Small groups. build confidence. reach your goals.
Skills &
Progression
Guided adventures
Scotland's Classic Routes
Conquer some of Scotland’s most iconic Scrambles (an outdoor sport that sits between hiking and climbing).
If you’re new to scrambling, we’d suggest starting with our Scrambling Basics course. Then venturing to the classic routes below.
Curved Ridge
Buachaille Etive Mòr · Grade 3 Scramble
Scotland’s classic introduction to scrambling.
A natural line through the impressive north face of Buachaille Etive Mòr and one of the finest introductory scrambles in Scotland. Combining enjoyable rock, spectacular views and a real sense of adventure, Curved Ridge is often the route that sparks a lifelong love of scrambling.
ROUTE DETAILS
Who it’s for: Walkers looking to take their first steps into scrambling, or those wanting to build confidence before tackling more committing ridges.
What you gain: Improved movement on rock, greater confidence on steeper terrain and a clear understanding of where your scrambling abilities can take you next.
Price: POA — enquire for group rates.
Aonach Eagach
Classic Ridge · Grade 3 Scramble
Scotland’s most famous mainland ridge and one of the country’s most unforgettable mountain journeys
Stretching high above Glencoe, the Aonach Eagach offers sustained scrambling, dramatic exposure and an experience that stays with people long after they leave the mountains.
ROUTE DETAILS
Who it’s for: Competent hill walkers with some scrambling experience who are ready for a full mountain day on serious ground.
What you gain: Greater confidence on exposed terrain, improved scrambling skills and the satisfaction of completing one of Scotland’s most iconic mountain routes.
Price: POA — enquire for group rates.
Tower Ridge
Ben Nevis · Grade 3 / moderate Scramble
The longest and finest ridge on Ben Nevis.
For many, the ultimate scrambling objective in the UK. Rising through the dramatic North Face of Britain’s highest mountain, Tower Ridge combines sustained scrambling, route-finding and an unforgettable summit day.
ROUTE DETAILS
Who it’s for: Those with previous scrambling experience who are ready for a bigger challenge on complex mountain terrain.
What you gain: Increased confidence on technical ground, experience moving efficiently on exposed ridges and the achievement of completing one of Britain’s great mountain routes.
Price: POA — enquire for group rates.
Summer & Year Round
Navigation
the foundations
Hill Navigation
Stop following and start exploring with confidence.
Whether you’re tired of relying on someone else’s navigation or simply want the freedom to plan your own days in the hills, this course provides a practical introduction to mountain navigation.
Through a combination of simple exercises and real journeys on the hill, you’ll learn how maps, compasses and terrain work together. By the end of the day you’ll have the confidence to navigate independently on straightforward hillwalking terrain and understand the foundations of safe route finding.
Perfect for new hillwalkers, aspiring Munro baggers and anyone looking to become more self-sufficient in the outdoors.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Orienting a map
• Understanding map scales
• Using a compass effectively
• Reading contours and terrain features
• Simple route planning
• Building safe navigation habits
COURSE DETAILS
Duration: 1 day
Location: Cairngorms
Group size: Min. 2 to 6 people
Level: All abilities
Season: Year-round
progression
Mountain Navigation
For those who want to navigate confidently when the mountain makes it difficult.
This course is designed for walkers who already understand the basics and want to develop the skills needed to travel confidently in more challenging terrain and conditions.
Working in the Cairngorms, we’ll explore the techniques experienced hillwalkers use when visibility deteriorates, features become subtle and decisions matter more. The focus is on practical problem-solving, building confidence and developing a navigation system you can rely on when conditions are less than perfect.
Ideal for regular hillwalkers, aspiring Mountain Leaders or anyone wanting to become more independent in the mountains.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Accurate pacing and timing
• Taking and following bearings
• Contour interpretation
• Relocation techniques
• Attack points and aiming off
• Navigation in poor visibility
• Building effective navigation strategies
COURSE DETAILS
Duration: 1–2 days
Location: Cairngorms
Group size: Min. 2 to 6 people
Level: Some navigation experience is beneficial.
Season: Year-round
March to October
Scrambling & Rock
Introduction Course
Intro to Rock
Your first steps into the vertical world.
Whether you’ve always wanted to try climbing or are looking for a new outdoor challenge, this course is designed to provide a fun, supportive and confidence-building introduction to rock climbing and abseiling.
Working on real rock in the Cairngorms and other suitable crags, you’ll learn the fundamentals of climbing movement, discover how ropes and safety systems work and experience the unique thrill of both climbing and abseiling.
Perfect for complete beginners, families and anyone curious about the world of climbing.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Basic climbing movement and footwork
• Using handholds and body positioning efficiently
• Understanding climbing equipment
• Safe movement around the crag
• Introduction to belaying and rope systems
• Abseiling techniques and confidence on steep ground
COURSE DETAILS
Duration: 2 days
Location: Cairngorms & Scottish Highlands
Group size: Max. 4 people
Level: Completely beginner-friendly.
Season: Spring to Autumn
Progression
Learn to Lead
Take the next step in your climbing journey.
Leading a climb opens up a world of new possibilities, but it also brings new responsibilities. This two-day course is designed for climbers who are comfortable seconding routes and want to develop the skills, judgement and confidence needed to safely lead traditional climbs.
