Scotland

Remote, wild, rugged and predictably unpredictable: Scottish Winter Climbing demands commitment, dedication and determination. 

Scottish Winter climbing has always been a particular passion for us here at Sharpe Guides and has given us many of our most memorable days out in recent years. A blue-sky day in the Scottish hills can be magical beyond belief, but beware: the combination of Scotland’s wild, remote terrain, changeable climate and lack of infrastructure means that Scottish Winter climbing is a true rite of passage for even the most experienced climbers. 

Don’t be fooled by the relatively small size of Scotland’s mountains: Scottish Winter climbing delivers big mountain days of the highest order. Test your skills and push your grade on Scotland’s unforgiving cliffs and corries as we tackle world-famous routes pioneered by the forefathers of alpinism. 

Get in touch

Download a sample itinerary

Download a guide to Scottish route grades

When to travel?

  • Scottish Winter climbing: from December – March

 

Guide: client ratio

  • Up to 1:2 ratio

How long will I need?

  • 1 day – 1 week

 

Fitness & experience

  • As all of our Scottish Winter Climbing courses are tailor-made they can be built to your requirements catering for your level of fitness and experience. See our guide to Fitness and Experience for more details.

Inspire me

Grade V classics: Many of Scotland’s finest winter routes and outings sit at this benchmark grade. Our favourites include:

Orion Direct, Point Five Gully and Minus Two Gully, Ben Nevis V,5

  • Last Post, South Post Direct and the Pumpkin, Creag Meagaidh V,5 / V,4

  • Poachers and Umbrella Falls, Liathach V,5

  • Sticil Face, Shelterstone V,6

  • Silver Tear, Beinn Bhan V,5

  • Tallibalan, Stob Coire an Laoigh V,6

  • Raven’s Gully, Buachaille Etive Mor V,6

Grade VI and upwards: Pit yourself against the toughest routes that Scotland’s cliffs and corries have to offer. Look out for: 

  • Eagle Ridge, Lochnagar VI,6

  • Gully of the Gods, Beinn Bhan VI,6

  • Central Buttress, Beinn Eighe VI,7

  • Tango in the Night, Sgorr Ruadh VI,7

  • Central Grooves, Stob Coire Nan Lochan VII,7

  • Un Poco Loco Direct, Bidean Nam Bian, VII,7

  • Blood, Sweat and Frozen Tears, Beinn Eighe VIII,8

Day rate

From €350 / day

Based on your objectives and trip duration


Our fees include:

  • IFMGA Guiding fees

  • Guide insurance

  • Group equipment (rack, ropes, navigation, first aid, safety kit)

  • Assistance in arranging travel and accommodation

Compulsory expenses not included in our fees: 

  • Your insurance

  • Your accommodation

  • Guide accommodation

  • Your personal rental equipment (helmet, harness, axes and crampons etc).


Note: day rate is provided for indicative purposes only. Contact us for a detailed quote for your desired activity and dates, at which point estimated costs for compulsory expenses not included in our fee can also be provided.