Rock Activity Week at Arete Outdoor Centre

Five days of climbing and walking, based either in the mountains or on the rock of North Wales. There is no fixed programme - each day starts with a discussion of everyone's preferred option. Beginners get moving quickly on the short introductory crags near the centre; more experienced climbers can refine technique on harder routes or work on gear placements and ropework. On the mountains there are big peaks to summit, many of them with scrambling routes that need hands and, on the harder ones, a rope. Navigation and other skills can be covered if the group wants them.

The price covers the five-day course with instruction and equipment, accommodation at the centre and full catering. The two-day multi-pitch option and an extra night before or after the course are charged separately.

Participants stay at Arete Outdoor Centre itself, in one of its three buildings - the Main Centre, the West Wing or Bryn Eryr. Each area has its own communal space, and there is parking, an acre of grounds, a barbecue area and a pond outside.

The week is fully catered: meals are provided at the centre for the whole course.

Rock climbing on introductory crags, sea cliffs and long mountain routes; abseiling; scrambling; mountain walking and summits; navigation on request. The optional two-day multi-pitch programme guides longer mountain routes or more committing sea cliffs at lower ratios.

The centre provides the accommodation, catering and communal space; the activity days themselves run off site, in the mountains and on the crags and sea cliffs of North Wales.

The course starts at 12:00 on the first day and finishes at 15:00 on the last. Pick-ups and drop-offs are available to and from Bangor railway station, and there is a car park for anyone arriving by car. Participants at Gold level can use the week as their Duke of Edinburgh residential.