Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What experience level do I need to be guided/instructional scrambling & Rock Climbing activities?
We cater to all abilities and experience levels, from complete beginners to seasoned climbers. Offering routes for all ability levels. Our focus is on providing courses that seek to refine your skills and development you into climbers and mountaineers. We ensure that you have ample opportunity to learn at your own pace, but equal challenge maximising the conditions and venues we have available to us throughout the duration of your course. We believe in a more measured, supportive and educational approach; allowing you to move towards true independence and enjoyment of the mountains - we will gladly tell you what level we think you are at and work on helping you towards your goals. We can do this by selecting challenges we believe appropriate to your skill and fitness level and coaching you towards your goals - There’s a world of adventure waiting for you, regardless of your starting point! Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your skills and challenge you beyond your imagination! Our experienced instructors will guide you through the process, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Join us, and let’s explore the thrilling world of scrambling and rock climbing together!
I have concerns or questions relating to my: fitness, experience, ability or health what should I do?
The mountains can be a really intimidating place, but once you gain your confidence they are a marvellous place to visit and relax. If you are concerned because of any of the aforementioned topics, from anxiety to fitness, health, experience or any other reason please don't hesitate to get in touch via the link below or phone me for a confidential chat. Our ethos is all about supporting people, as they learn new skills and helping folk to gain the confidence to undertake new adventures and achieve things they never imagined!
What if the weather is unsuitable for my planned activity?
Weather can be unpredictable here in Scotland, and it’s an inherent part of the adventure whether you're climbing, mountaineering, scrambling, or hiking in the Highlands. Frequent poor weather may require us to adjust our original plans, particularly if they rely on stable or dry conditions. Flexibility is key, and we aim to equip you with the skills to choose routes suited to your experience and the current weather and mountain conditions. This may involve traveling for a few hours to find better weather, altering our objectives to align with the conditions, or even changing the type of activity. This adaptable approach is typical for climbers in Scotland and is an important safety skill to develop. As local climbers, we're skilled at locating dry rock and suitable scrambling routes to ensure you enjoy a valuable and memorable experience. Our goal is to guide you toward becoming an independent adventurer in the mountains, and navigating weather challenges is a crucial part of that journey. If the weather becomes severely unfavourable and we cannot meet the objectives of your course, we are happy to offer a refund or reschedule your activity.
What clothing and equipment do I need to bring?
Kit List Summer Equipment & Clothing: 1. Rucksack: - 30L (approximately) with waist and chest straps for added comfort. 2. Waterproofing: - Dry bags or bin bags to protect your belongings from moisture. 3. Footwear: - Comfortable walking boots or shoes with a good grip. 4. Socks: - Comfortable walking socks. 5. Clothing: - Walking trousers (please avoid jeans; tracksuit bottoms are acceptable). - Moisture-wicking T-shirt (avoid cotton). - Fleece. - Waterproof jacket (essential; consider Gore-Tex or similar brands like Macpac or Trespass). - Waterproof trousers (essential; again, Gore-Tex or similar recommended). - Spare fleece or base layer. - Puffer or belay jacket (recommended for emergencies or rest stops). 6. Food & Hydration: - Packed lunch and snacks (energy bars, nuts, sweets, dried meats, etc.). - Minimum of 1L of water (more if temperatures are high). 7. Accessories: - Gloves and hat. - Emergency survival bag. - Head torch. Scrambling: - We can provide all ropes and technical hardware, but if you have the following gear great! - Harness - Helmet - Belay Plate & HMS locking biner - 3-4 Spare carabiners - Prussik - Nut Key - Footwear more appropriate to scrambling (approach shoes or boots) - not essential Rock Climbing: - We can provide all ropes and technical hardware, but if you have the following gear great! - Harness - Helmet - Belay Plate & HMS locking carabiner - 3-4 Spare carabiners - Prussik - Nut Key (We can provide these, but if you have your own great!) - Chalk Bag - Climbing Shoes (Make sure to bring your own if you have them, we don’t have many spares!) - Approach Shoes Winter Equipment & Clothing: 1. Rucksack: - 30-40L with waist and chest straps for comfort. 