Glencoe Guides
Guided Scrambling & Mountaineering Details and Pricing
Whether you're looking to tackle the legendary Aonach Eagach, take on the exhilarating Curved Ridge, or ascend the classic North Buttress on the Buachaille Etive Mor, our guided scrambling and mountaineering experiences in Glencoe offer something for everyone. From beginners seeking to explore the stunning landscape to seasoned adventurers refining their skills, we’ll meet you where you are and guide you to the next level.
Scrambling in Glencoe is a thrilling, often exposed activity that lies between hillwalking and climbing. It demands sound judgement, solid movement skills, and confidence in steep, rocky terrain. With expert coaching and guidance, we’ll help you move efficiently and safely across the rugged terrain of Glencoe, building your confidence and ability to tackle more complex routes.
All instruction is led by a fully qualified Mountaineering Instructor and a full member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI), ensuring the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and technical expertise. Whether you're stepping into the mountains for the first time or preparing for more challenging climbs, we’ll tailor the experience to suit your goals.
Let us take you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Glencoe—an iconic and breathtaking landscape—and help you gain the skills and confidence to explore its stunning ridges and peaks independently.
Skills We Cover: - Traditional (Trad) Climbing Techniques in a mountaineering enviroment - Scrambling & Mountain - Navigation - Short Pitching - Body Belaying - Direct Belays & Belaying on Slabs - Chest Coils - Rope Management - Placing Protection (Nuts, Cams, Hexes) - Building Belays & Anchor Systems - Stance Management & Rope Work - Rope Skills for Scrambling & Mountaineering - Climbing Movement & Technique - Multi-Pitch Climbing Skills - Problem Solving & Self-Rescue Techniques - Effective Route Finding & Terrain Assessment - Safety in Exposed Terrain & Mountain Weather Awareness Max Ratio: 1 instructor to 2 guests — ensuring a high-quality, focused experience tailored to your specific needs.
Why Book a Mountaineering or Scrambling Course in Scotland? Whether you're just beginning your mountaineering journey or looking to refine and consolidate your skills, Scotland provides an ideal and inspiring classroom. Its complex terrain, variable conditions, and serious mountain environments offer real-world challenges that test your technical ability, decision-making, and resilience. Our courses are delivered by fully qualified Mountaineering Instructors and accredited members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI)—ensuring the highest standards of safety, instruction, and professionalism. With expert guidance, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to move more efficiently and independently in technical ground. From efficient ropework and short pitching to the more nuanced aspects of mountain travel—such as moving together, body belays, and adapting to less-than-clear-cut scenarios—we equip you with the essential skills to operate safely and competently in scrambling and mountaineering terrain. Professional instruction not only accelerates your learning but also helps embed good habits from the outset. With our deep local knowledge, we tailor each course to match the conditions and your goals—maximising every opportunity for progress and adventure. This isn’t just guided scrambling—it’s a deep dive into the craft of mountain travel, helping you build a solid foundation for future independent adventures in Scotland and beyond.
What You’ll Get - A qualified Mountaineering Instructor (AMI member) - All technical and safety equipment required for the day - A customised experience based on your goals and the weather - Expert route choices based on real-time conditions You’ll Need to Bring: - Appropriate clothing, waterproofs, and footwear (check FAQ's for details). - Lunch, snacks, and a sense of adventure!
Pricing: 1:1 Instruction – £260 1:2 Instruction – £310 Additional instructors can be arranged for larger groups.
Scottish Mountaineering
It’s a bit of a cliché to call the rock climbing in Scotland "world-class"—but on the right day (dry and sunny, of course), it absolutely is. From towering sea stacks and mountain ridges to hidden Highland crags, Scotland offers some of the most adventurous, character-building rock climbing anywhere in the world.
What makes Scottish climbing truly special isn't just the routes—it's the ethos. The history, the strict ethics, the deep sense of exploration, and the local community's ability to embrace the “sub-optimal” with relentless optimism. It's no wonder so much of climbing's technical and cultural evolution has taken root here.
Scotland is full of climbing treasures—we choose the best venue for your goals and the conditions. Popular Regions We Guide In: Lochaber, Glencoe, Isle of Skye, Cairngorms, North West. Each of these routes represents a classic Scottish scramble, offering a mix of technical challenges, exposure, and unbeatable views. Whether you’re aiming to take on the famous Aonach Eagach Ridge in Glencoe or explore the iconic ridges of Torridon, these mountains provide some of the best adventure Scotland has to offer.
Example Itinerary 1: The Glencoe Ridge Experience (3 Days) For those looking to take on some of the most dramatic ridges and scrambles Scotland has to offer. Day 1: Curved Ridge, Buachaille Etive Mòr (Grade 2/3) Meet at the base of Buachaille Etive Mòr in Glencoe Full-day scramble up the classic Curved Ridge Focus on team work, efficient movement, and managing exposure Optional coaching on short-roping and ropework techniques Stunning views across the Glencoe valley Day 2: Aonach Eagach Ridge (Grade 2) One of the most famous and exposed ridges in Scotland Full traverse of the Aonach Eagach, focusing on movement confidence, route finding, and safety on narrow ridges Spend time on the most exposed sections, learning decision-making and how to manage terrain in a group Spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys Day 3: North Buttress, Buachaille Etive Mòr (Grade 3) Tackle the North Buttress, one of the finest classic scrambles in Glencoe A challenging but rewarding ascent with a real mountaineering feel Emphasis on technical scrambling, short-roping, and safe movement through more challenging terrain Descend back into the valley, reflecting on the techniques learned over the past days Option to extend or wrap up with a scenic walk through the Glencoe valley This 3-day adventure offers a chance to explore some of the best-known ridges in Scotland, all while building your confidence and technical skills in exposed terrain. The mix of classic scrambles, dramatic landscapes, and expert coaching ensures a memorable and challenging experience.
