IT’S OUT THERE
Neil has totally changed my perception of what’s possible on the mountains and my own potential…
It’s left me wanting more and wondering how far I can go!
– Alan, on the Skye Scrambles Course
CLIENT FOCUSED
LOW RATIOS
HIGHLY QUALIFIED
PREMIUM PRODUCTS
recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.IT’S TIME TO PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
So if this is your year to work towards or complete a great personal challenge,
get in touch and let us see if we can help…
UPCOMING EVENTS
Events are our most popular days, advertised on set dates throughout the year.
- Join in with like-minded people
- Discounted special event rates
- Our most popular activities
Highlands
#WinterSkills – 2 DAY COURSE £200.00
Designed for anyone who wants to improve their winter skills, knowledge and abilities. Suitable for both beginner or intermediate, as long as you are physically fit and have some summer hillwalking experience as a minimum.
- 2 days guiding and instruction
- Small group sizes and personalised feedback
- Detailed instruction in winter skills techniques
- At least 1 big mountain day involving multiple Munros
- Ice axe, crampons, helmet and shovel included in costs
- Introductory and Intermediate ability-friendly
Our courses are very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing. Initially, we focus on introducing and honing core winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision-making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter hill days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include several classic Scottish Munros. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So whether this is your first foray into the winter environment, or you would like to improve existing skills, this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including:
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of terrain, weather and snow conditions
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively
- Navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1:
- Introduction of core winter skills
- Equipment selection and fitting
- How to use ice axe and crampons
- Self arrest practice on steep ground
- Navigation in winter conditions
- Survival situations
Day 2
- Introduction of more complex intermediate techniques
- Increased self-awareness and self-reliance for participants
- Plan, interpret and manage a big mountain day
- Classic Scottish winter Munros and/or Corbetts
For more details or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Buachaille Etive Beag - #GuidedWinterHillwalking
Buachaille Etive Beag
Munros: Stob Dubh and Stob Coire Raineach
Diffculty: ⛰️
Distance: 8km
Duration: 5-6hrs (+1-2hrs if winter skills are covered en route)
Part of our #GuidedWinterHillwalking series: this year we will be offering several winter munro-bagging trips, taking in some classic peaks in a supportive environment, all under the leadership of a qualified Winter Mountain Leader.
"The Wee Buachaille" is an excellent beginner-intermediate winter hillwalk. We have the opportunity to take in two beautiful munros, linked by a soaring snowy ridge, with stunning panoramic views all around. The distances covered are not huge, so there is the opportunity to improve your winter skillset under expert tutelage.
*NOTE*: Whilst these are not instructional skills courses per se (please see our #WinterSkills 2 Day for more in-depth instruction), there will be an element of skills coaching and honing "on the hoof" (i.e: as part of the wider journey of the day).
This course would be suitable for those with limited winter walking experience, who have perhaps had some instruction but don't feel quite ready to get out on their own just yet. Or indeed those who wish something of a refresher after some time off the hills in winter.
You will need a good level of summer hillwalking fitness, experience and currency as a minimum. Some winter hillwalking experience is desirable.
Min: 3 Max: 6
£75pp
You will need:
-B2-rated winter boots and compatible crampons
-walking ice axe
-suitable winter walking clothing and equipment
We can hire axes and crampons at £5.00 per day, but not boots. These can be hired from various outdoor outlets.
Winter Mountaineering 3 Day Course
Highlands
#WinterMountaineering – 3 DAY COURSE £550.00
Designed for anyone who wants to take their winter skills, knowledge and abilities to the next level. Our 3 day courses offer a condensed version of the 5 day syllabus for those unable to commit to Monday-Friday.
- 3 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes and personalised feedback
- Detailed instruction in winter mountaineering techniques
- At least 2 big mountain days involving classic Scottish winter mountaineering terrain (grade I -2)
- Ice axes, crampons, helmet, harness, ropes and shovel included in costs
Mountaineering involves the use of ropes to safeguard trickier sections and requires confidence and expertise in analysing and moving over more consequential terrain than on a walking course. Mountaineering is a very broad discipline and encompasses so much of what is great and fun in the hills: armed with (mostly) a single axe, we will tackle rocky ridges, enclosed gullies and steep snow slopes. Suitable for those with an adventurous spirit and prior experience of the winter environment, such as a Winter Skills Course with us, plus 1 season minimum of personal winter walking. Participants must also be physically fit and have some recent summer walking or scrambling experience as a minimum.
