Brave Dave

"I booked a place on Brave Dave's Great Mountain Escape after seeing Dave post about it on his Instagram. I've followed Dave online for a while and this looked like a lot of fun. It was late September and Dave had planned it quite late so it was only a small group of us on the weekend (seven) but that turned out to be really good as the others were a sound bunch of people. Everyone got on really well and Dave led us on two proper good hikes in classic autumn weather. It was so good to get away from real life for a while and breathe some mountain fresh air. Watching the sunset after a rain shower was pretty special! Dave assessed our abilities and the next day decided that we would all be capable of doing Crib Goch. Wow, what a climb that is! Because we were a smaller group Dave could take us on a more adventurous route than if there had been more of us. We were out on Snowdon all afternoon and into the evening, the last few miles back to the lodge were done by torch light, a proper adventure!The lodge is amazing. We got there by 4x4 and had the whole valley to ourselves. The weather even held out long enough for us to have a camp fire and barbecue! I'll definitely be coming back to another Great Mountain Escape next year, especially in the summer! Bring on the wild swimming!"

"We're a group of old school friends from down south. Our mate was getting married but didn't want a normal stag do so we looked for something a bit different. One of our lads had seen Brave Dave's videos on Youtube so we found Dave's website and his page for a Great Mountain Escape! I emailed Dave about organising it and he said "Hell yeah!". A few months later and we were in Snowdonia, staying at an amazing lodge in the middle of nowhere, having an absolute ball! What a place!Dave was like a holiday rep! He answered any questions we had and sorted us out for whatever we needed. He led us on mountain walks and made sure everyone stayed safe especially as people were drinking beer more than water (sorry Dave!!). We went wild swimming, we had barbecue, we jumped into the freezing stream near the lodge. We played music (loud) and had camp fires. Dave was happy to either take charge and lead, or step back and let us do our own thing. We all had a superb weekend and it was so good to do something different with our own lodge out in the wilderness, away from anyone else so we could make as much noise as we wanted. Having Dave there meant that even though we were miles from anywhere with two kegs of beer we could properly relax and enjoy ourselves without having to worry about the finer details or things going wrong. Cheers Brave Dave!"

"What can I say! We're keen hikers from Ireland with some decent routes under our belts. We have always wanted to do the Welsh 3000s but due to being so far away it was not something we could easily reccy beforehand. Navigation is a huge part of a route like the 3000s and we didn't want to risk wasting time getting lost or constantly checking maps. We needed someone who could lead the way and set the pace!Enter Brave Dave! Right from the start when I was emailing Dave he was a wealth of information and advice. He helped sort out the complicated logistics and made sure everyone was as prepared as possible before the big day. On the hike itself we were so relieved that we had spent some money to hire Dave as our guide. The 3000s is an epic route, so much bigger than you imagine it to be from looking on a map. Dave knows the route like the back of his hand and equally importantly he knows how to pace each part of it. On some of the early peaks we were getting ahead of ourselves, wanting to push on faster and faster. Dave slowed us down and told us to trust him. Well thank goodness he did! By the time we were on top of the Carneddau we were really feeling it. Dave paced us just right so that when we reached the last peak as the sun was setting we were completely knackered. And we did the route in a very satisfying 17 hours! If we hadn't slowed down in the earlier stages who knows how far we'd have managed before gassing out. The weather was wet for the first half of the route which made things much more risky especially on the Glyders which are mostly just rocks and boulders. Dave was always switched on and checking we were okay. We were completely confident that he would get us to the end and he delivered big time!An absolutely epic day out and we were all buzzing from the achievement. I would 100% recommend other people to hire Brave Dave as their guide for this route. We also agreed that Dave needed to increase his pricing for this because now that we have done the 3000s we fully appreciate just what a huge ordeal it must be to lead others. Thank you Brave Dave, you're welcome to join us on a hike in Ireland any time!"

