ABOUT HOW TO CLIMB
A life of adventure
How to Climb is a mountaineering and climbing school based in North Wales. It was founded by Alex Riley, who's passion for adventure climbing inspired its creation. Alex and the team deliver open skills courses as well as bespoke private courses tailored to your needs and goals.
Alex after climbing El Cap
Alex's team consists of experienced and qualified climbers who are dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience. Whether you are a beginner or advanced climber, How to Climb has something for you. We also offer guided climbs for those who want to experience the thrill of climbing but prefer to leave the technical aspects to us. Contact us today to book your next adventure.
Professional Association Membership
Our Qualifications
Our team hold up to the highest level qualifications in the UK for teaching and guiding climbing and mountaineering. They are committed to personal and professional development.
For international trips we utilise our strong network of IFMGA guides.
More About Alex.
Alex was introduced to the outdoor through a residential school trip to Wales, where he tried kayaking, archery, hill walking and climbing. He did not take to climbing well. It wasn't until some immersion therapy/extreme canyoning as a young adult that his crippling fear of heights started to be tamed.
Once the ball started rolling it didn't stop and Alex has now climbed in every discipline all over the world. This led him to a career in the outdoor sector and to qualify as a Mountaineering and Climbing instructor. He is known for regularly establishing the first ascents of new routes and for crag development. He is also a guidebook and magazine contributor and has been published as a photographer numerous times.
Significant Ascents
Strawberries
E7 6b ***
Tremadog
A long term project at the crag Alex started climbing at. He had been dreaming about this route for over a decade before finally sending it in 2024.
Meirionnydd
E7 6b ***
Moelwyn Bach
After seconding the first ascent, Alex returned to make the second ascent. Now a bit of a modern classic, thanks to the excellent climbing (and perhaps soft grading!).
Cool Moon
E7 6c ***
Curbar
A quick summer hit on the grit resulted in a surprise headpoint of Cool Moon, racing to lead it before the sun came around.
Lurking Fear
C2 5.7 ***
El Capitan
El Capitan in Yosemite is the jewel in the crown of North American climbing. Alex made a three day ascent of El Cap and a two day ascent of Washington Column on a trip to the States in 2022.
Don Quixote
VI+ ***
M
Not the most technically difficult route on the list, but a memorable achievement non the less. This route highlighted the importance of teamwork with Alex's wife Anna putting in some solid leads to secure the summit.
Lunacy
VII 8 ***
Clogwyn Y Ddysgyl
A hard won onsight winter first ascent of the summer line Bad Moon Risin' E3 6a.
Juvsolyla
WI6 ***
Rjukan
Nearly but not quite. A near complete ascent of the route, turned back 20m from the top due to poor ice. Sometimes the best routes are the ones that get away...
Pirates of Pen Llyn
6c+ ***
Trywyn Bychestyn
A spur of the moment deep water solo first ascent on the Llyn Peninsular .