giving a real sense of confidence and positivity. Jove Club offers loads of different activities and adventures, I'll definitely be signing up for another one soon. Thanks Freddie, Fran, the Mountain Leaders and all those on the challenge 🏔”
James Morgan
“I had the best time on the Jove weekend trip to the Peaks. Got there and they helped set up my new tent, very friendly from the off. Zero judgement across the weekend for anything. It was about learning the skills needed to thrive outdoors, without any of the judgement you get with some providers. It gave me my confidence back outdoors, and I've booked onto my next trip already.”
Leah Brunskill
“Jove are fantastic. I've been going to their weekly strength sessions at Battersea park for a couple of months now and I've felt my confidence and strength for mountaineering and trail running come on in leaps and bounds. Their trips are incredibly good fun and genuinely valuable. Can't recommend highly enough, wish I'd joined sooner!”
Alex White
“Enjoyed a wonderful weekend of hiking, camping, trail running, navigation & fitness sessions (and some cracking pubs, pie & pizzas!) in the Peak District with a group of wonderful people. We all had different levels of previous outdoor experience & all were catered for. Thanks to Freddie & the Jove club team for leading us safely & challenging us.”
Claire
“I joined a Jove Weekender Trip to the Peak District for the weekend and had an amazing time! Freddie & the team were very welcoming and knowledgeable and it really gave me confidence to try and do more hiking in the future! I'll definitely be joining for some of the London sessions and hopefully a future trip. Would thoroughly recommend!!”
Bryony Kirby
“Joined Jove Club for an amazing trip to the Cairngorms to learn winter mountaineering skills! Small group of adventurous people, everyone was super supportive and keen to learn. Perfect weekend spent outdoors!”
Lizzie
“Huge shout out to Freddie for sorting out the winter skills training in the Cairngorms. We had an extremely knowledgeable instructor who took us through everything we needed to know about Scottish winter! I had a great weekend away and the group really topped it off as a stand out trip. Would also highly recommend the weekly social bouldering sessions in London.”
Tom Roberts
“I could not recommend Jove Club enough for anyone who wants to get outside, explore the country and test their physical and mental limits. I've done things in the past year I would never have done myself, with an amazing group of driven, friendly and kind people, and it's been an absolute blast.”
Richard Scothern
“I had such a great time on the Peak District climbing trip! Having joined for their London bouldering sessions for a couple of months, it was great to put my new skills to use outside. We had an amazing instructor who made me feel so at ease. The group was great fun, everybody was so positive and supportive of each other. Can't wait to join more trips next year!”
Emily Elizabeth
“I did the Welsh 3000s challenge with Jove Club in July and it was unreal. Freddie is a fantastic leader, he makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Looking forward to my next Jove Club adventure!”
Emily
“Before Jove, I never really thought of myself as a runner. But within weeks of joining, I was running 5Ks, then 10Ks. My first proper test was our Brecon trek, two days, 35km, 1,300m of elevation. It was brutal, but it was also the moment I realised how much the people around you shape the experience. Jove isn't just about getting fitter, it's about pushing your limits in a way that actually feels fun.”
Vevek Shah
“I love Jove Club. On paper, I had everything I needed to be happy, but it wasn't until I joined Jove that I realised something was missing, adventure! It's so easy in London to get stuck in a rut. Jove gets me out of the house with like-minded people and gives me things I didn't even realise I was missing. Join, you won't regret it.”
Christopher Sykes-Popham
“I went on the Peak District Climbing adventure not knowing any of the group but felt immediately welcomed by everyone. The group was very supportive given my lack of any prior climbing experience and definitely pushed my limits. The trip itself was extremely well organised, everything was covered from food and instructors to what gear to bring. Immediately came home and booked myself on another adventure!”
Olly
“I had an absolutely incredible experience on a walking adventure weekend with Jove Club! From start to finish, everything was brilliantly organised. Freddie's enthusiasm and leadership created such a positive, welcoming atmosphere, making the weekend about more than just the hike. If you're looking for a well-organised, exciting outdoor experience with great company, I can't recommend Jove Club enough.”
Henry Lort-Jones
“Can't express enough how glad I am that Freddie has created Jove Club! The recent Brecon trip was epic, a tough challenge that we all pushed through. In only a couple of months I've made significant strides towards my fitness goals. The regular adventure challenges add purpose to the training in London and the people in the club are top quality.”
Harry Webb
“The Peak District climbing weekend was meticulously planned by Freddie and Jove Club. I felt a massive sense of achievement on the Sunday afternoon walking off the crag. If you are considering a weekend away with like minded people to push yourself beyond your comfort zone then I wouldn't hesitate recommending Jove Club.”
Connor Herrington
“The mix of classes, in particular the run and fitness sessions outdoors, is absolutely amazing and unlike anything else I've found in London. The sessions are inclusive of mixed ability but with enough challenge for everyone. Really look forward to putting my fitness to the test during one of the trail runs and adventure trips!”
Francesca Richards
“Joining Jove is the best thing I've done for my fitness and health this year. Anyone looking to get fit, get outdoors and meet great people, this is where it's at. In just a few months I've met some great people, built confidence, and lost 3kg whilst getting stronger and running faster.”