- 3 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes & personalised instruction
- Review of core winter skills techniques
- Instruction in winter mountaineering techniques
- At least 2 big mountain days involving classic Scottish winter mountaineering terrain (grade 1-2)
- Discounts on outdoor equipment from affiliated retailers
Our courses are very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing. Initially, we focus on ensuring we still have well-honed core winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. As the course progresses we aim to increase the difficulty of the terrain encountered and involve you in the planning and decision-making processes integral to such environments. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision-making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter mountaineering days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include several classic Scottish mountaineering days. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So if you are looking to scale up your winter techniques and tackle more challenging terrain in safety and confidence, then this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including:
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of terrain, weather and snow conditions
- 1 axe or 2 – “Mountaineering” or “Climbing”?
- The “grey area” – when does walking become mountaineering and climbing, and what skills do we require for each context and environment?
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively, especially when approaching and exiting climbing routes
- Applying core and intermediate skills in a more consequential environment
- Self reliance and operating independently in a winter mountaineering environment
- Winter mountaineering ropework: Moving together, Short roping, Micro pitching/”Ledging”, Pitching climbs
- Building safe anchors in ice, rock and snow for protection, belays and abseils
- Slick ropework and belay changeovers to save time and prevent problems
- Navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
Day 1:
- Core winter skills overview
- Introduction of mountaineering-specific skills
Day 2:
- Guided mountaineering day
- Snow and rock anchors
Day 3:
- Supervised self-led winter mountaineering (if appropriate to skill level and weather conditions)
For more details, or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Highlands
#WinterClimbing – 3 DAY COURSE £550.00
Designed for those with some winter walking and winter mountaineering experience who want to get to grips with that unusual and yet most rewarding medium of Scottish Winter Climbing. Our 3 day courses offer a condensed version of the 5 day syllabus for those unable to commit to Monday-Friday.
Winter Climbing tackles significantly more technical ground than mountaineering, using ropes, dual modern ice axes and specialist equipment such as ice screws to ascend stunning routes in comparative safety. Mountaineering techniques, experience and competency are required to access and exit the climbs safely. Therefore, confidence and expertise in analysing and moving over more consequential terrain than on a walking course is required. Suitable for those with significant prior experience of the winter environment, such as a Winter Skills Course (and possibly a Winter Mountaineering Course) with us, plus 1 season minimum of personal winter walking. Participants must also be physically fit and have some recent summer walking or scrambling experience as a minimum. Any prior climbing experience is advantageous – a winter climbing route is not the ideal first place to learn removal of basic trad gear such as nuts and cams! 😉
- 3 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes & personalised instruction
- Overview of core winter skills techniques
- Review of winter mountaineering techniques
- Instruction in winter climbing techniques
- At least 1 big mountain day involving classic Scottish winter climbing terrain (grade 2-4)
- Axes, crampons, harness and helmet included
Our courses are very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing, promoting increased self-awareness and self-reliance. Initially, we focus on ensuring we still have well-honed and current core and intermediate winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. As the course progresses we aim to increase the difficulty of the terrain encountered and involve you in the planning and decision-making processes integral to such environments. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter climbing days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include some classic Scottish winter climbs. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So if you are looking to scale up your winter techniques and tackle the most challenging terrain in safety and confidence, then this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including:
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of increasingly complex terrain, weather and snow conditions
- 1 axe or 2 – “Mountaineering” or “Climbing”?
- The “grey area” – when does walking become mountaineering and climbing, and what skills do we require for each context and environment?
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively, especially when approaching and exiting climbing routes
- Applying core and intermediate skills in a more consequential environment
- Being guided in a winter climbing environment – the process of becoming a competent second
- Self reliance and operating independently in a winter mountaineering environment
- Winter mountaineering ropework: Moving together, Short roping, Micro pitching/”Ledging”, Pitching climbs
- Winter climbing ropework: Single/dual ropes, parallel/series ropework, climbing in a 3 vs climbing in a 2
- Building safe anchors in ice, rock and snow for protection, belays and abseils
- Slick ropework and belay changeovers to save time and prevent problems
- Intermediate – advanced navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Conditions interpretations and ethics – “Is it ‘IN’?”
