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UK Rock Climbing Courses
Guiding & Instruction based in the Scottish Highlands
Real adventure. Real skills. The real Scotland.
If you’re looking to chase dream routes, push your limits, or just have a proper day out on the rock — I’m here to help make it happen.
I’m a qualified Mountaineering Instructor and member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI), offering climbing instruction and guiding that’s all about getting you into the mountains, building your skills, and having a solid adventure along the way.
What I do differently
Let’s face it — climbing in Scotland often means dodging bad weather and learning to navigate fickle weather forecasts to find dry crags and quality climbing experiences. This usually requires a flexible approach instead of sticking to fixed plans. I like to keep things flexible and take you to where the best conditions are best. The goal? Make the most of your time outside and give you an experience that feels like a real adventure, not just a tick-list. This isn’t about holding your hand the whole way — it’s about giving you the tools, confidence and decision-making skills to get out there on your own.
Who it’s for
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New climbers who want to learn the ropes
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Experienced climbers looking to step things up
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Anyone keen for a proper mountain day and something a bit more off the beaten track
What to expect
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A flexible, weather-savvy approach
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Focus on adventure, independence and good decision making
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Instruction tailored to your needs
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Local knowledge to find the best climbing on the day
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Plenty of laughs, and probably a bit of walking
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Continued mentorship and advice
Whether it’s your first trad lead, a big mountain mission, or just building your confidence, I’d love to hear what you’re after and how I can help.
Let’s get out there.
Sea Stack Guiding - Old Man of Stoer
Learn to Climb on Mountain Crags
Intro to Sea cliff Climbing
Intro to Trad climbing - learn the skills for independence
What You’ll Get - A qualified Mountaineering Instructor or guide (AMI member or IFMGA guide) - All technical and safety equipment required for the day - A customised experience based on your goals - Expert route choices based on real-time conditions - Tent, sleeping bag and roll mat (if required.)
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 Ardnamurchan North West (Ullapool, Torridon, Reiff, Stoer etc) The Isle of Skye The Cairngorms & Moray Coast Outer Hebrides & Orkney Isle of Mull & Isle of Arran Caithness Coastline
Why Choose an Accredited Instructor? When it comes to climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering, your safety, progression, and overall experience matter. That’s why choosing an accredited instructor who is a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) or International Federation of Mountain Guides (IFMGA) matters . Qualified instructors/ guides represent the highest standards of professional climbing instruction in the UK. Every member has undergone rigorous training and assessments and holds the necessary insurance for the work they undertake. What That Means for You: ✅ Unmatched Expertise: You're learning from someone with years of personal and professional experience ✅ Safety First: Instructors/ Guides are trained to manage risk, adapt plans to conditions, and make 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
Skills We Cover: - Traditional (Trad) Climbing - Mountaineering and Scrambling - Single Pitch & Top Rope Climbing - Sport Climbing and Bouldering - Multi-Pitch Climbing - Belaying Techniques - Placing Protection (Nuts, Cams, Hexes) - Building Belays & Anchor Systems - Stance Management - Problem Solving & Self-Rescue - Rope Access Techniques - Movement & Climbing Technique - Sea Cliff Climbing (Access & Safety) - Mountaineering Approaches & Ropework Max Ratio: 1 instructor to 2 guests — ensuring a high-quality, focused experience.
