Sports

There is little climbing of any note in the Aberystwyth area. There are a couple of quarries that we have climbed in, but I'm not entirely clear on the access privileges to these, so I won't say where they are. Other than that, there are a couple of dodgy hard bolted routes on the overhanging turbidites of Clarach Bay. To find these, park near Glan-y-Mor holiday park and head north along the beach.

Bird Rock inland from Tywyn, to the south-west of Cader Idris. The routes on this crag range from V Diff to E3 and details can be found in the following guide: 'Rock climbing in Snowdonia, Paul Williams' ISBN 0 09 468410 3. Climbing on this crag can be a enjoyable experience with views from the top being pleasant rather than spectacular.

Climbs can also be found on Cader Idris itself. This large hill less than an hours drive from Aberystwyth offers good traditional climbs on a massive cliff with a distinctive slab and groove structure. Climbs range from V Diff to E2 and details can be found in 'Rock climbing in Snowdonia, Paul Williams' ISBN 0 09 468410 3. Cyfrwy by the Table Direct (V Diff, 194m) is a nice days outing.

Cadair Idris is also the place to head for some good quality scrambling and walking routes.

The third location for climbing in this area is Craig Cywarch Crags near Dinas Mawddwy. These crags contain many climbs ranging from Diff to E3, details can be found in 'Rock climbing in Snowdonia, Paul Williams' ISBN 0 09 468410 3. Will-o'-the-Wisp (HV Diff, 95m) is a classic that improves throughout the route.

The third location for climbing in this area is Craig Cywarch Crags near Dinas Mawddwy. These crags contain many climbs ranging from Diff to E3, details can be found in 'Rock climbing in Snowdonia, Paul Williams' ISBN 0 09 468410 3. Will-o'-the-Wisp (HV Diff, 95m) is a classic that improves throughout the route.

A selection of easy slab climbs, that can get rather crowded. It does have nice views out across the Mawddach Estuary and although the slab only contains a few relatively easy routes, its certainly worth checking out. Its also an ideal place to take first time climbers as all routes can be top-ropes.

Other places to head for top quality climbing routes in Wales are of course Pembrokeshire and North Wales.