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1:
- Core winter skills overview
- Core mountaineering skills review
Day 2:
- Guided climbing day
- Snow and rock anchors
Day 3:
- Supervised self-led winter climbing (if appropriate to skill level and weather conditions)
For more details, or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Winter Mountaineering 5 Day Course
Highlands
#WinterMountaineering – 5 DAY COURSE £900.00
Designed for anyone who wants to take their winter skills, knowledge and abilities to the next level. Our 5 day courses allow us the most detailed and comprehensive programme to fully explore and understand the syllabus.
Mountaineering involves the use of ropes to safeguard trickier sections and requires confidence and expertise in analysing and moving over more consequential terrain than on a walking course. Mountaineering is a very broad discipline and encompasses so much of what is great and fun in the hills: armed with (mostly) a single axe, we will tackle rocky ridges, enclosed gullies and steep snow slopes. Suitable for those with an adventurous spirit and prior experience of the winter environment, such as a Winter Skills Course with us, plus 1 season minimum of personal winter walking. Participants must also be physically fit and have some recent summer walking or scrambling experience as a minimum.
- 5 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes and personalised feedback
- Overview and review of core winter skills techniques
- Detailed instruction in winter mountaineering techniques
- At least 3 big mountain days involving classic Scottish winter mountaineering terrain (grade 1-2)
- Ice axes, crampons, helmet, harness, ropes and shovel included in costs
Our courses are very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing. Initially, we focus on ensuring we still have well-honed core winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. As the course progresses we aim to increase the difficulty of the terrain encountered and involve you in the planning and decision-making processes integral to such environments. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision-making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter mountaineering days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include several classic Scottish mountaineering days. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So if you are looking to scale up your winter techniques and tackle more challenging terrain in safety and confidence, then this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed.
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including:
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of terrain, weather and snow conditions
- 1 axe or 2 – “Mountaineering” or “Climbing”?
- The “grey area” – when does walking become mountaineering and climbing, and what skills do we require for each context and environment?
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively, especially when approaching and exiting climbing routes
- Applying core and intermediate skills in a more consequential environment
- Self reliance and operating independently in a winter mountaineering environment
- Winter mountaineering ropework: Moving together, Short roping, Micro pitching/”Ledging”, Pitching climbs
- Building safe anchors in ice, rock and snow for protection, belays and abseils
- Slick ropework and belay changeovers to save time and prevent problems
- Intermediate – advanced navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1:
- Core winter skills
- Navigation
Day 2:
- Snowcraft
- Anchors
- Ropework
Day 3:
- Guided winter mountaineering
Day 4:
- Guided/Instructed winter mountaineering
Day 5:
- Supervised self-led winter mountaineering (if appropriate to skill level and weather conditions)
For more details, or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Highlands
#WinterClimbing – 3 DAY COURSE £550.00
Designed for those with some winter walking and winter mountaineering experience who want to get to grips with that unusual and yet most rewarding medium of Scottish Winter Climbing. Our 3 day courses offer a condensed version of the 5 day syllabus for those unable to commit to Monday-Friday.
Winter Climbing tackles significantly more technical ground than mountaineering, using ropes, dual modern ice axes and specialist equipment such as ice screws to ascend stunning routes in comparative safety. Mountaineering techniques, experience and competency are required to access and exit the climbs safely. Therefore, confidence and expertise in analysing and moving over more consequential terrain than on a walking course is required. Suitable for those with significant prior experience of the winter environment, such as a Winter Skills Course (and possibly a Winter Mountaineering Course) with us, plus 1 season minimum of personal winter walking. Participants must also be physically fit and have some recent summer walking or scrambling experience as a minimum. Any prior climbing experience is advantageous – a winter climbing route is not the ideal first place to learn removal of basic trad gear such as nuts and cams! 😉
- 3 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes & personalised instruction
- Overview of core winter skills techniques
- Review of winter mountaineering techniques
- Instruction in winter climbing techniques
- At least 1 big mountain day involving classic Scottish winter climbing terrain (grade 2-4)
- Axes, crampons, harness and helmet included
Our courses are very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing, promoting increased self-awareness and self-reliance. Initially, we focus on ensuring we still have well-honed and current core and intermediate winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. As the course progresses we aim to increase the difficulty of the terrain encountered and involve you in the planning and decision-making processes integral to such environments. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter climbing days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include some classic Scottish winter climbs. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So if you are looking to scale up your winter techniques and tackle the most challenging terrain in safety and confidence, then this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including:
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of increasingly complex terrain, weather and snow conditions
- 1 axe or 2 – “Mountaineering” or “Climbing”?