Example Itineraries All itineraries are bespoke to our customers, but below are examples of the sorts of trips we can offer. 1: 3-Day Highland Taster (Fort William, Lochaber) Day 1 – Arrival & climb near Fort William Meet & greet in town Gear check, route planning & forecast review. Trad climbing or bouldering at Polldubh. Day 2 – Ben Nevis Full day of guided trad climbing or mountaineering. Example routes: Tower Ridge, Castle Ridge. Day 3 - Day trip to Ardnamurchan. Climb on the remote gabbro cliffs of Meall an Fhir Eoin on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. PM: Wrap up & homeward travel Example Itinerary 2: 5-Day Adventure in the Northwest Day 1 – Meet, Travel & Intro Cragging Meet in Inverness, supply stop Travel to the Northwest Highlands Introductory trad climbing day (example venue Reiff.) Day 2 – Mountain Multi-Pitch Day. Climb a classic like The Cioch Nose (Severe) in Applecross or something on Stac Pollaidh! Day 3 – Rest Day with a Twist Easy sport climbing or bouldering. Explore the coastline or swim in a loch! Day 4 – Sea Cliff Skills Day Learn how to safely approach and climb tidal sea cliffs Venue ideas: Reiff, Sheigra, Elgol! Day 5 – Sea Stack Finale A classic objective: The Old Man of Stoer, Am Buachaille, Old Man of Wick. Return travel in the afternoon Example Itinerary 3: 1-Day Intro to Outdoor Climbing Perfect for indoor climbers wanting their first real rock experience. Meet at a local crag near Aviemore, Fort William, or Inverness. Learn to place gear, build belays, and climb safely outside Focus on fun, confidence, and building foundational skills Optional: Sport or bouldering alternative depending on preferences and weather Example Itinerary 4: Skye & The West Coast Ridge Week For adventurous spirits with some mountain mileage under their belt. Day 1–2: Trad skills training and climbing at Elgol or Neist Point Day 3: Traverse a section of the Cuillin Ridge or climb The Cioch (famous from the film Highlander!) and Integrity (VS) Day 4: Explore scrambles and easy climbs in Glen Brittle Day 5: Optional sea cliff finale or an easier day exploring the coast
Kit List. You’ll Need to Bring: - Your own climbing shoes and chalk bag - For more advanced courses we recommend your own harness and personal equipment (get in touch for gear advice before your course) - Appropriate clothing, waterproofs, and footwear - Lunch, snacks, and a sense of adventure! Full 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 - approach shoes 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.
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.
Sea Stack Guiding - The Old Man of Hoy
Dream climbs in Scotland - The Old Man of Hoy
Learning to Lead Climb
Guided Rock Climbing Experiences
Our work
"Rock, Ridge, and Sea — Climb Scotland."
Not sure what you are looking for? Here's some inspiration!
Are you an enthusiastic indoor climber looking to take your skills outside? Perhaps it's your first time on real rock—or maybe you're chasing a long-held dream of climbing sea stacks, exploring mountain ridges, or pulling hard on Scottish sandstone. Whether you're after a one-day taster or a full-on multi-day adventure, we tailor each experience to match your goals, experience, and the all-important weather conditions. Here are some examples of packages and experiences we can offer you.
The Sea Stack Odyssey Scotland’s Ultimate Trad Climbing Adventure Immerse yourself in the wild north of Scotland to experience one of the most legendary climbing adventures in the UK: the Sea Stack Trilogy. Towering above crashing waves and shaped by millennia of elemental force, these sandstone giants offer more than just a climbing challenge—they represent a rite of passage. Commonly referred to as the Sea Stack Odyssey, this is a journey for the truly adventurous, taking on all three of Scotland’s iconic stacks: 🧗 The Old Man of Hoy (137m, E1 5b / French 6a) 🧗 The Old Man of Stoer (60m, VS 4c / French 5a) 🧗 Am Buachaille (60m, HVS 4c / French 5a) Each stack was famously first climbed by Tom Patey, a name that echoes through British mountaineering lore. These routes are steeped in history and embody the very spirit of British trad climbing—adventure, commitment, and a touch of madness. This is more than just a tick-list challenge. It’s a journey through the rawest parts of Scotland’s coast—where nature rules, the sea roars below, and every pitch feels like an expedition. Why Join Kennedy Mountaineering? Climbing a sea stack is an unforgettable experience—but it’s no ordinary day at the crag. From unpredictable tides and exposed abseils to rough sea crossings and nesting birds, the logistics alone can feel daunting. That’s where we come in. With years of local experience we specialise in turning big dreams into safe, unforgettable adventures. We help you build the skills, confidence, and plan to get you to the top—whether you’re eyeing your first stack or the full trilogy. Your Sea Stack Options 🌊 1. Build-Up Course – Individual Stack (1–6 Days) Perfect for strong indoor climbers or sport/trad beginners who want to work towards their first sea stack ascent. We’ll spend 1–5 days building key trad climbing skills: Gear placement & removal Sea cliff safety Rope systems & abseiling Movement on steep rock Confidence on exposure Final day = Stack Day Options include Am Buachaille or Old Man of Stoer. For Hoy, you'll need to climb confidently at French 6a / E1 5b. Prerequisites: Must be an independent sport or indoor lead climber Must be confident belaying (top rope and lead) 🏔️ 2. The Full Sea Stack Odyssey (6 Days) Take on all three of Scotland’s iconic stacks in one epic week. Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Meet in Inverness or Ullapool. Plan, prep, and assess skills Day 2: Climb Sea Stack #1 (e.g., Old Man of Stoer) Day 3: Climb Sea Stack #2 (e.g., Am Buachaille) Day 4: Climb Sea Stack #3 (The Old Man of Hoy) Day 5: Spare weather/condition day (or bonus climbing day!) Day 6 (Optional): Extra buffer day for training or bonus adventure Prerequisites: Must be able to second at E1 5b / French 6a Confident in removing gear, abseiling, and sea cliff approaches Trad experience essential What’s Included 📍 Fully guided experience with an AMI-accredited instructor 🧗 All required safety equipment (ropes, helmets, harnesses, protection) 🧾 Route planning and logistics 📻 Radios for remote communication ⛺ Tent & camp stove (if wild camping preferred) What’s Not Included 🥾 Climbing shoes & chalk bag 🍲 Food & water 💤 Sleeping bag & roll mat (unless you're booking your own accommodation) 🚐 Transport to/from venues (available to share in our van—space permitting) ⛴️ Ferry fares 🏡 Accommodation (we can advise on options including Bothies & wild camping) Accommodation Options For maximum flexibility and adventure, we recommend wild camping. We can provide tents and stoves—just bring a sleeping bag and roll mat. On Hoy, we’ll aim to stay in or near the Rackwick Bothy, depending on space and availability. Ready for the Odyssey? This is your chance to climb three of the most iconic sea stacks in the UK—guided by a local expert, immersed in nature, and inspired by the raw beauty of Scotland’s coast. Whether you're ticking off a lifelong dream or chasing your first wild trad adventure, let us take you there safely, confidently, and with a story you'll be telling for years. 👉 Contact us to start planning your Sea Stack Odyssey today. One stack or three—every pitch is an adventure.
Long Weekend Guided Climbing Course Base: Inverness / Fort William / Aviemore Duration: 3 Days (Friday–Sunday or Sat–Mon) Max Ratio: 1 Instructor : 2 Clients Ideal For: Indoor climbers ready to take the next step outdoors, improving trad climbers, or anyone seeking expert coaching and adventurous days on Scottish rock. Overview Step away from the plastic holds and immerse yourself in Scotland’s wild climbing landscape for a long weekend of real rock, real learning, and real adventure. Whether you're transitioning outdoors for the first time or want to refine your trad skills and confidence, this course is tailored to meet you where you're at—and help you grow as a climber. Led by qualified and accredited instructors, you’ll benefit from world-class coaching, local crag knowledge, and safe, progressive instruction designed to build both technical skill and psychological resilience. Why Hire an Instructor? ✅ Expert coaching in real environments ✅ Maximum safety and efficiency ✅ Tailored instruction for faster skill development ✅ Local knowledge to find the best crags & conditions ✅ Mentorship to help you grow in confidence and decision-making You'll leave the weekend not only with new climbs under your belt, but with a clearer sense of how to progress independently and safely in the outdoors. Example Long Weekend Itinerary Day 1 – Meet, Plan, and Climb AM Meet in Inverness, Fort William, or Aviemore Introductions, gear check, and goal-setting Weather review and crag selection based on conditions Travel to a nearby venue (e.g. Moy Rock, Polldubh, Kingussie Crag, Cummingston) PM Climb and learn: Focus on movement, gear placement, belaying outdoors, and adapting indoor skills to real rock Return for evening debrief & skills reflection Option for wild camping or nearby accommodation Day 2 – Trad Progression or Mountain Day Full-day adventure at a larger or more committing venue Skills covered could include: Building safe trad belays Multi-pitch systems & stance management Gear racking, rope handling & route reading Managing fear & building confidence on exposed terrain Suggested venues: Cairn Lochain (Cairngorms), Glen Nevis (Polldubh), Creag Dubh, or Reiff Day 3 – Personal Challenge & Consolidation Morning: Recap and revisit skills that need consolidation Choose a personal objective climb or try a new style (e.g. sport or bouldering if the weather changes) Focus on independence and decision-making Optional top-out on a multi-pitch route to put it all together Late afternoon finish with a final debrief and next