2. Waterproofing: - Dry bags or bin bags to keep your belongings dry. 3. Footwear: - B-rated winter boots suitable for walking on compacted snow (rentable, details below) 4. Technical Gear: - Ice axe (available for rent in Fort William; see rental links on our FAQ page). - Crampons (also available for rent). 5. Comfortable walking socks. 6. Clothing: - Thermal base layers. - Walking trousers (avoid jeans; tracksuit bottoms are acceptable). - Moisture-wicking T-shirt (avoid cotton). - Fleece jacket. - Waterproof jacket (essential; consider Gore-Tex or similar). - Waterproof trousers (essential; Gore-Tex or similar recommended). - Spare fleece or base layer. - Puffer or belay jacket (important for emergencies or rest breaks). 7. Food & Hydration: - Packed lunch and snacks (energy bars, nuts, sweets, dried meats, etc.). - Minimum of 1L of water (Hot Flask of Tea/ Juice) 8. Accessories: - Gloves (bring 2-3 pairs for warmth). - Warm hat. - Emergency survival bag. - Head torch. - Hand warmers. Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or require additional info.orma
How old do I need to take part?
U18's can participate if accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. Unfortunately we cannot currently work with young people without a suitable guardian present. Please look for a company with an Adventure Activity Authority Licence (AALA). This is a legal requirement issues by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for companies offering outdoor pursuits activities to minors or vulnerable people in the United Kingdom.
Who are the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) and how can their members help me?
"What can AMI members do for you? - AMI Instructors enable you to become a self-reliant, safer and knowledgeable climber or mountaineer. Our members provide courses and instruction on climbing, mountaineering, navigation and mountain skills. AMI also provides technical services to companies that require specialist safety advice. AMI instruction is of a higher standard: a higher standard of professionalism, a higher standard of teaching. They are experts in teaching you new skills, safely." (AMI website). For further information please visit www.ami.org.uk.
Transport?
We do not provide transport as a part of our service, however we can arrange to car share to the venue for conveneince. Please contact us for full details. If your party is larger than 2 individuals and you don't have your own transport, you will definitely need to arrange additional transport for your party: we can advise on suitable local taxi companies.
Accomodation?
We do not provide accommodation, however we can arrange lending you 1x 2 person tent. If you're on a budget or van dwelling, we thoroughly recommend staying in local campsites where possible and abiding by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. For those wishing to book accommodation we recommend getting in touch with our friends at the following establishments in Lochaber. Make sure to book well in advance in the busy summer season and February, as local accommodation is expensive and limited! Lochaber: Victoria at Calluna Self Catering - good for big groups wanting cheap hostel style accommodation. They have a drying room, it's fantastic for life up here... Also I live here which is kind of helpful! Dani and Cameron at Distant Hills B&B (Spean Bridge) - winners of channel 4's TV show"4 in a bed", Dani and Cameron offer an alpine chalet experience in the Scottish Highlands. Their hospitality is great and the food is amazing: get in touch if you're looking for a premium accommodation experience. Glen Nevis Campsite Elsewhere: Isle of Skye: Glenbrittle Campsite (Isle of Skye) The Glenbrittle Youth Hostel (Isle of Skye) The Old Inn (Isle of Skye)
Environmental considerations and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
For those planning on visiting us, please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access code and seek to minimise our enviromental impact wherever possible. Scotland's "right to roam" ethos is a privilege. Avoid erosion and stick to the path. Leave only footprints, take only photos! Attempt to pick up any rubbish or food waste we find - in the cold, damp Scottish climate food peel often takes longer to degrade than one would expect. Ensure your vehicle is properly and safely parked - away from farm gates, single track road passing places etc. If you are unfamiliar with the access code, please read more about it atwww.outdooraccess-scotland.scot