- The “grey area” – when does walking become mountaineering and climbing, and what skills do we require for each context and environment?
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively, especially when approaching and exiting climbing routes
- Applying core and intermediate skills in a more consequential environment
- Being guided in a winter climbing environment – the process of becoming a competent second
- Self reliance and operating independently in a winter mountaineering environment
- Winter mountaineering ropework: Moving together, Short roping, Micro pitching/”Ledging”, Pitching climbs
- Winter climbing ropework: Single/dual ropes, parallel/series ropework, climbing in a 3 vs climbing in a 2
- Building safe anchors in ice, rock and snow for protection, belays and abseils
- Slick ropework and belay changeovers to save time and prevent problems
- Intermediate – advanced navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Conditions interpretations and ethics – “Is it ‘IN’?”
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1:
- Core winter skills overview
- Core mountaineering skills review
Day 2:
- Guided climbing day
- Snow and rock anchors
Day 3:
- Supervised self-led winter climbing (if appropriate to skill level and weather conditions)
For more details, or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Highlands
#WinterSkills – 2 DAY COURSE £200.00
Designed for anyone who wants to improve their winter skills, knowledge and abilities. Suitable for both beginner or intermediate, as long as you are physically fit and have some summer hillwalking experience as a minimum.
- 2 days guiding and instruction
- Small group sizes and personalised feedback
- Detailed instruction in winter skills techniques
- At least 1 big mountain day involving multiple Munros
- Ice axe, crampons, helmet and shovel included in costs
- Introductory and Intermediate ability-friendly
Our courses are very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing. Initially, we focus on introducing and honing core winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision-making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter hill days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include several classic Scottish Munros. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So whether this is your first foray into the winter environment, or you would like to improve existing skills, this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including:
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of terrain, weather and snow conditions
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively
- Navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1:
- Introduction of core winter skills
- Equipment selection and fitting
- How to use ice axe and crampons
- Self arrest practice on steep ground
- Navigation in winter conditions
- Survival situations
Day 2
- Introduction of more complex intermediate techniques
- Increased self-awareness and self-reliance for participants
- Plan, interpret and manage a big mountain day
- Classic Scottish winter Munros and/or Corbetts
For more details or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Winter Mountaineering 3 Day Course
Highlands
#WinterMountaineering – 3 DAY COURSE £550.00
Designed for anyone who wants to take their winter skills, knowledge and abilities to the next level. Our 3 day courses offer a condensed version of the 5 day syllabus for those unable to commit to Monday-Friday.
- 3 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes and personalised feedback
- Detailed instruction in winter mountaineering techniques
- At least 2 big mountain days involving classic Scottish winter mountaineering terrain (grade I -2)
- Ice axes, crampons, helmet, harness, ropes and shovel included in costs
Mountaineering involves the use of ropes to safeguard trickier sections and requires confidence and expertise in analysing and moving over more consequential terrain than on a walking course. Mountaineering is a very broad discipline and encompasses so much of what is great and fun in the hills: armed with (mostly) a single axe, we will tackle rocky ridges, enclosed gullies and steep snow slopes. Suitable for those with an adventurous spirit and prior experience of the winter environment, such as a Winter Skills Course with us, plus 1 season minimum of personal winter walking. Participants must also be physically fit and have some recent summer walking or scrambling experience as a minimum.
- 3 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes & personalised instruction
- Review of core winter skills techniques
- Instruction in winter mountaineering techniques
- At least 2 big mountain days involving classic Scottish winter mountaineering terrain (grade 1-2)
- Discounts on outdoor equipment from affiliated retailers
Our courses are very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing. Initially, we focus on ensuring we still have well-honed core winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. As the course progresses we aim to increase the difficulty of the terrain encountered and involve you in the planning and decision-making processes integral to such environments. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision-making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter mountaineering days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include several classic Scottish mountaineering days. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So if you are looking to scale up your winter techniques and tackle more challenging terrain in safety and confidence, then this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including:
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of terrain, weather and snow conditions
- 1 axe or 2 – “Mountaineering” or “Climbing”?
- The “grey area” – when does walking become mountaineering and climbing, and what skills do we require for each context and environment?
