Climbing in Scotland

Rock and Winter Climbing Courses on the West Coast of Scotland

Courses for new or experienced climbers
Customised curriculum for all skill levels
Learn to place protection and build belays
Emphasis on environmental awareness

5 Stars - Based on 915 User Reviews

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Climbing Courses and Mountaineering in Scotland

With its rugged landscapes Scotland offers a range of climbing and mountain training experiences for climbers of all abilities, from challenging mixed and ice climbing to multi-pitch rock climbing on mountain and sea cliffs, to traditional climbing on sea stacks, and lots of introductory outdoor rock climbing venues. Some of the notable areas for rock climbing in Scotland include Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, Torridon and the Isle of Skye.

We are a professional guiding and coaching company that offers a range of climbing courses in Scotland, courses are tailored for all levels of climbers, from beginners to experienced mountaineers, and are led by experienced and qualified local climbing instructors.

Specific courses have a syllabus and goals but are needs and abilities led, our main objective is providing a safe, enjoyable, and educational climbing experience in Scotland’s beautiful landscapes, for anyone looking for mountain training in Scotland.

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Customer Reviews

Winter Cimb of Ben Nevis Great experience with a great guide (Will). I appreciated his skill, patience, kindness, knowledge, flexibility, and passion for the hills. Would highly recommend this guide and company for Ben Nevis.
Jay B. 26 Feb 2023

It was an awesome two days with Simon. We did Curved Ridge on Tuesday and Right Twin on Wednesday. I first did Curved Ridge in Feb 2006 on an Alan Kimber weekend. On that trip it was more wintry but not by so much. Many time I have thought about repeating it as a rock climb so in that respect it was perfect even though it should have been under... read more read less
Jon E. 25 Feb 2023

Great winter climbing course with Sally We had an amazing day with Sally from West Coast on the winter climbing course. From initial contact to finals plans the night before we felt like we were in good hands. She provided the gear and took three of us up the hill and had great patter. Once we reached the snow we were led through the training with the ice axes and crampons before tackling the climb full... read more read less
Roddy M. 25 Feb 2023
First rate experience. Simon and Henry worked around difficult conditions to give us the experience of a lifetime. Amazing knowledge and professionalism combined with great teaching skills. Highly recommended.
Ian S. 25 Feb 2023

Great Mountain Guides - Recommended Fantastic experience with West Coast, from the initial booking and correspondence through to the guiding from Simon. Everything was brilliant. Highly recommended.
Lewis T. 23 Feb 2023

Alex is genuinely the best instructor I've had the pleasure of learning from. I wasn't sure what to expect from the 5 days, but would have been happy coming away from it feeling I'd learnt something and having ticked off a few routes. I ended up having the most enjoyable and educational experience I've had since getting back into climbing. I feel Alex perfectly balanced getting us up the routes... read more read less
Samuel P. 15 Feb 2023
5 day intro winter climbing Alex is genuinely the best instructor I've had the pleasure of learning from. I wasn't sure what to expect from the 5 days, but would have been happy coming away from it feeling I'd learnt something and having ticked off a few routes. I ended up having the most enjoyable and educational experience I've had since getting back into climbing. I feel Alex perfectly balanced getting us up the routes... read more read less
Sam P. 14 Feb 2023

Introductory winter climbing course I completed the 5 day intro to winter climbing course with west coast mountain guides Our guide Alex Kay did a great job, he tailored each day to suit the groups aims and we learnt a lot in the short space of time whilst still keeping it really enjoyable. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who's thinking about it, just get it booked in, you won't regret it!
Colum H. 10 Feb 2023

Winterising climbing skills Our guide David Whiteley was fantastic, fantastic teacher and made a great effort to find good routes in less than ideal ground conditions.
Terra I. 24 Jan 2023
Awesome intro to winter climbing Awesome intro to winter climbing over three days with David and Dave. Learnt the basic safety and technical skills and managed to do some challenging climbs as early as the second day
Maxime G. 22 Jan 2023

Awesome intro to winter climbing over three days with David and Dave. Learnt the basic safety and technical skills and managed to do some challenging climbs as early as the second day
Maxime G. 22 Jan 2023

Winter summit of Ben Nevis Awesome day with guide Craig who was knowledgeable, friendly and good fun. In great conditions we made it to the summit with some expert nav from our guide!
Richard T. 22 Jan 2023

Full Description

We offer a range of skills courses for all climbers summer or winter, don’t see exactly what you want then choose private guiding for a bespoke course and experience. Through participating in one of our courses you will be able to progress in your climbing and develop a more confident approach to the sport. We can arrange skills courses including Introduction to rock climbing, Introduction to lead climbing, improving your outdoor climbing, Guided Classic rock climbs. In all courses, participants can expect to receive expert instruction from local experienced, qualified mountain guides and mountain instructors, who will aim to provide a safe, enjoyable, and educational climbing experience in Scotland’s beautiful landscapes

Introduction to rock climbing

The “Introduction to Rock Climbing” course is an excellent introduction to mountain climbing for beginners who want to learn the basics of rock climbing. This course covers the core skills and techniques of ropes and gear, as well as the fundamentals of climbing movement. Participants will learn about climbing safety and techniques and will have the opportunity to practice and improve their skills on routes tailored to their abilities and aspirations. Participants will have the chance to experience lots of climbing and develop their skills in a supportive and challenging environment. Here around Fort William we have sport climbing, trad rock climbing and some of the best mountains to climb in Scotland.