"Dave led three of us up and over Tryfan and then up Bristly Ridge onto the Glyders. I have some hiking experience but nothing could have prepared me for how awesome this day out was. Dave didn't just lead us up the trodden paths, he detoured up various scrambles which really kept things interesting. I am happy to admit that I felt well outside of my comfort zone in places, but Dave confidently led us over each scramble, making sure we knew where to put our hands and feet and sometimes taking our bags from us to make it easier. If I hadn't had Dave there as a leader there is absolutely no way I would have gone the routes that we did. Having someone lead the way, who knows the mountains very well, meant that our day out was ten times better and more intense. I can't wait to do it again!"

"My friend Emma and I really wanted to climb Snowdon! Being two mums in our forties we were originally apprehensive about Crib Goch but when planning the trip via email Dave assured us that it would be fine and that he'd get us up and over it without any problems. Well he was absolutely right! We were both so pleased that we opted for Crib Goch in the end. The weather was perfect, the views were stunning and we both felt comfortable and safe up there the whole time. Dave kept us at ease, laughing and joking but always looking out for our well-being, and checking that we were okay. An amazing day out, thanks so much Brave Dave!!"

"After several months of planning and delays we finally met up with Dave on a cold and very windy evening at the car park in Tryfan. It was quick walk up for Dave -but not us- to find a place to pitch our tents for the night. As the wind was quite gusty it wasn't the best of times to pitch tents but luckily there was no rain! All in all it was quite an interesting night in the tents with the howling wind which I thoroughly enjoyed. Where in London can you do something like this?? Waking up early to watch the sunrise was a treat as was the walk around the lake later; this due to my dodgy knee where I decided not to climb Tryfan.Spending time with Dave has been lovely experience. This is one chap who loves what he does. No one could have been more helpful than him with the advice and support since we initially planned this trip. Got to do this again for sure. Thanks Dave!"

"Myself and three old friends had planned a weekend in Snowdonia and we wanted to make the most of our short time there. We tried and somewhat failed to do the horseshoe the previous summer and therefore wanted this time to conquer Crib Goch! Even though we are all fit and strong 55 year olds, and used to hiking, we agreed that we could do with a really good guide.We decided to hire Brave Dave to organise and lead us on a hike that would challenge us all, and we were not disappointed! The route and views were amazing. Dave led us safely across Crib Goch, ensuring that everyone was okay at all times. It was great to finally be up there, and we had full confidence in Dave as our guide. By the time we were back at the car we were all exhausted and felt that we had really achieved something special on our trip. Thanks Dave, we will be back!"

"After watching a few of Dave's YouTube videos, and wanting to take a more exciting route up Snowdon I contacted Dave. I was a complete beginner at scrambling and found Dave was very patient and gave me lots of instruction to build up my confidence as we ascended up to Crib Goch. When we arrived at the north ridge something neither of us expected happened, the soles of my boots started to disintegrate!As it was wet and quite windy, and with my boots having virtually no grip, we agreed that the only thing to do was to make our way down to safety. Using his intimate knowledge of the area, Dave found us a safe route down. It was clear that my safety was his number one priority.Overall I still had a great time, even if it didn't quite go to plan!"

