30/09/2026
Some routes become more than just a line on a map.
The North West Face of Idwal Slabs is one of those routes for me.
I first climbed it during my MCI training. I then returned for my assessment — two occasions when I was developing the skills and judgement needed to become a Mountaineering Instructor.
Since then, I've climbed it many more times, including teaching trainee MCIs and working with mountain rescue team members on safe personal mountaineering skills, managing movement on steep ground, and, importantly, how to look after other people when things don't go to plan — including dealing with casualties on the route.
Every visit has added another layer to what this place means to me.
There's something particularly satisfying about returning to the same terrain years later and realising just how much has changed — not the mountain, but your experience, knowledge, judgement and responsibility.
In many ways, Idwal Slabs represents my journey as a mountaineering instructor.
My first experiences of the mountains were with the Scouts in the Ogwen Valley. Years later, I was back in the same valley learning the skills and techniques required to become an MCI. Now I have the privilege of bringing other instructors and mountain rescue team members here to develop their own skills.
From learning in these mountains to helping others learn in them.
That's quite a journey — and one I'm very grateful for.
