Three hikers with backpacks descend a grassy mountain slope overlooking a lake and distant peaks under a clear blue sky.

Welcome to Explore 2026!   

The first Explore Weekend was launched to celebrate Ellis Brigham's 90th anniversary. For 2026, the event will evolve with a new focus: empowering more people to access the outdoors confidently. Through hands-on sessions and expert-led experiences, Explore 2026 will equip you with the skills you need to plan and enjoy your own adventures. On 28-30 August, we are heading to the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) and using Plas Y Brenin as our base camp.  

We are bringing runners, hikers, climbers, and paddleboarders together to advance and progress our skills. Whether you want to try a new sport or gain further experience in an activity you're already passionate about. 

Register to be the first to know when tickets go live

Event information

Two hikers with backpacks and caps traverse a forest trail, showcasing durable mountain sportswear and gear.

Course descriptions

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Beginners

Trail running intro

A one-day course spent looking at fitness, technique, and progression. We will put these skills into practice on the trail with a short run that day. 

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Improvers

Trail running improver

A two-day course. Day one includes a shorter run focused on fitness and techniques required when going out on the trail. It will also cover route planning, navigation, weather forecasts, kit, what to eat, how to fuel, and pace and movement over rugged terrain. On day two, you'll put those skills into practice on a longer trail run. 

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Beginners

Climbing intro

A one-day course getting to grips with the climbing basics. We will focus on how to tie-in, how to belay each other safely, movement technique, and how to gain confidence climbing outside (weather permitting). 

Image of Climbing improver

Improvers

Climbing improver

A two-day course, spent looking at climbing technique, skills, and confidence across top ropes and abseiling. We will put this into practice on climbing routes in the beautiful Welsh mountains. 

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Improvers

Stand-up paddleboard improver

A one-day course covering skills, technique, and confidence on a stand-up paddleboard, culminating in a short river journey.

Image of Navigation & hillwalking improver

Improvers

Navigation & hillwalking improver

A one-day course spent looking at route planning & navigation using a map and compass, putting them into practice in the mountains.

Image of First aid top-up

Top-up

First aid top-up

A one-day course spent refreshing knowledge on the first aid skills needed for outdoor activities.

Learning in partnership

We've partnered with Plas Y Brenin because we believe it's the best place for people to come and develop their skills. Together, we're supporting the Mountain Adventure Fund (MAF). MAF give young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to be inspired and motivated by wild places. £15 from every Explore 2026 ticket sold will go towards MAF.

FAQs

Who is the Explore weekend for? 

Explore weekend is an event aimed at trail runners, hikers, climbers, and stand-up paddleboarders who are keen to either try a new outdoor activity or improve their skills and confidence in it. 

Where is the event taking place? 

The event will take place at Plas y Brenin (PyB), the National Outdoor Centre for England and Wales. Based in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, PyB help develop all levels of adventure sports skills.

Location: Plas y Brenin, Capel Curig, Conwy, LL24 0ET 

Phone: 01690 720 214 

Email: info@pyb.co.uk 

Can we swap the workshops that we are booked onto? 

We offer a range of courses, from introductory sessions to improvement workshops, which you can choose when booking. Once you have chosen your activity, we are unable to offer any swaps. If you are unsure which course is right for you, please give PYB a call or email. 

Can I use the kit from Plas y Brenin's stores? 

If you have your own running, hiking, climbing, or paddling equipment, please do bring it along. For those without kit, PYB can provide it free of charge from our stores. PYB don't have trail running equipment available. However, we will be bringing a selection to trial and buy. The PYB instructors will inspect any kit you bring. 

What is included in the food package? 

Both residential and non-residential tickets include: 

  • Friday: evening meal 

  • Saturday: breakfast, packed lunch, tea & cake, evening meal 

  • Sunday: breakfast, packed lunch, tea & cake

What accommodation options are there? 

At Plas y Brenin, a range of on-site accommodation is available, including single rooms, twin rooms, and bunk-bed dormitory rooms. Most of the rooms are in the Main House, while some are in separate cottages and farmhouses across the site.  

Please notify PYB of any mobility issues or other special requests regarding bedrooms, and we will do our best to accommodate them. If your preferred accommodation option is sold out, please get in touch with PYB at info@pyb.co.uk. 

What happens if there are poor weather conditions during the event? 

Our experienced instructors will adapt the program based on weather conditions to ensure all attendees stay safe and get the most from their sessions. 

What happens if I can no longer attend the event? 

Terms and Conditions apply, please see PYB for further details.