Swimming, climbing, diving, exhilarating.

What is coasteering?

In 1973, what was to be a prescient comment, professional photographer, mountaineer and wilderness traveller John Cleare (who introduced the term coasteering as a portmanteau of coast and mountaineering) stated that ‘enthusiasts believe that coasteering will become popular and has a big future’.

While it took until 1985 (and in Wales, no less) for the practice to emerge as a commercial activity, it has grown in popularity in the intervening decades with Britain leading the way – its west coast, and Wales in particular being a prized location for practitioners. There are now more than 100 activity centres in the UK.

The activity involves traversing the intertidal zone of a rocky coastline unaided – on foot or by swimming.

Where to Book Lessons and Guided Climbs

Whether you’re looking to step out of your comfort zone to attempt a more difficult climb than normal or looking to take up the pursuit, Anglesey has some fantastic companies offering lessons and guided climbs.

Indy Climbing Wall

Tyddyn-y-Bwn,
Rhoscefnhir,
Pentraeth,
LL75 8YR

Offering supervised and unsupervised climbs that replicate a host of skill levels and technical difficulties, Indy Climbing Wall features more than 30 individual lead belays (most with two routes) and 25+ individual top ropes (again, most with two routes).

Taster sessions range between £45 per person for individuals and £150 total for a group of nine. Development sessions have a limit of four participants and costs £45 for a single person and £100 for a group of four – equipment is available to hire at the venue.

Anglesey Pursuits

53 Maeshyfryd Road,
Holyhead,
LL65 2AW

With a variety of supervised climbs running between 9am and 4:15pm, Anglesey Pursuits only requires that you bring yourself, a rucksack and some sensible clothes (and a picnic for full day bookings). Prices for activities include:

• Half day (adult): – £45 per person
• Half day (child): – £30 per child
• Full day (adult): – £70 per person
• Full day (child): – £50 per child

 
With plenty of selection in terms of kayak and expert tuition and supervision on the day, Anglesey Pursuits is great for beginners, or for anyone wanting to take a step up to the next difficulty level with a little support.

Adventure Activities Wales

2 Rowen Cottages,
Y Felinheli,
LL56 4RX

Offering climbing for all abilities, Adventure Activities Wales can provide you with everything you need, from helmets and harnesses to rock shoes and chalk, and will allow you to use your own equipment provided it passes inspection.

With full and half day excursions available for all ages, they provide the perfect opportunity to take up a hobby that will be with you a lifetime. Prices vary, but as a guide the price are as follows:

• Half day (adult): – £50 per person
• Half day (child): – £35 per child
• Full day (adult): – £70 per person
• Full day (child): – £50 per chil
• Extended day (adult): – £80 per person
• Extended day (child): – £60 per child

Anglesey Activities

Porthdafarch Rd,
Holyhead,
LL65 2LP

Offering supervised climbs for half or full days, Anglesey Activities provides the key safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses and ropes. You’ll need to take sensible clothes, a rucksack and any sundry items necessary for the day and conditions (warm or windproof clothing, sun cream, medication etc.)

Anglesey Activities cater for group activities (bookings of 8 people per instructor) and for a full range of experience levels. Prices vary, but for the half day are as follows:

• Half day (adult): – £50 per person
• Half day (child): – £35 per child

 
Knowledgeable and approachable trainers make climbs with Anglesey Activities perfect for families or groups with members that might need a little extra support.