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively, especially when approaching and exiting climbing routes
- Applying core and intermediate skills in a more consequential environment
- Self reliance and operating independently in a winter mountaineering environment
- Winter mountaineering ropework: Moving together, Short roping, Micro pitching/”Ledging”, Pitching climbs
- Building safe anchors in ice, rock and snow for protection, belays and abseils
- Slick ropework and belay changeovers to save time and prevent problems
- Navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
Day 1:
- Core winter skills overview
- Introduction of mountaineering-specific skills
Day 2:
- Guided mountaineering day
- Snow and rock anchors
Day 3:
- Supervised self-led winter mountaineering (if appropriate to skill level and weather conditions)
For more details, or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Stob Ban and Mullach nan Coirean - #GuidedWinterHillwalking
Mullach nan Coirean
Munros: Stob Ban and Mullach na Coirean
Diffculty: ⛰️
Distance: 13km
Duration 7-9hrs
Part of our #GuidedWinterHillwalking series: this year we will be offering several winter munro-bagging trips, taking in some classic peaks in a supportive environment, all under the leadership of a qualified Winter Mountain Leader.
Stob Ban is named for it's white quartzite screes (and hopefully snow!) ;) and is undisputably one of the finest peaks in the Mamores chain, if not Lochaber as a whole. Adding on the second munro of Mullach nan Coirean gives a very satisfying high level circuit of two quality munros, with good paths throughout. Once up, there is not too much reascent to the second summit, and the views north to the Ben and south to Glencoe, are nothing short of stupendous. A descent into the lovely Coire Riabhaich brings us back to the road only a few hundred metres from the car park. The distances covered are not huge, so there is the opportunity to improve your winter skillset under expert tutelage.
*NOTE*: Whilst these are not instructional skills courses per se (please see our #WinterSkills 2 Day for more in-depth instruction), there will be an element of skills coaching and honing "on the hoof" (i.e: as part of the wider journey of the day).
This course would be suitable for those with limited winter walking experience, who have perhaps had some instruction but don't feel quite ready to get out on their own just yet. Or indeed those who wish something of a refresher after some time off the hills in winter.
You will need a good level of summer hillwalking fitness, experience and currency as a minimum. Some winter hillwalking experience is desirable.
Min: 3 Max: 6
£75pp
You will need:
-B2-rated winter boots and compatible crampons
-walking ice axe
-suitable winter walking clothing and equipment
We can hire axes and crampons at £5.00 per item but not boots. These can be hired from various outdoor outlets.
Highlands
#WinterSkills – 2 DAY COURSE £200.00
Designed for anyone who wants to improve their winter skills, knowledge and abilities. Suitable for both beginner or intermediate, as long as you are physically fit and have some summer hillwalking experience as a minimum.
- 2 days guiding and instruction
- Small group sizes and personalised feedback
- Detailed instruction in winter skills techniques
- At least 1 big mountain day involving multiple Munros
- Ice axe, crampons, helmet and shovel included in costs
- Introductory and Intermediate ability-friendly
Our courses are very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing. Initially, we focus on introducing and honing core winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision-making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter hill days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include several classic Scottish Munros. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So whether this is your first foray into the winter environment, or you would like to improve existing skills, this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including:
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of terrain, weather and snow conditions
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively
- Navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1:
- Introduction of core winter skills
- Equipment selection and fitting
- How to use ice axe and crampons
- Self arrest practice on steep ground
- Navigation in winter conditions
- Survival situations
Day 2
- Introduction of more complex intermediate techniques
- Increased self-awareness and self-reliance for participants
- Plan, interpret and manage a big mountain day
- Classic Scottish winter Munros and/or Corbetts
For more details or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Winter Mountaineering 3 Day Course
Highlands
#WinterMountaineering – 3 DAY COURSE £550.00
Designed for anyone who wants to take their winter skills, knowledge and abilities to the next level. Our 3 day courses offer a condensed version of the 5 day syllabus for those unable to commit to Monday-Friday.
- 3 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes and personalised feedback
- Detailed instruction in winter mountaineering techniques
- At least 2 big mountain days involving classic Scottish winter mountaineering terrain (grade I -2)
- Ice axes, crampons, helmet, harness, ropes and shovel included in costs
Mountaineering involves the use of ropes to safeguard trickier sections and requires confidence and expertise in analysing and moving over more consequential terrain than on a walking course. Mountaineering is a very broad discipline and encompasses so much of what is great and fun in the hills: armed with (mostly) a single axe, we will tackle rocky ridges, enclosed gullies and steep snow slopes. Suitable for those with an adventurous spirit and prior experience of the winter environment, such as a Winter Skills Course with us, plus 1 season minimum of personal winter walking. Participants must also be physically fit and have some recent summer walking or scrambling experience as a minimum.
