Scottish Winter Guiding
Each winter we offer a full range of guiding based in the Aviemore and Fort William areas of Scotland, covering all levels from total beginner to advanced climber, and using all the main winter climbing areas - the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, Creag Meagaidh, and the Northern Highlands.
Many people opt for a course rather than guiding, because they believe that courses are always cheaper. However, if there are two or more people in your group, guiding may actually cost less than booking a place on a course. In addition, the advantages of booking your own Guide for yourself or your small group are huge. You have lots of input into the content of your days out and the routes undertaken. If you have a particular ambition, you can discuss the possibilities with me. You make a booking for the dates you want, and the size of your group will determine the kind of challenges you can undertake.
Ratios and Routes
- 1:1 and 1:2: limited only by your own ability and aspirations
- 1:3: allows climbing at Grade II-III, eg Curved Ridge (Glen Coe), Dorsal Arete (Glen Coe), Hell's Lum (Cairngorms), The Vent (Cairngorms)
- 1:4: allows up to Grade II, eg Aonach Eigach ridge (Glen Coe), Ledge Route (Ben Nevis), Central Buttress (Lochnagar), Liathach Ridge (Torridon).
- 1:5 and 1:6: limited to scrambling, walking, and basic skills training.
Dates
Sorry - no dates for winter 2011/2012
Guiding fees
The following charges are per guide or instructor per day:
1:1 - £190
1:2 - £210
1:3 - £230
1:4 - £250
1:5 - £270
1:6 - £290
Accommodation
Some clients prefer to research their accommodation themselves, or to stay with friends or family in the area. We can recommend the following:
- The Rowan Tree Country Hotel
- Loch Alvie, near Aviemore. A small cosy family-run hotel offering relaxed en-suite full board accommodation to walkers, climbers and general visitors in a quiet location. The Rowan Tree Country Hotel
- Badenoch Christian Centre
- Kincraig, near Aviemore. Self catering accommodation in mainly four-bedded and two-bedded bunk rooms and an apartment sleeping 4-6. Shared kitchen, an excellent drying room, all bedding provided. (No pressure to take part in any of the Christian activities of the centre). Badenoch Christian Centre
- Alan Kimber
- Fort William. Self catering accommodation in twin rooms. Shared kitchen & living room, an excellent drying room, and great value. Alan Kimber
Preparation
The fitter you are, the more you will get out of your time with us, as all winter mountaineering requires physical effort. Swimming, cycling, and hill-walking are all good preparation. The following books would be useful reading: Scotland’s Winter Mountains by Martin Moran; Mountain Navigation by Peter Cliff; Cold Climbs by Alcock & Barry.
Equipment
Check out the Equipment for Scottish Winter Guiding page for a full list of all the kit you will need.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that all our clients take out mountaineering insurance to cover against cancellation and curtailment, medical costs, personal liability, loss of personal belongings, etc. Try the British Mountaineering Council, tel 0161 445 6111. If you cancel after you have paid your deposit, and we cannot fill your place, we will expect you to pay the full fee as arranged - see booking conditions below.
Booking Conditions
Please send a non-refundable 50% deposit cheque with your booking form. The balance of the course fee will be due 14 days before the start of the guiding. If the booking is made within 14 days of the start date, please send the full fee with the booking. If you cancel for any reason and we cannot fill your date, we will expect you to pay the full fee as arranged and claim from the insurance company as appropriate. If we fill your date, we will refund your fee less the deposit. If we cancel, we will refund any money paid in full.