"I started doing some walks and scrambles around two years ago, mostly in the Peak District and I'd always have a look on YouTube, and check out the stuff on there for the scrambles that I was about to do, or had done.That's when I saw lots of YouTube videos by Brave Dave.There were lots to choose from, and I spent tons of time checking them out. One of them that got my attention was Crib Goch.With a "big birthday" looming, I fancied doing Crib Goch as part of the birthday celebrations. So I decided to book Brave Dave to take me, my two daughters and one of their boyfriends, across the mighty Crib Goch.Whilst I'd already completed lots of Grade 1 scrambles, Crib Goch looked like a whole new level.I wanted to enjoy the scramble without having any worries about which route to take, any particularly tricky parts and also, how best to complete the adventure.And an adventure it most certainly was! Right from the outset, Dave put everyone at ease, and told stories of his own scrambling and other groups he'd led. At all times, he was mindful of our experience, and took account of this during the tricky parts of the scramble; guiding us and showing us where the best hand and foot holds were. Dave took us along the North Ridge, to get to the start of Crib Goch. I'd not seen any YouTube clips of this approach to Crib Goch - and it was a bit of a surprise!This was quite a tough scramble in several parts - and it definitely helped to get us ready for the Crib Goch ridge.Crib Goch was awesome and it didn't end there. After we climbed the Pinnacles, Dave led us over to Garnedd Ugain and this involved climbing over some large rock formations. We all looked at them, thinking - "Really?"Dave commented that... "They're not as bad as they look".And he was right. Once we started the climbs, everything went really smoothly.A gust of wind took my beanie hat into the air, made it float for a few seconds, and then it dropped, twenty feet below!Dave went down to retrieve it - such a top bloke!After this, we headed off to the Snowdon summit, and at this point, the sun had come out - making it a fantastic opportunity to take in the views, following a fantastic day.A stroll (relatively speaking) down the Pyg Track, was the end to the best scrambling day I've ever had.There is no way I would have enjoyed it so much, if I hadn't got Dave to take us all along.He was so brilliant with all of our little gang, making sure we were all okay and keeping safe. He chatted and joked, whilst still maintaining a professional approach.If you're thinking of doing Crib Goch, and are a bit concerned about it - get Dave to take you on the adventure. We all had a blast of a day - it was an awesome and exhilarating adventue - and we've got the pictures and memories to prove it.Next up... Tryfan with Brave Dave! "

"We hired Dave to lead us on two separate days, first up Crib Goch and Snowdon and then the next day up Tryfan. Crib Goch was amazing, I've never done anything like it before. The weather was blustery and misty so thank goodness we had Brave Dave leading the way otherwise I'd have had no clue where to go or where we were. Dave made sure we felt confident and safe at all times and was always keeping our spirits up by making jokes and telling stories.The next day we met Dave at Tryfan and set off up the north face. However my fitness let us down, especially after the climb we'd done the day before, and I had to call quits half way up the north face. I felt bad about it but Dave said it was no problem and instead led us up towards Devil's Kitchen. This was a very scenic and pleasant hike and I felt much better about things afterwards. Fantastic couple of days and great leadership from Brave Dave!! Thanks!"

"For my birthday my girlfriend booked me on a Brave Dave Guided Adventure, and what a present it was! We set off in the evening, crossing mountain streams and scrambling up alongside waterfalls before wild camping at the base of Crib Goch, which was a proper experience. Then the next day we climbed and crossed Crib Goch and went all the way around the Snowdon Horseshoe. My girlfriend was staying at the Llyn Gwynant camp site and so instead of having to walk miles down to the valley and along a road Dave improvised a route which led us directly down to the camp site from the top of Snowdon! We battled through thick ferns and down steep slopes to finally arrive at the site. What an adventure!"

"I wanted to climb Tryfan and explore some of the Glyders but there was no way I was going to do it by myself. So I hired Brave Dave to lead me and I'm so glad that I did. Dave knew all the best routes up Tryfan to really have a go at some class scrambling, finding routes to match my ability and push me as well. We then ascended Bristly Ridge (a fantastic scramble) and made our way to the Cantilever Rock. I had loads of fun and felt safe the whole way round. Dave was always checking how I was doing and I never felt pushed or rushed. I definitely recommend getting Dave to lead the way!!"