- 3 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes & personalised instruction
- Review of core winter skills techniques
- Instruction in winter mountaineering techniques
- At least 2 big mountain days involving classic Scottish winter mountaineering terrain (grade 1-2)
- Discounts on outdoor equipment from affiliated retailers
Our courses are very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing. Initially, we focus on ensuring we still have well-honed core winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. As the course progresses we aim to increase the difficulty of the terrain encountered and involve you in the planning and decision-making processes integral to such environments. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision-making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter mountaineering days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include several classic Scottish mountaineering days. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So if you are looking to scale up your winter techniques and tackle more challenging terrain in safety and confidence, then this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including:
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of terrain, weather and snow conditions
- 1 axe or 2 – “Mountaineering” or “Climbing”?
- The “grey area” – when does walking become mountaineering and climbing, and what skills do we require for each context and environment?
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively, especially when approaching and exiting climbing routes
- Applying core and intermediate skills in a more consequential environment
- Self reliance and operating independently in a winter mountaineering environment
- Winter mountaineering ropework: Moving together, Short roping, Micro pitching/”Ledging”, Pitching climbs
- Building safe anchors in ice, rock and snow for protection, belays and abseils
- Slick ropework and belay changeovers to save time and prevent problems
- Navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
Day 1:
- Core winter skills overview
- Introduction of mountaineering-specific skills
Day 2:
- Guided mountaineering day
- Snow and rock anchors
Day 3:
- Supervised self-led winter mountaineering (if appropriate to skill level and weather conditions)
For more details, or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Highlands
#WinterClimbing – 3 DAY COURSE £550.00
Designed for those with some winter walking and winter mountaineering experience who want to get to grips with that unusual and yet most rewarding medium of Scottish Winter Climbing. Our 3 day courses offer a condensed version of the 5 day syllabus for those unable to commit to Monday-Friday.
Winter Climbing tackles significantly more technical ground than mountaineering, using ropes, dual modern ice axes and specialist equipment such as ice screws to ascend stunning routes in comparative safety. Mountaineering techniques, experience and competency are required to access and exit the climbs safely. Therefore, confidence and expertise in analysing and moving over more consequential terrain than on a walking course is required. Suitable for those with significant prior experience of the winter environment, such as a Winter Skills Course (and possibly a Winter Mountaineering Course) with us, plus 1 season minimum of personal winter walking. Participants must also be physically fit and have some recent summer walking or scrambling experience as a minimum. Any prior climbing experience is advantageous – a winter climbing route is not the ideal first place to learn removal of basic trad gear such as nuts and cams! 😉
- 3 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes & personalised instruction
- Overview of core winter skills techniques
- Review of winter mountaineering techniques
- Instruction in winter climbing techniques
- At least 1 big mountain day involving classic Scottish winter climbing terrain (grade 2-4)
- Axes, crampons, harness and helmet included
Our courses are very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing, promoting increased self-awareness and self-reliance. Initially, we focus on ensuring we still have well-honed and current core and intermediate winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. As the course progresses we aim to increase the difficulty of the terrain encountered and involve you in the planning and decision-making processes integral to such environments. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter climbing days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include some classic Scottish winter climbs. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So if you are looking to scale up your winter techniques and tackle the most challenging terrain in safety and confidence, then this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including:
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of increasingly complex terrain, weather and snow conditions
- 1 axe or 2 – “Mountaineering” or “Climbing”?
- The “grey area” – when does walking become mountaineering and climbing, and what skills do we require for each context and environment?
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively, especially when approaching and exiting climbing routes
- Applying core and intermediate skills in a more consequential environment
- Being guided in a winter climbing environment – the process of becoming a competent second
- Self reliance and operating independently in a winter mountaineering environment
- Winter mountaineering ropework: Moving together, Short roping, Micro pitching/”Ledging”, Pitching climbs
- Winter climbing ropework: Single/dual ropes, parallel/series ropework, climbing in a 3 vs climbing in a 2
- Building safe anchors in ice, rock and snow for protection, belays and abseils
- Slick ropework and belay changeovers to save time and prevent problems
- Intermediate – advanced navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Conditions interpretations and ethics – “Is it ‘IN’?”
