Scottish classics
...mountains are the cathedrals in which to practice my religion...
When it comes to scenery, and capacity for mountaineering adventures, few places rival the Scottish Highlands. Covering 10'000 square miles, the Highlands is by far the largest region in Scotland and contains the UK's highest mountains. In particular, the Isle of Skye, and areas of Lochaber and Glen Coe, offer many of Scotland's most classic mountaineering journeys.
Any week in the Scottish Highlands is a demanding one. Therefore it is advantageous, both for yourself and for your fellow participants, to have a good level of fitness, a head for heights, and preferably have prior walking, scrambling and/or climbing experience.
All of the following activities are 5 days in length (unless stated otherwise) and based in the Scottish Highlands, between the Isle of Skye and the West coast. Prices are per person. Recommendations and advice for accommodation can be found at the bottom of this page. Meeting places and timings will be confirmed at the time of booking. Typically the ratio of instructors to participants is between 1:2 and 1:4. If you are a larger group than 4, and/or an individual or group, who wish to have an activity run somewhere else in Scotland, then please Get In Contact to discuss your aspirations - itineraries are only limited to your imagination!
Any week in the Scottish Highlands is a demanding one. Therefore it is advantageous, both for yourself and for your fellow participants, to have a good level of fitness, a head for heights, and preferably have prior walking, scrambling and/or climbing experience.
All of the following activities are 5 days in length (unless stated otherwise) and based in the Scottish Highlands, between the Isle of Skye and the West coast. Prices are per person. Recommendations and advice for accommodation can be found at the bottom of this page. Meeting places and timings will be confirmed at the time of booking. Typically the ratio of instructors to participants is between 1:2 and 1:4. If you are a larger group than 4, and/or an individual or group, who wish to have an activity run somewhere else in Scotland, then please Get In Contact to discuss your aspirations - itineraries are only limited to your imagination!
Cuillin ridge Traverse
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Completing the Cuillin Ridge traverse is the most impressive mountaineering feat in the UK; 10km of continuous, exposed scrambling, 3000m+ of ascent, 20 x 3000ft peaks, and an additional 7km in approach and descent. This should be at the top of all mountaineers' list, and is essential for any munro-bagger!
2 days and an overnight bivouac is required for the traverse. The price below is for 3 days - the extra day allows for initial training or additional guiding. If poor weather cancels the traverse an alternative itinerary will be arranged. ✓ Traverses will only be attempted with individuals who know each other ✓ FREE hire of a helmet, harness, and evening bivouac meal included |
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Title:
Cuillin Ridge Traverse 1:1 Private guiding |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 1 |
Price:
£550 £1000 |
Ratio:
1:2 1:1 |
Cuillin munros
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The Skye munros are the most technical munros in Scotland. This 5-day course provides you with the opportunity to attempt all 12, including the prized Inaccessible Pinnacle (Sgurr Dearg). Much of the Cuillin Ridge involves exposed and technical scrambling, so good fitness and a head for heights is necessary, however, experience of roped climbing is not essential. As always on Skye, the weather is a factor, but rest-assured that the best objective for each day will be selected, and if you happen to have already completed one or more of the munros then there is always another classic scramble or climb to accomplish!
✓ Stress-free, guided scrambling, with the aim of completing all 12 munros ✓ FREE hire of a helmet and harness |
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Title:
Cuillin Munros 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition Cuillin Munros (per day, 1:1) Cuillin Munros (per day, 1:2) |
Dates:
Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates Dates on demand Dates on demand |
Spaces:
2 1 2 1 2 |
Price:
£850 £1650 £800 £325 £165 |
Ratio:
1:2 1:1 1:2 1:1 1:2 |
Cuillin climber
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With over 30 different peaks and 400 miles of coastline, Skye has a vast range of options for scrambling and climbing. 'Cuillin Climber' gives you the chance to spend 5 days completing whichever challenge you fancy: Conquer the Pinnacle Ridge, sword-fight on the Cioch, test your nerve climbing on the great Skye sea cliffs, or rise to the challenge of the Clach Glas traverse or the Dubh slabs. It is also possible to attempt a 2-day Cuillin Ridge traverse during this week, requiring an additional supplement of £75 per person.
