About Climbing
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