Working on carefully selected crags across the Highlands, you’ll learn how to place protection, build reliable anchors, manage ropes efficiently and make sound decisions at the crag.
Perfect for climbers looking to move beyond top-roping and begin leading their own routes.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Placing and evaluating traditional protection
• Building safe and reliable anchors
• Rope management and efficiency at belays
• Route selection and guidebook interpretation
• Risk management and decision making
• Leading single-pitch traditional climbs
• Developing confidence and self-reliance at the crag
COURSE DETAILS
Duration: 2 days
Location: Scottish Highlands
Group size: Max. 2
Level: Competent Second Climber.
Season: Spring to Autumn
Mountain Days
Scrambling basics
The bridge between walking and climbing.
Scrambling opens up some of Scotland’s most spectacular mountain terrain. It combines the freedom of hillwalking with the excitement of using your hands to move across rocky ground, ridges and mountain faces.
This introductory course is designed for hillwalkers looking to build confidence on steeper terrain and learn the skills needed to move safely and efficiently on classic scrambling routes.
Perfect for walkers who want to take the next step in their mountain journey and prepare for routes such as Curved Ridge, Aonach Eagach or Tower Ridge.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Efficient movement on rocky terrain
• Basic scrambling techniques and footwork
• Route finding and terrain assessment
• Managing exposure and building confidence
• Simple ropework demonstrations
• Decision making in mountain terrain
• Safe movement on classic scrambling routes
COURSE DETAILS
Duration: 1 day
Location: Scottish Highlands
Group size: Max. 4
Level: Hill walking experience beneficial.
Season: Spring to Autumn
December to March
Winter Skills
Winter Weekend
Winter Skills
Your introduction to Scotland’s winter mountains.
Winter transforms Scotland’s mountains into a completely different environment. Snow, ice and rapidly changing weather create incredible opportunities for adventure, but they also demand a new set of skills.
This two-day course is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to enjoy Scotland’s winter mountains safely.
Perfect for hillwalkers, aspiring winter mountaineers and anyone looking to experience Scotland’s mountains during the winter season.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- Snowcraft: Learn to travel safely on snow and ice using crampons, ice axes, and other critical gear tailored for the Scottish terrain.
- Avalanche Awareness: Develop vital skills in identifying avalanche-prone areas, assessing snowpack stability, and executing swift rescues in Scotland’s diverse mountain regions.
- Winter Navigation: Master navigating Scotland’s hills in low visibility conditions using maps, compasses, and GPS.
- Emergency Procedures: Understand how to prevent hypothermia and frostbite, and learn the best practices for staying warm and constructing emergency shelters specific to the Scottish climate.
COURSE DETAILS
Duration: 2 days
Location: Cairngorms or West Highlands
Group size: Max. 6 people
Level: Hill walking experience beneficial.
Season: Winter
Who Should Attend:
Our Winter Skills Course is ideal for hillwalkers, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore Scotland’s winter landscapes. No prior experience is necessary—just a love for the great outdoors and a desire to learn.
What to Expect:
- Expert Instructors: Benefit from the guidance of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in Scotland’s winter environments.
- Hands-On Training: Engage in practical exercises and real-world scenarios tailored to the unique conditions of the Scottish hills.
- Small Group Sizes: Enjoy personalized instruction and a supportive learning atmosphere with our limited class sizes.
intermediate – Advanced Winter
Winter Skills +
For those ready to move beyond the basics.
Winter Skills+ is designed for those who already have experience using crampons and an ice axe and are looking to develop the confidence and judgement required for more challenging winter terrain.
The focus shifts from simply using equipment to making good decisions in complex mountain environments.
This course is ideal for those preparing for classic winter mountaineering routes or looking to progress towards more technical winter objectives.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Efficient movement on steeper snow and ice
• Advanced ice axe and crampon techniques
• Route choice in winter terrain
• Hazard identification and risk management
• Avalanche terrain assessment
• Self-reliance and decision making
• Introduction to simple self-rescue concepts
You should be comfortable on basic winter ground and genuinely hungry to progress beyond it.
COURSE DETAILS
Duration: 2 days
Location: Cairngorms or Highlands
Group size: Max. 4 people
Level: Previous winter skills experience recommended.
Season: Winter
Private Guiding
Your Objectives.
Your Schedule.
Private guiding is built entirely around you. Whether you have a specific summit in mind, a route you’ve always wanted to do, or a skill you want to develop at your own pace — Mark will plan the day around what you’re trying to achieve.
No fixed itinerary. No group dynamic to manage. Just focused, personal time on the mountain with someone who knows the terrain well and genuinely invests in your progression.
something special…
The Adventure Programme
Four days designed around one outcome — genuine independence in the mountains. Not a tick-box course. A turning point.
Option 1 — Confidence & Scrambling: Grade 1 & 2 scrambles, easier climbing, ropework basics.
Option 2 — Scrambling & Lead Climbing: Grade 2–3 terrain, route-finding, intro to leading outdoors.
Flexible scheduling — consecutive or spread through the summer.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Duration: 4 days
Location: Highlands
Group size: Min. 2 to 4 people
Level: Some outdoor experience.
Season: Apr to Oct