✓ Stress-free, guided scrambling and climbing, to suit your level and ability ✓ FREE tuition of skills such as planning, ropework and 'seconding' skills ✓ FREE hire of a helmet, harness and chalk bag |
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Title:
Cuillin Climber 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 1 2 |
Price:
£850 £1650 £800 |
Ratio:
1:2 1:1 1:2 |
West coast giants
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Enjoy the very best of Scotland's West coast with 5 days of mountaineering. The itinerary remains flexible, to suit the weather and the group's aims. Spend the first 2 days at a 1:4 ratio, on classic journeys such as completing Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg arete, whilst the latter 3 days will be spent at a 1:2 ratio, on routes such as the Aonach Eagach traverse, Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis, or Curved Ridge on Buachaille Etive Mor. Good fitness will ensure you and the other participants enjoy every single big, memorable day to the fullest!
✓ Stress-free, guided scrambling, to suit your level and ability ✓ FREE tuition of skills such as planning, ropework and 'seconding' skills ✓ FREE hire of a helmet, harness and chalk bag |
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Title:
West Coast Giants 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
4 1 4 |
Price:
£525 £1575 £500 |
Ratio:
1:2 1:1 1:2 |
- What is included in the price?
Instruction at the above ratios, all non-personal specialist equipment such as ropes and climbing hardware, all emergency first aid equipment. - What is not included in the price?
Accommodation, food and drink for the day, personal insurance, personal equipment (unless stated otherwise), overnight bivouac sleeping equipment for any 2-day Cuillin Ridge traverse. - What is the minimum number of participants required to ensure my activity runs?
2 for all of the above activities at a 1:2 ratio. And, with fear of being obvious, 1 for 1:1 private bookings! - Who will staff my activity?
Your activity will be staffed by me or another fully qualified mountaineering and climbing instructor (MCI), or a British mountain guide (BMG). - Can I hire walking boots and/or climbing shoes from you?
No, sorry. Because of vastly different shoe sizes from person to person, I do not stock a large range. However, there are numerous shops and hire services available in the local area to your activity or course, or you can Get In Contact if you need any more help acquiring a pair. - Can I hire a rucksack from you?
Yes, please arrange this at the time of booking. Rucksacks cost £20 per person, per day. A deposit of £75 to cover any damage or soiling of the materials is required. - Can I bring along my own helmet, harness, ropes and climbing hardware to use or ask questions about?
Yes of course, however this equipment will be thoroughly checked by me or another member of staff before it is deemed suitable for use. - Will you provide extra advice on packing my rucksack if attempting a 2-day Cuillin Ridge traverse?
Yes, extra advice will be given and all questions can be answered; Your rucksack will need to be packed efficiently for a Cuillin Ridge traverse. It is imperative that you carry no more or no less than you require. This is to ensure sufficient pace can be kept throughout both days, and further, to ensure your safety through your ability to move competently and securely. - Where can I stay?
There are a variety of options, both around the Isle of Skye and the West coast, to suit everybody's tastes and budgets. There are many more options than the ones suggested below, and of the options suggested below, all operate independently from me:
Skye hostels - Waterfront Bunkhouse; Sligachan Bunkhouse; Broadford Youth Hostel.
Skye campsites - Sligachan campsite; Glenbrittle campsite; Camping Skye
Skye B&Bs - Sligachan Hotel; Old Inn; Broadford Hotel; 'Air BnB' options are also available
West coast hostels - Fort William Backpackers; Glen Nevis Youth Hostel; Glencoe Independant Hostel
West coast campsites - Red Squirrel; Glen Nevis Campsite; Lochy Holiday Park
West coast B&Bs - Ben Nevis Inn and Bunkhouse; Clachaig Inn; 'Air BnB' options are also available. - What kit do I need to bring?
For all of the above activities you may be out in the mountains all day, and therefore will require the following:
1. Warm clothing, including suitable hats, gloves and sunglasses where appropriate
2. Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
3. Walking boots, or suitable trainers or 'approach shoes'
4. Food, drink and personal medication
5. Small personal first aid kit, if required (to include things like blister plasters, suncream)
6. Mobile phone and whistle
7. Personal walking poles
8. Personal climbing shoes and any climbing hardware you own, such as a belay plate or karabiners (only required for 'West Coast Giants' and 'Cuillin Climber')
9. Personal helmet and harness if you wish (unless stated otherwise)
10. Day-food and extra snacks, toiletries and desired luxury items for any 2-day Cuillin Ridge traverse
11. Sleeping bag, cotton liner and roll mat for any 2-day Cuillin Ridge traverse
12. Head torch and spare batteries
13. Rucksack (30L minimum recommended, 40L minimum recommended for any any 2-day Cuillin Ridge traverse) and waterproof liner
"Amazing day!! Can't thank Alex enough, so patient and helpful!! Absolutely unreal!!"
V. Moss (Aonach Eagach traverse)
V. Moss (Aonach Eagach traverse)
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