UKC

Hi, I'm considering taking a 10-15 day bouldering trip to North Wales next October (from France).

I read that crags are pretty much climbable year-round as long as it's dry out, but would that happen a lot in October ?

Also, are boulders accessible without a car from Llanberis ? I might just take a mountain bike with me

Thanks

That is really a guess, October could be perfect or a complete washout or anything in-between! Not much help, I know...

All of the Llanberis bouldering is easily accessible by bike from Llanberis and given the parking issues in recent years, a bike would probably be an excellent choice of transport. However, this is one of the wettest areas in North Wales and although there are many wet weather alternatives away from the mountains, (Porth Ysgo for example) these areas are a considerable distance to cycle with a pad on your back. There are quick drying boulders in the Pass though.

The Simon Panton  guide to North Wales Bouldering will give you an idea of the quickest sectors to dry, sunniest, windiest etc. 

I'm sure a local will be along with better information shortly.Good luck anyway!

There is a bus up to the Cromlech from Llanberis which gives access to all the boulders in the pass.

There is generally somewhere to climb but it can involve going to the coast or even just a different valley if it rains in the hills so a car would be useful. 

A car is useful but some people manage to get by with buses. I imagine hiring a car in the UK isn't so cheap, but it will make things easier. As others have said, the pass ( Cromlech boulders,  Tonfedd, etc) are easy to bus from Llanberis, and I think with a little planning it wouldn't be hard to visit the other big valley, Ogwen ( Gorlan (The Sheep Pen),  Milestone Buttress Boulders, etc).

For a trip of that length I'd be surprised if you don't get a lot of climbing in, even if the weather is overall quite crap. Many boulders dry fast and some (particularly limestone caves on/near the north coast like  Parisella's Cave) are pretty weatherproof.

The Met Office and MWIS are good for weather, so if it is changeable conditions, try and keep your day flexible for those dry windows.

The North Wales Bouldering guide has a lot of info on conditions and access, so if you can get a copy it should be very useful.