Croeso i Glwb Mynydda Prifysgol Caerdydd!
Welcome to Cardiff University Mountaineering Club!
As one of the biggest and most active clubs in the Athletic Union we always have something going on - whether it’s a climbing trip, a skills session or a social you’ll be sure to find something that you enjoy with us. As is typical of climbers we’re also one of the most relaxed clubs around, there’s no pressure to attend climbing sessions, you can learn at your own pace, and borrow our gear for the entire duration of your time in Cardiff.
We pride ourselves on being able to offer a wide range of climbing activities no matter your skill or experience level, and also do a fair share of non-climbing related activities. Have a look below to find out more about what we get up and follow our Instagram to stay up to date on all our adventures.
Indoor Climbing
Indoor climbing is the easiest and cheapest way to climb, and being in such a large clubs means that there will almost always be someone you recognise at our local gyms. In Cardiff we have two climbing gyms: Flashpoint, who offer bouldering and autobelays, and Boulders, who despite the name offer rope climbing and bouldering. Have a look below to see some of the indoor events that CUMC host:
Club Nights
Every Tuesday and Thursday we head to our local climbing gyms for a sociable evening climb. Here you can do whatever you fancy: borrow our gear or bring your own, have a relaxed session or push yourself to try harder grades, boulder or rope climb, climb alone or with other people. Please be aware that you will need to pay your own entry to climbing gyms, whether this be with a day pass or a monthly membership.
Skills Sessions
We will teach you any skills and techniques needed to help you become a better, more independent climber. You can learn how to top-rope or lead climb from one of our experienced mentors, learn some new climbing techniques with our Training Secretary, or complete our infamous core workouts for a tough way to end your session.
Competitions
Competitions are becoming a bigger part of our regular activities - and with prizes up for grabs, and unique climbs to try we understand why. You’ll be able to attend local climbing competitions like SWUCCS and Varsity, or compete on a national stage at BUCS and NULSCC. We also host a few of our own competitions throughout the year, including our Boulder Bash at the start of the year which is aimed towards beginner climbers.
Outdoor Climbing
We’re all about getting outside as much as possible, whether that be local crags for a skills day or on a weeklong trip to Spain. You can come along to trips across the UK and abroad for some supervised climbing, or if you want to be more independent then we can teach you the skills that you need to climb outdoors by yourself. Have a read below to find out more about our trips and skills sessions:
Skills Sessions
Once you’ve learnt how to lead climb indoors, we can teach you how to take those skills outside. From cleaning a sport anchor, to learning how to place trad gear, to setting up an abseil we will teach you everything you need to know to climb outside independently. You can learn everything you’ll ever need to know or just stick with bouldering if that’s how you like to roll.
Peak District
Our first trip happens in November is catered to beginner climbers, so it’s perfect if you have little or no climbing experience. We will take you to some of the most iconic crags in the world, where you can try both bouldering and top-roping whilst taking in the amazing views of the Peaks. For those who have more experience there will be plenty of hard boulders and maybe even the opportunity to trad climb.
El Chorro
If you fancy some sunny weather in mid-December then this is the trip for you. Jetting over to southern Spain for the incredible sport routes that El Chorro has on offer is popular with our club members - you’ll have to be quick to get a ticket for this trip. This is one of two trips that have minimum experience requirements, so be sure to work on your lead climbing skills to come along.
Cairngorms
If you’re a fan of cold weather then a post-January exams trip to the Cairngorms to learn winter skills from qualified guides will be your cup of tea. It’s suitable for people of any experience who want to learn about using crampons and ice axes and important winter safety skills – or for those who fancy sliding down a snowy hill doing self-arrest or digging a snow shelter .
North Wales
With the weather finally getting better (hopefully) we head up to Eryri in March for some epic climbing. This trip offers everything a climber could dream of, from sport-climbing in the iconic Dinorwic quarries or doing a trad-multipitch up Tryfan Bach, to bouldering in the valleys around Yr Wyddfa. Many CUMC members do their first trad leads on this trip so make sure to attend on of our trad skills sessions if you want to join them.
Fontainebleau
For a week during the Easter holidays we visit France to go to the home of bouldering, with the chance to try some of the most famous boulders in the world club, club members of all abilities want to come on this trip. You’ll be climbing and eating baguettes and pastries for a week straight – what’s not to love about this trip.
Lake District
If the summer exam and Easter holiday dates allow for an extra trip than we’ll be heading up to the Lake District for a weekend of trad-climbing. With crags around every corner, amazing views and plenty of water for a post-climb dip – this trip will be a nice relaxing weekend before the final exam push. If you’d like to come along then you’ll need to meet the lead climbing and trad skills requirements to get a ticket.
Socials
Like every sports club we love to socialise and meet up away from the crags and climbing gyms. We have socials and events for everyone from the ever-popular YOLO club nights to some more chilled out sober socials. See if we have anything that takes your fancy:
Taf Mondays
Every Monday from 8pm we’ll be hanging out in the Taf, coming along to this is the best way to meet new people. Stay as long or as little as you like, buy a drink or two and maybe even a bite to eat – you’re sure to have someone to chat to at our Taf Mondays whether you’re talking about climbing or not.
Wednesday Socials
Once a fortnight we have a Wednesday social, often being held at YOLO although we are fans of a classic pub crawl or house party. Get ready to make some costumes too as these socials come with some cool themes. When you come with our club you’ll get access to a queue skip at YOLO and discounted drinks at Revs.
Sober Socials
For those of you who like an early night we host regular sober socials where we do a range of different activities. Including but not limited to Ninja Warrior, Ice Skating, BBQs, and movie nights. These events are typically held on weekends or before Taf Monday.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Vice-President Immy Stokes at stokesi@cardiff.ac.uk