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Scrambling & Mountaineering
Guiding & Instruction based in the Scottish Highlands
Whether you're aiming to take on a classic mountain route, build confidence on exposed terrain, or simply immerse yourself in the dramatic beauty of Scotland's hills, our guided and instructional scrambling and mountaineering experiences are designed to meet you where you are—and take you further.
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Scrambling sits at the exciting intersection between hillwalking and climbing. Well, sort of—it’s mini mountaineering. An adventurous, often exposed pursuit that demands sound judgement, solid movement skills, and well-earned confidence to stay safe. With expert coaching and guidance, you'll learn to move efficiently and securely through complex, rocky terrain—building the skills and assurance to explore more independently.
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All instruction is delivered by a qualified Mountaineering Instructor and full member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI), ensuring your experience is rooted in the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and technical expertise.
Whether you're stepping into the mountains for the first time, looking to refine your ropework and movement, or preparing for alpine or overseas objectives, we're here to help. Tell us what you're aiming for, and we’ll build the perfect journey to get you there—right here in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Glencoe Guided Scrambles: Curved Ridge
Glencoe Guided Scrambles: Aonach Eagach
Isle of Skye: The Inaccessible Pinnacle
Isle of Skye Guided Scrambling
Why Book a Mountaineering or Scrambling Course in Scotland? No two course are the same. 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!
Classic Scottish Scrambles We Might Explore Glen Coe & Ben Nevis - Aonach Eagach Ridge (Grade 2) – Glencoe’s legendary knife-edge ridge - Curved Ridge (Grade 2/3) –Buachaille Etive Mòr, a mountaineer’s favourite - Ledge Route (Grade 1/2) – An accessible mountaineering line on Ben Nevis - Tower Ridge (Diff) - The best way to the summit of the Ben! (in my opinion...!) - Castle Ridge (Mod) - A grand day out, easier and shorter than Tower - but the same quality! - CMD Arete (Grade 1) – A grand journey to the Ben via Carn Mor Dearg - Schoolhouse Ridge (Grade 1) – A beautiful, airy ridge above Ballachulish Isle of Skye - Cuillin Ridge Traverse (Diff) – The UK’s most demanding and prized mountaineering challenge: 12km of exposed ridge with 11 Munros, countless pinnacles, and incredible positions - Pinnacle Ridge (Diff) – A technical and photogenic route up Sgùrr nan Gillean - The Inaccessible Pinnacle (Mod) – The iconic needle summit of Sgùrr Dearg Torridon & The North West - Liathach Traverse (Grade 2/3) – A full-on scrambling day with airy pinnacles - An Teallach Traverse (Grade 2/3) – Arguably the most rewarding ridge on the mainland - Stac Pollaidh (Grade 1) – Short, punchy, and scenic with optional technical variations - Suilven via the North Ridge (Grade 2) – Remote, wild, and one of Scotland’s most iconic profiles
Summer Equipment & Clothing:** - Harness & Helmet (We can provide these) 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 - approach boots or similar. 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.
Where We Go 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, Torridon & the North West
Skills We Cover: - Traditional (Trad) Climbing Techniques in a mountaineering enviroment - Scrambling & Mountain - Navigation - Short Pitching - Body Belaying - Direct Belays - 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 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.
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.
Isle of Skye: the Cuillin Ridge
Guided Rock Climbing Experiences
Ben Nevis Guided Scrambles
Ben Nevis: Tower Ridge
Our work
"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 4: 1-Day Intro to Mountaineering & Scrambling For walkers ready to step into more technical terrain. •Meet at a mountain venue near Fort William, Aviemore, or Inverness •Objectives: Ledge Route (Ben Nevis), CMD Arete, Schoolhouse Ridge, or Stac Pollaidh •Skills covered: basic movement, route finding, intro to ropes and belaying techniques, and operating as a team on exposed ground •A full-value day out in beautiful and complex terrain
Example Itinerary 2: The Lochaber Ridge Experience (3 Days) Big classic ridges on Ben Nevis and Glencoe’s finest peaks. Day 1: Curved Ridge (Grade 3), learn to work as team and move in scrambling terrain! Day 2: Aonach Eagach Ridge, Glencoe (Grade 2) •One of the most continuous and exposed scrambles in Scotland •Work on movement confidence and decision-making in committing terrain Day 3: Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis (Grade 3 / Mod) •One of the UK's most iconic alpine-style scrambles •Perfect for experiencing: short-roping and complex terrain management. •Potentially descend Ledge Route
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.
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