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.