Joseph McEachron
“Jove is the missing piece of London life. Such a welcoming and friendly club with a fantastic range of activities. Everything geared towards adventure trips is such a great way to train and get fit with a proper functional goal. The Peak District climbing weekend was fantastically well organised, can't wait to do another.”
Tom Frew
“I've had a great time with Jove, it's got a great mix of challenging and fun activities. The Peak District climbing trip was super well organised, great instruction provided, and a great way to get out of London for a weekend and learn some new skills.”
Vito Tomasi
“The Jove Club climbing weekend in the Peak District was a fantastic experience, filled with great routes and even better company. Everyone from beginners to seasoned climbers felt included and challenged. A brilliantly run weekend that captured the spirit of adventure.”
John Cain
“Great sessions which are well planned and adaptable to fitness levels. Welcoming atmosphere at meets and easy to use site for booking.”
Calvin Freese
“I have attended fitness and climb sessions and would really recommend Jove. Accessible and tailored to your fitness but with plenty of challenge and very social!”
sioned press
“Attended a session last week, great and welcoming atmosphere, the PT was very knowledgeable and provided alternative exercises. Will be back!”
Elin Wilde
£390
£390 to book your place
Common questions
Before you book
Do I need climbing experience?+
No. Grade 1 scrambling doesn't require any roped or climbing experience, just good fitness and a head for heights. Our instructors guide every group throughout.
What is grade 1 scrambling?+
Grade 1 is the most accessible grade of scrambling, moving over rocky terrain using hands and feet, without ropes. Think Crib Goch or Tryfan's ridges. More committing than hiking, well within reach of anyone fit with a head for heights.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
The weekend runs whatever the forecast, we just change the ground. Crib Goch and Tryfan need reasonable conditions, so if it turns wet and windy your instructor picks a lower, more sheltered scramble instead and you still get two full days of hands on rock. North Wales in October does what it likes and the instructors plan around it. The one thing we will not do is put you on an exposed ridge in conditions that make it a bad idea.
What if I am the slowest one there?+
Four people to an instructor means there is no pack to fall behind. Your group moves at your group's pace, and if that is your pace, that is the pace. Nobody is timing you and there is nothing to keep up with. If the four of you turn out to move very differently, the instructors split the day up differently. Being slow on a scramble usually just means you are being careful, which is how you are meant to learn it.
Will I know anyone there?+
Almost certainly not, and nor will anyone else. Nearly everyone who books a Jove trip books on their own, so everybody arrives in the same position. That is what the evenings in Llanberis are for.
What about the multi-pitch climbing spots?+
Both climbing places are taken for this weekend. It runs at one instructor to two climbers, at £495, which is why it goes quickly. Email freddie@thejoveclub.com if you want to be first in line should one free up, or to hear about the next date.
What will we actually climb?+
Routes are weather-dependent and confirmed on the day. On a good weekend we aim for the classics: Crib Goch and Tryfan. Both are within easy reach of Llanberis and represent some of the finest grade 1 scrambling in the country.
How fit do I need to be?+
Fit enough for a full day in the mountains, then to get up and do it again. It helps to have been up a hill before but it is not essential. Scrambling asks less of your lungs than a big hiking route and more of your hands, your balance and your patience, so it suits people who would not call themselves especially fit. If you are unsure, email freddie@thejoveclub.com before you book and I will tell you honestly whether this is the right weekend for you.
Where do we stay, and am I sharing a room?+
Two nights at YHA Llanberis in shared rooms, breakfast both mornings, and a group dinner on the Saturday. Llanberis is a couple of minutes away on foot, so the evenings happen in the village rather than in the hostel.
Do I need a car?+
Not necessarily. We'll coordinate car sharing among the group before the weekend. Let us know on booking whether you're driving and have spare seats, or need a lift.
What happens if I cancel, or if you do?+
If we cancel, you get back every penny you have paid. That is written into our terms, it is not a goodwill gesture. If you cancel, the deposit is non-refundable, and inside 60 days of departure so is the rest, because by then your bed and your share of the instructor are booked and paid for and we cannot get that money back either. This trip is inside that window now, so please book knowing it. We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation, on this trip and every other one. Full detail is on our terms page.
What kit do I need?+
Full kit list sent on booking. Essentials: waterproof jacket and trousers, walking boots with ankle support, warm layers, gloves, hat, day pack, food and water for a long day. Helmets provided if you don't have one.
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Still deciding?
Read up first
- Your first scramble: what to expect and how to prepareScrambling is the step between hiking and climbing, hands on rock, real exposure, a completely different kind of challenge. How to approach your first Grade 1.→
- The kit you need for a mountain dayGetting the right kit is key. It doesn't always have to cost a fortune, but it needs to be of sufficient quality. Here's what matters, and what people get wrong.→
- Mountain weather: what to check, what it means, and when to turn backWeather impacts every adventure. Mountain conditions can change fast and extremes are much more severe than in the valley. How to read a forecast and make the right call.→