"I had had a Mt Blanc expedition planned which unfortunately fell through. To cheer me up my dad booked a day being led by Brave Dave instead! Dave led me and my brother over Crib Goch and around the Horseshoe. It was a fantastic day out and a great second best to Mt Blanc which I'll do another time instead. Top class views (when the mist cleared) and some proper rugged hiking made for an ace time on the mountain! Cheers, Dave :)"

"I'd already had Brave Dave lead me six months earlier when we went up and over Crib Goch, and I was itching for more so I hired him to lead me again, this time up and over Tryfan and beyond! Once again Dave led me on a proper adventure with absolutely loads of scrambling (obviously, because this is Tryfan we're talking about). Dave led me up some really interesting scrambles and I even surprised myself with what I was capable of doing. At no point did I feel under pressure to climb any of the routes we took and Dave always made it clear that there were easier options if I didn't want to carry on that way, but he got me up every scramble we attempted. I always felt safe which is so important on these sorts of climbs for confidence and motivation. We then continued up Bristly Ridge was mind blowing. No doubt I'll hire Brave Dave again because Tryfan and Bristly Ridge were amazing!"

"After an amazing day out on Crib Goch with Dave a month earlier I found myself at the base of Tryfan on a Saturday morning, once again with Dave leading the way.I was feeling confident and was really up for Tryfan, and within about 15 minutes we had hand on rock. Conditions were pretty good to start with and Dave had clearly got a feel for my adventure levels from Crib Goch. He obviously knows the mountain well so we got into some decent scrambles which pushed me nicely, with Dave guiding me through the more gnarly parts.As an adult who embraces and seeks adventure I like the fact Dave is really good at letting me paddle in the adrenaline pool, letting me wade in it up to my waist on Bristly Ridge, but never ever letting me get out of my depth. Tryfan was really good and gnarly here and there, but Bristly was where the real excitement was, especially in in three or four places. Dave kept me safe at all times while I occasionally went to the edges of my comfort zone, which of course was precisely what I signed up for in the first place!It's interesting to note that Dave was continually assessing the more gnarly parts and always suggesting different routes and discussing what I would like to try or not. We did Tryfan, Bristly Ridge, Glyder Fach in total mist which then cleared as we came down Y Gribin. The last 90 minutes we came down in the dark on head torches which just added to a great day out.I am always happy to pay for quality but won't pay through the nose if I can help it. We started at 9.10 hrs and finished over 11 hours later at 8.15 in the evening. That's a day out with top value!I'm going to return to Bristly Ridge with Dave as soon as I can in order to nail those moves I couldn't do this time!If you've watched Dave's videos then let me tell you, what you see is what you get! If you think you'll get on with Dave from watching his vids then you will! It's like having a day out with a good mate. But a mate I know could get a 10 year old up and down the mountain safely but who is equally at home with folk like me who want some adventure. Whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned mountain person, just book him!"

"I have been watching Dave’s mountain videos for a few years now. Always entertaining. So, I was getting itchy to do something to replace my Covid-abandoned Mount Blanc plans. "Crib Goch" I thought. "And I’ll hire Dave".Good decision! You get a feel for someone when they put themselves on Youtube and I thought we saw stuff in much the same way. I was concerned though, that being a Sunday it would be crowded. Dave told me that we would go up and not meet many folk on the way up as we wouldn’t be using the Pyg track from Pen-Y-Pass. Tougher route up for sure but much more interesting and fun. And it was all of that.So we cracked on. It was silly windy but Dave reassured me that the route was perfectly doable. And he was right! We set out in the rain and it was straight into the fun. I’m reasonably fit for 57 and spend a lot of time in the Brecons but was carrying some niggling injuries. No issue, we went at my pace and slowed down when the steep ground and rock needed concentration. There was no pressure to go beyond my capabilities.We got our reward for chancing it alright. Twice! Firstly we didn't see a single other person all day. Nice! And secondly, just on the North Ridge the clouds parted, the rain stopped and the sun beamed out while the ridiculous wind threw the clouds around like smoke from a raging fire. We looked at each other and just laughed with pure joy. The wind added a serious edge to the more technical bits but Dave saw me through the odd awkward one. And the extra adrenaline was a major bonus. No one else fancied it in that wind but it was so worth it.Top day out and around 9 hours in all. Tired and very happy. I've already booked to do Tryfan circuit next!"