Introduction to lead climbing

The “Introduction to Lead Climbing” course is designed for climbers who have some experience and are looking to progress to the “Sharp End”. This course covers route orientation, racking up, placing gear, quickdraws, clipping techniques, building belays, as well as how to belay a lead climber and second. Participants can expect a safe and educational climbing experience that will help them develop the skills and confidence they need to progress with towards their climbing goals.

Improving your outdoor climbing

The “Improving Your Outdoor Climbing” course is designed for climbers who have some experience and want to take their outdoor rock climbing to the next level. This course covers advanced techniques and skills to improve your outdoor climbing, including movement coaching, efficient belays, timely change overs, problem avoidance. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these skills on a variety of routes, from easy to challenging, under the guidance of local experienced climbing instructors.

Guided Classic rock climbs

The “Guided Classic Rock Climbs” course offers the chance for climbers to tick off as many Ken Wilson Classic Rock routes here in Scotland. A total of 26 routes all over Scotland and we are happy to guide you on them all, some are even possible in less than ideal climbing conditions. Routes include Agag’s Groove on Buachaille Etive Mor Glen Coe and Integrity on the Cuillin Isle of Skye. Weather you want to climb in Glen Coe, Ben Nevis, Skye, North West or the Cairngorms we can help.

Scottish Sea stacks ‘The Old Men’

The “Scottish Sea Stacks” course is an adventure for intermediate and experienced climbers seeking to tackle Scotland’s most challenging climbs. With the guidance of local experienced climbing instructors, participants will have the opportunity to climb some of Scotland’s most iconic sea stacks, including The Old Man of Stoer, Am Buachaille, and the Old Man of Hoy. This course is for climbers who are confident in their ability to climb at a moderate level and are ready for a climbing challenge. Whether you want to climb a single Old Man or the 3 classics stacks we can help.

When do our courses run?

Our courses run all year, with dates to suit you. We also offer winter courses, including winter mountaineering courses, winter skills courses and ice climbing courses in Scotland, with specific dates and pricing available.

We offer these courses on days and dates to suit you. Please get in touch to check availability.

For booking please contact us directly at matt@westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk

Kit Requirements

Socks –Go for a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks.

Thermal/Base Layers –A thermal or wicking top is far better than cotton.

Fleeces –At least one fleece layer for your upper body. If you get cold easily perhaps add a fleece gilet/vest to your layering. Having an extra fleece top or synthetic layer in a waterproof liner at the bottom of your rucksack is useful if cool conditions are likely to be encountered.

Windshirt or lightweight softshell jacket –Ideal for dry conditions.

Walking trousers –Polycotton, polyester or softshell is ideal.

Warm Hat & Gloves –A warm hat can still be very useful even in summer. For Skye, leather work or gardening gloves, which are cheap and durable are ideal. Remember that even in the height of summer, with a bit of rain and wind, it will still be quite chilly.

Waterproof jacket and over trousers ( Outer shell clothing) –The trousers should have at least a knee length zip enabling them to be fitted over boots. Lightweight waterproofs are ok.

Rucsac –A medium volume sac (30 -40 litres) is best for mountaineering. Use a strong plastic rucsac liner to keep the contents dry. External Rucsack covers have a habit of blowing away and don’t work as well as an internal liner. Everything needs to fit inside your sac.

Bivvy Bag –A large person sized poly or foil survival bag is the minimum requirement, essential.

Gaiters or Stop-tous –Useful, but not essential. Not really necessary on the Skye Cuillins.

Head Torch –Even in summer it’s good practise to carry a small headtorch.

First Aid kit –A small personal pack including medication for blisters. Suncream and sunglasses if good forecast.

Compass/Map –(OS or BMC/Harveys)
Harvey maps produce the best map for Skye. The map should be weather-proofed in a clear plastic map case or covered with clear sticky back plastic.

Whistle/Watch

Waterbottle –1 to 2 litres, maybe more during hot weather.

Lunch & Spare Food

Trekking Poles -These are optional, but useful particularly in descent.

Boots –For scrambling, boots which have good lateral stiffness, such as B1 rated boots, are useful.

Helmet –Please bring one along if you can. We have DMM helmets available.

Harness –Please make sure the harness fits over all clothing and can be put on over boots and crampons. Adjustable leg-loops are preferable for ease of fitting.

Belay device, two HMS Carabiners and one 120cm sling –We can provide you with these if you don’t have your own.

Booking Enquiry

For booking please contact us directly at matt@westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk

We’ll be in touch soon!

Private Guiding

If the dates or contents of a course are not exactly what you are after, we also offer private guiding, which makes up a large part of our working year. Private guiding can be arranged on dates to suit you, and we can tailor the course or guiding to match you needs and aspirations. There are no limits for the number of participants on privately guided day, so whether you are an individual after 1:1 guiding or tuition, or a group or club looking to develop their collective skills or reach a particular summit, please get in touch.

Find out more about Private Guiding