Womens Adventure Club - Introduction to Scrambling

Women’s Adventure Club – Introduction to Scrambling

Saturday 1st August | 10am – 3pm

Join our Women’s Adventure Club for a  relaxed and supportive day is designed for women who are completely new to scrambling and want to build confidence moving over rocky ground in the mountains. No prior experience is needed, just a reasonable level of fitness and curiosity about exploring beyond the path.

The focus is on movement, balance and confidence rather than exposure or technical difficulty. You’ll learn how to use your hands and feet effectively, move smoothly over rock, and make good decisions about where and how to place yourself on the terrain. There’s plenty of time to pause, reflect and practise, so you can develop trust in your body and your abilities. The day will be led by Emily Ashton Hughes, Mountain Leader both a climber and hiker with a love of moving over steep terrain.

The Setting and Route

We’ll base ourselves in Cwm Idwal, a stunning glacial valley surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Glyderau. The landscape offers ideal beginner-friendly terrain, with solid rock, varied features, and a range of options depending on how the group feels.

Our main objective is Seniors Gully, a gentle, non-exposed scramble that provides a perfect introduction to moving on steeper ground. The gully offers short rocky steps, easy route choices, and a real sense of progression without exposure.

Depending on the group’s confidence and pace, we may also explore other low-level scrambles within Cwm Idwal, keeping things accessible and avoiding exposed ground throughout. The aim is to create a day that feels enjoyable, empowering and tailored to you.

Who This Is For

• Women with little or no scrambling experience
• Hillwalkers who want to feel more confident stepping off the path
• Anyone who feels unsure on rocky ground and wants to improve movement skills
• Those looking for a supportive, non-competitive environment
• You don’t need a head for heights – we’ll keep things non-exposed

What You’ll Gain

• Confidence moving over rocky and uneven terrain
• Practical scrambling techniques for hands and feet
• Awareness of balance, body positioning and route choice
• Experience in a supportive, all-women environment

This is not about pushing limits or ticking off routes. It’s about feeling comfortable in the mountains, building skills at your own pace, and leaving the day with a stronger sense of what you’re capable of. If you’ve ever looked up at rocky ground and thought “maybe I could do that” – this is your way in.

Kit List

• Sturdy walking boots or approach shoes with good grip
• Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for the weather (avoid jeans)
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Hat, gloves and scarf
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat if sunny
• Warm layers (fleece or insulated jacket)
• Small rucksack (20–30L)
• Lunch and snacks
• At least 1 litre of water
• Hot drink in a flask

Helmets will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own.

Logistics

• If its a sunny day, parking in the Ogwen valley can be limited. There is a small car park at Ogwen Cottage, or a layby further up the road. Please car share where possible. Join our whatsapp group to organise car sharing. Link to the group will be sent when you book.

OR

• Park in Bethesda and join Emily on the T10 bus at Seren Cafe on the high street, it departs at 9:27 and arrives at Ogwen Cottage 15 mins later. Bus back is at 15:36 (less stressful than finding parking in Ogwen Valley)

Adverse Weather Policy

Outdoor activities are subject to weather and environmental conditions. To ensure the safety of all participants, we reserve the right to change the location, timing, format, or activity where necessary due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Activities will not be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Instead, an alternative venue, route, or activity may be provided, which may include indoor alternatives such as climbing.

No refunds will be offered where an activity is amended, relocated, rescheduled within the same day, or substituted due to weather or safety considerations.

Participants will be notified of any significant changes by email as soon as reasonably practicable and, where possible, at least 48 hours before the activity takes place.

Any questions, please email emily@penybrynoutdoor.cymru