The Scottish winter mountains are a fickle beast, and conditions can vary wildly from one day to the next, indeed sometimes one hour to the next. Our winter mountain days out are a movable feast and our objectives for the day are chosen based upon the prevailing underfoot and overhead conditions and the weather and avalanche forecasts.
Full on mountaineering excursions are what the high mountains in winter are all about, with frozen rocky peaks and untouched snowlined glens. From soft fluffy snow, to slush and bullet hard ice and crisp neve, the Scottish hills have it all, and all may be experienced in a single day! From the complicated, steep and rocky terrain of Glen Coe and the West Coast hills of Lochaber to the rolling hills and arctic plateau expanse of the Cairngorms.
These days typically require a high level of hill fitness with clients required to walk for long periods of time in often difficult and sometimes unpleasant conditions. But when the conditions are good there a few better places on the planet to explore with a sense, of isolation and wildness that is difficult to rival.
We have outlined some of the most popular ones below, but with a blank canvas we can get you to some of the lesser known and travelled but equally spectacular mountains the Highlands has to offer.
Full on mountaineering excursions are what the high mountains in winter are all about, with frozen rocky peaks and untouched snowlined glens. From soft fluffy snow, to slush and bullet hard ice and crisp neve, the Scottish hills have it all, and all may be experienced in a single day! From the complicated, steep and rocky terrain of Glen Coe and the West Coast hills of Lochaber to the rolling hills and arctic plateau expanse of the Cairngorms.
These days typically require a high level of hill fitness with clients required to walk for long periods of time in often difficult and sometimes unpleasant conditions. But when the conditions are good there a few better places on the planet to explore with a sense, of isolation and wildness that is difficult to rival.
We have outlined some of the most popular ones below, but with a blank canvas we can get you to some of the lesser known and travelled but equally spectacular mountains the Highlands has to offer.
Climb Ben Nevis
The king of the hills; everyone wants to climb Ben Nevis, The 'Ben' is the UKs highest peak and needs no introduction. Naturally a busy hill that has caught out many an unwary walker where poor navigation skills or inadequate kit. It can and regularly does lead to serious consequences. Due to the Ben's significant stature, it is frequently shrouded in cloud, temperatures can often be below zero on the summit at any time of year, and winds on the top can be up to three times stronger than at it base.
A serious day out with a fantastic sense of achievement waiting for those of strong body and mind, with some of the most impressive views of any UK mountain, knife edge aretes, 600m cliffs, the possibility of snow on top in any season, and views to the Islands. Ben Nevis has it all, underestimate this one at your peril.
A serious day out with a fantastic sense of achievement waiting for those of strong body and mind, with some of the most impressive views of any UK mountain, knife edge aretes, 600m cliffs, the possibility of snow on top in any season, and views to the Islands. Ben Nevis has it all, underestimate this one at your peril.
Climb Cairngorm & Ben MacDui
Once thought to be the UKs highest mountain, after the Ben it ranks a close second and despite its location in the Cairngorms National Park, it is by no means a 'walk in the park' with a a long walk in and a lot of height gain and with difficult navigation, vast expanses of rocky terrain and when you throw in the potential for some of the most hostile weather on the plateau is is one of the more challenging days out. Subject to fitness and conditions there is the possibility to get in the Cairngorm peak.
A fantastic day out with breathtaking views over the Lairig Ghru and Cairngorm plateau and also taking in the impressive sights of of the climbing mecca of the Northern Corries. Hopefully on your your day out the Old Grey Man of Ben Macdui won't make an appearance!
A fantastic day out with breathtaking views over the Lairig Ghru and Cairngorm plateau and also taking in the impressive sights of of the climbing mecca of the Northern Corries. Hopefully on your your day out the Old Grey Man of Ben Macdui won't make an appearance!
Climb Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan ridge
Ben Lomond is Scotland's most southerly Munro and most popular hill, and it's only half an hour drive from Glasgow (coincidence?!). Whilst a visit here is rarely a solitary experience, it remains one of our favourites, although you can avoid the crowds by eschewing the main path for an ascent via the Ptarmigan ridge which is an excellent climb with a mild bit of scrambling near the summit.
A great circular route with lots of height gain pretty quickly but more time to enjoy the views across to The Cobbler and the Arrochar Alps, the route gets quite interesting before a final scramble which ends at the summit cairn which is guaranteed to make you feel like a real mountaineer! From there it is past the dramatic cliffs of the coire rim and is followed by a nice gentle descent via the main path.
A great circular route with lots of height gain pretty quickly but more time to enjoy the views across to The Cobbler and the Arrochar Alps, the route gets quite interesting before a final scramble which ends at the summit cairn which is guaranteed to make you feel like a real mountaineer! From there it is past the dramatic cliffs of the coire rim and is followed by a nice gentle descent via the main path.
Climb The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) & Beinn Narnain
One of the best things about climbing nearby Ben Lomond is the fantastic view afforded of this craggy Corbett (greater than 2500ft), however upon climbing the Cobbler you quickly realise it is the hill that keeps on giving, with dramatic drops, outstanding views and one of the most interesting tops anywhere in the country this makes it a very memorable prospect.
Due to its slightly shorter stature than its Munro neighbours (by about 3 contours!) many munro bagging visitors never even consider it, until they see it in the flesh from the Beinn Nairnan next door that is, this hill alone is probably responsible for countless munro baggers starting another ticklist. Approaching from the south east gives the best views of this impressive hill.
Subject to fitness and good conditions it is possible to include the interesting Munro peak of Beinn Nairnan in a circular route, however this may require a head for heights and favourable weather conditions.
Due to its slightly shorter stature than its Munro neighbours (by about 3 contours!) many munro bagging visitors never even consider it, until they see it in the flesh from the Beinn Nairnan next door that is, this hill alone is probably responsible for countless munro baggers starting another ticklist. Approaching from the south east gives the best views of this impressive hill.
Subject to fitness and good conditions it is possible to include the interesting Munro peak of Beinn Nairnan in a circular route, however this may require a head for heights and favourable weather conditions.
Climb Schiehallion
The 'Fairy Hill of the Caledonians', Schiehallion is one of the most famous of the Scottish Munros, which was the location for an 18th century experiment to measure the 'weight of the world' and from this Schiehallion has a further place in history as the place where contour lines were first devised.
Located in picturesque Perthshire, Schiehallion affords excellent views in all directions and with a sustained ridge based climb ensures a worthwhile experience.
Located in picturesque Perthshire, Schiehallion affords excellent views in all directions and with a sustained ridge based climb ensures a worthwhile experience.
Quality instruction and guiding since 2012
Working in the sublime Scottish highlands and islands, we offer a variety of high quality hill, mountain, climbing and wilderness focused adventurous activities and training throughout Scotland.
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