Why Choose an AMI-Accredited Instructor? When it comes to climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering, your safety, progression, and overall experience matter. That’s why choosing an instructor who is a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) is such a smart decision. AMI-accredited instructors represent the highest standard of professional climbing instruction in the UK. Every member has undergone rigorous training and assessment through Mountain Training’s Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor scheme—the nationally recognised benchmark for coaching and guiding in technical terrain. What That Means for You: ✅ Unmatched Expertise: You're learning from someone with years of personal and professional experience in mountain environments. ✅ Safety First: AMI instructors are trained to manage risk, adapt plans to conditions, and make safe decisions in real time. ✅ Tailored Learning: Whether you're just starting out or working towards independence, you’ll get coaching that suits your level and goals. ✅ Fully Insured & First Aid Trained: Peace of mind knowing your instructor is fully qualified, insured, and prepared for emergencies. ✅ Local Knowledge, World-Class Standards: You’ll benefit from both deep local insight and a nationally recognised professional standard. From learning the ropes to climbing your dream line, an AMI instructor doesn’t just guide you—they equip you with the confidence, skills, and decision-making to grow as a climber. Climb smarter. Learn faster. Stay safer. Book with an AMI-accredited instructor and experience the difference.
Keep scrolling for examples of our previous adventures!
"Rock, Ridge, and Sea — Scramble in Scotland."
Not sure what you're looking for? Here's some inspiration!
Are you a keen hillwalker ready to take the next step into steeper, more adventurous terrain? Maybe you’re dreaming of a classic ridge like Aonach Eagach, the Cuillin, or An Teallach—or looking to build the skills to move confidently through complex ground using ropes, good judgment, and solid technique.
Whether you're after a one-day intro to scrambling, a brush-up on ropework, or a multi-day mountaineering journey through Scotland’s most dramatic mountains, we tailor each experience to suit your goals, ability, and (of course!) the ever-changing Scottish weather.
Here are just a few examples of the experiences and instructional courses we can offer—designed to help you explore more safely, confidently, and independently.
Example Itinerary 5: The Glencoe Ridge Experience (3 Days) For those looking to take on some of the most dramatic ridges and scrambles Scotland has to offer. Day 1: Curved Ridge, Buachaille Etive Mòr (Grade 2/3) Meet at the base of Buachaille Etive Mòr in Glencoe Full-day scramble up the classic Curved Ridge Focus on team work, efficient movement, and managing exposure Optional coaching on short-roping and ropework techniques Stunning views across the Glencoe valley Day 2: Aonach Eagach Ridge (Grade 2) One of the most famous and exposed ridges in Scotland Full traverse of the Aonach Eagach, focusing on movement confidence, route finding, and safety on narrow ridges Spend time on the most exposed sections, learning decision-making and how to manage terrain in a group Spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys Day 3: North Buttress, Buachaille Etive Mòr (Grade 3) Tackle the North Buttress, one of the finest classic scrambles in Glencoe A challenging but rewarding ascent with a real mountaineering feel Emphasis on technical scrambling, short-roping, and safe movement through more challenging terrain Descend back into the valley, reflecting on the techniques learned over the past days Option to extend or wrap up with a scenic walk through the Glencoe valley This 3-day adventure offers a chance to explore some of the best-known ridges in Scotland, all while building your confidence and technical skills in exposed terrain. The mix of classic scrambles, dramatic landscapes, and expert coaching ensures a memorable and challenging experience.
Example Itinerary 6: 1-Day Scrambling Adventure in Glencoe For those looking to experience the thrill of scrambling in one of Scotland's most iconic locations. Day 1: Curved Ridge, Buachaille Etive Mòr (Grade 2/3) Meet at the base of Buachaille Etive Mòr, Glencoe Kick off the day with a quick briefing and gear check. Scramble up Curved Ridge Embark on a full-day scramble up one of Scotland’s most famous routes. The Curved Ridge is a thrilling climb with exposed sections, offering incredible views of the Glencoe valley below. Skills covered: Efficient scrambling techniques on varied terrain Movement skills for exposed ground Basic ropework and short-roping (if needed) How to assess and manage risks in exposed terrain Lunch: Enjoy a break with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Summit & Descent Reach the summit of Buachaille Etive Mòr and take in the breathtaking views. The descent will involve some steep sections, so we’ll work on safe descending techniques, including the use of ropes if necessary. End of day: Descend back into the valley, wrapping up with a reflection on the day’s experiences and the skills learned. This one-day itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty and excitement of a classic Scottish scramble while learning key mountaineering skills. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, this day will offer both challenge and reward in one of the most stunning settings in Scotland.
Our goal is to leave you not only with a memorable experience, but with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to go out and climb on your own. As passionate local climbers and AMI professionals, we take pride in delivering high-quality, safe, and adventurous instruction—no matter what the Scottish weather throws at us.
Get in touch to plan your course and start your journey into the best climbing Scotland has to offer.
Whatever we get on—it’ll be an adventure.