steps for your climbing journey What You'll Learn Trad gear placement & anchor building Outdoor belaying (lead & seconding) Movement coaching on real rock Climbing communication & ropework Route finding and judgement Mental strategies for confidence and calm Abseiling & retreat strategies (time-permitting) What’s Included? Instruction and guiding from a fully qualified AMI member Use of safety equipment (helmets, harnesses, ropes, protection, radios) Personalised coaching based on your climbing background Photos and feedback from your experience What’s Not Included? Food & drink Accommodation (wild camping options or recommendations available) Climbing shoes & chalk Who Is This For? This course is ideal for: Indoor climbers ready to try real rock Sport climbers curious about trad New trad climbers wanting safe, structured progression Experienced climbers looking to revisit core skills or push grades Pricing: 1:1 – £250 per day 1:2 – £300 per day Custom weekend rates & full packages available—just get in touch! Take the Leap Into Real Rock Adventure Scotland’s granite ridges, sandstone sea cliffs and hidden Highland gems are waiting—and this is your chance to explore them safely, confidently, and with purpose. Join us for a long weekend of climbing, learning, and personal progression in one of the UK’s most iconic climbing landscapes. 👉 Contact us to book your Long Weekend Guided Climbing Course.
Single-Day Itinerary AM – Meet & Climb Meet your instructor in Inverness, Fort William, or Aviemore at a prearranged location Introduction & goal-setting: Brief discussion about your climbing background and personal goals for the day Weather check: Based on current conditions, we’ll decide the best location to maximize your climbing experience Warm-up session: Review belaying, knots, and basic climbing techniques before heading to the crag PM – Climb & Learn Climbing session: Depending on your experience, we'll focus on: Trad Climbing – Learn the basics of gear placement, belaying, and multi-pitch techniques on a classic Scottish route Sport Climbing – For those wanting to improve on outdoor sport routes Outdoor Bouldering – Perfect for climbers looking for a fun, low commitment day of movement skills Scrambling – A more relaxed day on exposed mountain terrain Lunch: A quick break for refueling and reviewing the morning's progress Second session: Refine techniques, climb different routes, or focus on any skill you'd like to improve (e.g., lead climbing, placing protection, or building belays) Late Afternoon – Review & Wrap-up Climbing debrief: Reflect on the day's experience, discuss strengths, weaknesses, and what to focus on next Personal feedback: Discuss how to continue progressing after the course, with suggestions for climbing routes or skills to work on Group photo (optional) to capture your achievements End of day: Depart from the crag, feeling confident and inspired What You’ll Learn Belaying outdoors: Learn the essentials of belaying on natural rock, ensuring safety and smooth climbing Ropework & knots: Master the most common knots used for outdoor climbing (e.g., figure-8, clove hitch, bowline) Outdoor climbing techniques: Improve your footwork, body position, and mental strategies to climb efficiently Protection: Introduction to trad climbing protection (e.g., nuts, cams, hexes), how to place and remove them safely Climbing communication: Learn the essential verbal and non-verbal cues for safe climbing in pairs or teams Confidence-building: Push your limits, improve your mental resilience, and develop strategies for climbing with composure What’s Included Instruction from an AMI-accredited instructor Safety equipment: harnesses, helmets, ropes, protection Radios for clear communication Personalised coaching for your climbing needs Photos from the day to capture your progress What’s Not Included Transport to the venue (lift-share options available on request) Food & drink Climbing shoes & chalk (please bring your own, or we can arrange rentals if needed) Accommodation (if needed, please contact for recommendations) Pricing 1:1 – £250 for the day 1:2 – £300 for the day Who Is This Course For? This single-day course is perfect for: Indoor climbers looking to experience outdoor climbing for the first time Sport climbers wanting to expand into trad climbing Aspiring trad climbers seeking guidance in a safe, structured environment Anyone who enjoys outdoor adventure and is keen to try something new! Take the Leap into the Outdoors Scotland offers some of the finest climbing in the world, and there’s no better way to experience it than with an expert guide by your side. Whether you're new to outdoor climbing or looking to refine your skills, this one-day course will help you grow as a climber and give you the confidence to take on new challenges. 👉 Contact us today to book your Single-Day Guided Climbing Course and start your adventure!
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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