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1:
- Core winter skills overview
- Core mountaineering skills review
Day 2:
- Guided climbing day
- Snow and rock anchors
Day 3:
- Supervised self-led winter climbing (if appropriate to skill level and weather conditions)
For more details, or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Highlands
#WinterClimbing – 5 DAY COURSE £900.00
Designed for those with some winter walking and winter mountaineering experience who want to get to grips with that unusual and yet most rewarding medium of Scottish Winter Climbing. Our 5 day courses allow us the most detailed and comprehensive programme to fully explore and understand the syllabus.
Winter Climbing tackles significantly more technical ground than mountaineering, using ropes, dual modern ice axes and specialist equipment such as ice screws to ascend stunning routes in comparative safety. Mountaineering techniques, experience and competency are required to access and exit the climbs safely. Therefore, confidence and expertise in analysing and moving over more consequential terrain than on a walking course is required. Suitable for those with significant prior experience of the winter environment, such as a Winter Skills Course (and possibly a Winter Mountaineering Course) with us, plus 1 season minimum of personal winter walking. Participants must also be physically fit and have some recent summer walking or scrambling experience as a minimum. Any prior climbing experience is advantageous – a winter climbing route is not the ideal first place to learn removal of basic trad gear such as nuts and cams! 😉
- 5 days guiding and instruction
- Very small group sizes and personalised feedback
- Overview and review of core winter skills techniques
- Overview and review of winter mountaineering techniques
- Detailed instruction in winter climbing techniques
- At least 3 big mountain days involving classic Scottish winter climbing terrain (grade 2-4)
- Ice axes, crampons, helmet, harness, ropes and shovel included in costs
Our courses are be very practical with an emphasis on learning through doing, promoting increased self-awareness and self-reliance. Initially, we focus on ensuring we still have well-honed and current core and intermediate winter skills, before tackling more complex techniques. As the course progresses we aim to increase the difficulty of the terrain encountered and involve you in the planning and decision-making processes integral to such environments. We go beyond simply teaching you hard skills such as use of ice axe and crampons. We aim to improve your awareness and understanding of the decision making process involved in the planning and execution of successful winter climbing days, in order to give you the skills and confidence to operate independently in the hills in winter. As the course progresses, if weather conditions allow, we will plan longer days to include several classic Scottish winter climbs. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet social environment conducive to learning and fun! So if you are looking to scale up your winter techniques and tackle the most challenging terrain in safety and confidence, then this course is ideal for you.
Locations so fantastic: we moved here!
We are running our winter courses from our home village of Roybridge, Lochaber. Perfectly situated, this Central Highlands location sits smack bang amidst some of Scotland’s premier winter venues: the north face of Ben Nevis is only 15 minutes drive west, and the mighty Creag Meagaidh only 15 mins east. With suitable winter skills venues ALL around, and the popular areas of the Cairngorms and Glencoe each less than an hour away, this allows us the unique opportunity to operate in both the East and West Highlands on any day we choose!
Variety of venues gives you best chance of good conditions:
- Too wet or warm in the west…? We’ll head east to the Cairngorms for reliable snow cover, deep corries and windswept arctic plateaus!
- Too snowy/windy in the Gorms…? We can head to the spikier mountains in the west. We can seek the comparative shelter of Glencoe or mix it up with the big boys on Ben Nevis!
- Gondola access on Aonach Mor enables us to reach higher snowline efficiently if needed
Ease of access:
With excellent transport links, and a central location, Roybridge can easily be reached from anywhere in Scotland via road, rail or bus. (Where possible, participants may find having their own transport advantageous.)
Choice of accommodation to suit you:
Roybridge has an excellent array of accommodation providers to suit all tastes and budgets. It is significantly quieter than the busy tourist hotspots of Fort William and Aviemore. There is also a pub for a civilized debrief.
We would recommend staying as close to the actual Roy Bridge as possible, enabling us to take advantage of communal meeting areas for evening lectures and theory sessions on subjects such as navigation, avalanche awareness and weather forecast interpretation. This will also allow easier issuing of Dubh Mor kit if you require. There is a fine selection of Bed and Breakfasts, Campsites, Cabins and even a couple of hotels in the village. For further information on local accommodation providers, please contact us.
Forgotten something?
Not a problem: the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William, is less than 20 minutes to the southwest, and Aviemore is under an hour to the east. Both have a variety of outdoor shops that hire and sell kit. There are also small local convenience stores, cafes and restaurants in both Roybridge and the neighbouring Spean Bridge. Closest fuel is Dalwhinnie/Newtonmore in the east or Fort William/Invergarry to the west.
