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Scrambling

Scrambling on broken and rocky ground requires simple climbing skills and a good head for heights as it allows us to explore more dramatic faces of the hills. On technical ground requiring the use of a rope this course will take a summer hillwalker the next step onto Scotlands classic ridges with instruction on route choice and ropework. Learn the skills that will allow you to move quickly and confidently over rocky ground in safety or just experience the more exposed and challenging routes.

Here are some ideas of what is possible -

Have a look at our Scrambling Guide for more information on scrambling routes in the area.

For your tailor made course of personal guiding by the day on Scotland's classic ridges (e.g. the Aonach Eagach or Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis) or a two or five day scrambling instruction course, please use the table below for prices. An insructor to participant ratio of 1:2 is ideal for scrambling enabling all grades to be tackled, ratios of 1:3 and 1:4 are possible but will restrict us to easier scrambles such as the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, Ledge Route and the Aonach Eagach. The prices are for the whole group, divide this by the number of people for the price per person.

People

1 day

2 days

3 day

4 days

5 days

1

£200

£400

£600

£800

£1000

2

£220

£440

£660

£880

£1100

3

£240

£480

£720

£960

£1200

4

£260

£520

£780

£1040

£1300

Classic Ridges of Lochaber
Within reach of Fort William are some of the best ridge scrambles in the UK. The hills here are big and pointy, offering exposed ridges and the best scrambling. Here's a sample of the best on offer.

Day One

Ledge Route (grade 1) on Ben Nevis and the Carn Mor Dearg Arete.

Day Two

Forcan Ridge (grade 2) The Saddle, Glen Shiel

Day Three

Curved Ridge (grade 2/3) Buachaille Etive Mor

Day Four

Pinnacle Ridge (grade 3S) Garbh Bheinn of Ardgour.

Day Five

Aonach Eagach (grade 2) Glen Coe

Getting Hands-On, Scrambling for Beginners
Making the step from hill walking into scrambling can be a daunting one. With coaching in choosing the right route, how the grading system works and how to move on scrambling ground this course will give you the confidence to explore off the beaten track and onto the more challenging routes in the hills.

Day One

A warm up scramble to get used to the sense of exposure and learn how to move on rock scrambles.

Day Two

A ridge scramble such as The Carn Mor Dearg Arete that involves scrambling down as much as going up.

Day Three

Introducing the rope, when to start using it and how to use it.

Day Four

More ropework including moving together, using italian hitches for bringing people up and lowering people down.

Day Five

Tackle a major objective such as The Aonach Eagach to put all your skills to the test.

Scrambling for Experts
Many people venture onto exposed ridges and rocky scrambles and manage OK but feel they could do with a bit more knowledge of when to get the rope out and how to use it quickly and effectively. Whether or not you have used a rope before, this course will hone your rope skills to make it possible for you to manage the harder scrambles without slowing you down. It'll also give you the skills to get yourself out of trouble if it goes a bit wrong.

Day One

A warm up day to check on current rope skills or give you the core skills of tying in to the rope and taking coils.

Day Two

When and how to use the rope for moving together or for short pitches, using direct belays and italian hitches.

Day Three

Looking after yourself as you lead the awkward bits going uphill or downhill, placing slings or just using the rope.

Day Four

Basic rock climbing skills such as placing wires and hexes, setting up quick belay systems and abseiling.

Day Five

Putting it all together on a mojor objective such as Tower Ridge (Difficult) on Ben Nevis.

Alpine Preparation
Scrambling in the Alps is nearly as good as scrambling here in Scotland! However there are many skills that are required on top of what you need to know here. Crossing glaciers, dealing with the altitude, how to tackle the climbs and advice on suitable objectives for you will all be covered. This course is best to do in May or June when there is still some snow left on the hills and before you head out to the Alps.

Day One

Core skills of tying in to the rope, taking coils and moving together on rocky ridges. Changing quickly from moving together to pitching and keeping it all fast and flowing.

Day Two

Glacier travel, route choice, rope systems and crevasse rescue plus completing another scramble.

Download the printer friendly Scrambling kit list.

To make an enquiry or booking read the Course Information.

Go back to Summer Courses.


Curved Ridge

Exposed and exciting positions

Using an italian hitch

B Buttress on Aonach Dubh

Tower Ridge

Forcan Ridge