Join us to improve not just your skills, but also your knowledge, confidence and decision-making.
Our qualified, experienced and friendly instructors will teach you everything you need to know, including…
- Equipment and clothing selection and correct usage
- Safe and effective use of winter boots, crampons and ice axe in a variety of increasingly complex terrain, weather and snow conditions
- 1 axe or 2 – “Mountaineering” or “Climbing”?
- The “grey area” – when does walking become mountaineering and climbing, and what skills do we require for each context and environment?
- Improved personal movement on snow and ice
- Arresting a slip
- Ascending, descending and traversing safely and effectively, especially when approaching and exiting climbing routes
- Applying core and intermediate skills in a more consequential environment
- Being guided in a winter climbing environment – the process of becoming a competent second
- Self reliance and operating independently in a winter mountaineering environment
- Winter mountaineering ropework: Moving together, Short roping, Micro pitching/”Ledging”, Pitching climbs
- Winter climbing ropework: Single/dual ropes, parallel/series ropework, climbing in a 3 vs climbing in a 2
- Building safe anchors in ice, rock and snow for protection, belays and abseils
- Slick ropework and belay changeovers to save time and prevent problems
- Intermediate – advanced navigation in the winter environment
- Avalanche awareness, interpretation and avoidance
- Weather forecasts and interpretation
- Hazardous conditions and emergency procedures
- Emergency snow shelters
- Seasonal variations – understanding where to go and when
- Conditions interpretations and ethics – “Is it ‘IN’?”
- Route planning and guidebook interpretation
- Decision-making on and off the hill
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1:
- Core winter skills
- Navigation
Day 2:
- Snowcraft
- Snow and rock anchors
- Ropework in a mountaineering context
Day 3:
- Guided winter climbing
Day 4:
- Guided/Instructed winter climbing
Day 5:
- Supervised self-led winter climbing (if appropriate to skill level and weather conditions)
For more details, or to book via deposit and subsequent installments, please email dubhmoroutdoor@gmail.com
Creag Meagaidh - #GuidedWinterHillwalking
Creag Meagaidh
Munros: Carn Liath, Stob Poite Coire Ardair, Creag Meagaidh
Diffculty: ⛰️
Distance: 21km
Duration 9-10hrs
Part of our #GuidedWinterHillwalking series: this year we will be offering several winter munro-bagging trips, taking in some classic peaks in a supportive environment, all under the leadership of a qualified Winter Mountain Leader.
The traverse of Meagaidh’s munros, encircling the stark and dramatic Coire Ardair, is an unforgettable experience through a wild and dramatic winter landscape.
*NOTE*: Whilst these are not instructional skills courses per se (please see our #WinterSkills 2 Day for more in-depth instruction), there will be an element of skills coaching and honing "on the hoof" (i.e: as part of the wider journey of the day).
This course would be suitable for those with limited winter walking experience, who have perhaps had some instruction but don't feel quite ready to get out on their own just yet. Or indeed those who wish something of a refresher after some time off the hills in winter.
You will need a good level of summer hillwalking fitness, experience and currency as a minimum. Some winter hillwalking experience is desirable.
Min: 3 Max: 6
£75pp
You will need:
-B2-rated winter boots and compatible crampons
-walking ice axe
-suitable winter walking clothing and equipment
We can hire axes and crampons at £5.00 per item but not boots. These can be hired from various outdoor outlets.
Learn to Lead Outdoor: Sport - 1 Day
Looking to make the progression to lead climbing outdoors?
This course will teach you and your partner how to lead climb and lead belay safely and efficiently. You will be instructed in clipping bolts, threading anchors and lowering off safely, stripping climbs, installing top ropes and basic problem solving and avoidance. You will also receive personalised coaching on movement, technique, and ways to improve your grade.
In order to get the most out of this course, you should already been a competent toprope climber and belayer, ideally operating at at least 6a.
**Exact course content and routes will depend on participants’ abilities, currency and fitness. We pride ourselves on being able to cater for and improve the vast majority of climbers’ knowledge, technique or ability.
*** At this level of course, it is expected that you will already have your own climbing PPE (i.e: harness, shoes, belay device) and have used it regularly indoors. All equipment except rock shoes are available to hire. If you have any questions regarding your equipment, fitness, transport of the suitability of this course for you, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Lead ropes will be provided.
INSTA ADVENTURES
