Highland Scrambling Adventure
Aviemore, Cairngorm National Park
4 Days
£750 pp
A thrilling mountaineering exploration!
Take your hillwalking and mountain adventures further in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Embark on a journey to conquer the region's most exquisite scrambles while acquiring essential skills and ropework expertise.
Take your hillwalking and mountain adventures further in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Embark on a journey to conquer the region's most exquisite scrambles while acquiring essential skills and ropework expertise. Gain the confidence to venture out independently on graded scrambling terrain. Experience the thrill of moving over fun and engaging terrain with jaw-dropping views and spectacular summits in every direction. The best scrambling in the UK awaits you in the Scottish Highlands!
This course is based in Aviemore, at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Scotland's Highlands. Aviemore is well-connected by road, rail, and air, and offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. While the village will be our base, we’ll explore various Highland locations to make the most of the weather and conditions, ensuring you have the best experience possible.
NB: This itinerary is a sample of what we could do during the course. This is subject to change due to weather, conditions and group fitness. I will always make sure that you get the most out of your course no matter what the weather and conditions are.
4-Day Highland Scrambling Adventure Itinerary
Scrambling Course in the Scottish Highlands
Day 1 – Introduction to Scrambling and Movement Skills
We’ll kick off the course by focusing on the essential skills of mountain scrambling. The day begins with an introduction to effective movement techniques, where you’ll learn how to ascend, traverse, and descend on rocky terrain safely and efficiently.
You’ll also be introduced to basic ropework, learning how to safely use ropes for protection on more challenging sections of terrain. Throughout the day, we’ll incorporate essential mountain safety and navigation skills, ensuring that you’re prepared for the unpredictable nature of the mountain environment.
Day 2 – Ridge Scrambling and Rope Techniques
On Day 2, we’ll head to a classic ridge scramble, where we’ll work on applying your movement and rope skills in a real-world mountain setting. You’ll focus on improving your balance and footwork as we navigate exposed, rocky ridges, learning to adapt your scrambling technique to different types of terrain.
We’ll also dive deeper into rope techniques, including belaying, protecting your partner, and managing the rope on exposed sections. You’ll practice making confident and safe decisions in these challenging environments, building your knowledge of how to move efficiently and reduce risks.
As we climb, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the surrounding highlands, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the day’s activities.
Day 3 – Advanced Scrambling Techniques and Navigation
The third day is all about refining your skills. We’ll spend time tackling more technical scrambling routes, working on advanced movement techniques, including using your body effectively to maintain energy and control over more strenuous sections.
You’ll also hone your rope skills further, practising advanced ropework such as creating anchors, setting up abseils, and safely navigating more exposed areas. Alongside these technical aspects, we’ll focus on your navigation skills, using map and compass to ensure you’re able to safely navigate both familiar and unfamiliar terrain.
Day 4 – Putting It All Together: Scrambling Challenge
For our final day, we’ll bring together all the skills you’ve learned throughout the scrambling course to tackle a classic and challenging scramble. You’ll navigate through rugged rock, exposed ridges, and technical sections while putting your ropework, movement, and safety techniques into practice.
This day is designed to give you the confidence to tackle scrambles independently, with a focus on decision-making, teamwork, and efficient movement. Throughout the day, we’ll revisit key lessons from earlier in the course and build on them, ensuring that you feel comfortable and safe when managing more complex scrambling routes.
This final scramble will allow you to reflect on the progress you’ve made and the skills you’ve developed during the course, leaving with a sense of accomplishment and newfound confidence.
If you have any questions about this course, just get in touch!
No prior experience is required to join this scrambling course, making it accessible to everyone. However, having some hillwalking/hiking experience beforehand can help you get the most out of the course.
I will tailor the course to your individual needs and match you with others of complementary abilities, ensuring that both beginners and experienced scramblers make great progress towards becoming safe, confident, and independent scramblers throughout the week.
Good general fitness will always make the course more enjoyable and rewarding. If you’d like advice on how to prepare, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’ve got lots of simple and effective ways to prepare physically for winter climbing.
Feel free to get in touch to discuss your experience and goals—I’m always happy to help guide you to the right course!
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Making effective decisions on scrambling terrain
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Mastering movement techniques on scrambling terrain
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Understanding the scrambling grading system
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Selecting and using essential scrambling equipment
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Tying key knots for scrambling safety
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Ropework for safe and efficient scrambling
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Mastering macro and micro navigation for scrambling
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Planning and preparing for scrambling days
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Developing hazard awareness for scrambling
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Interpreting mountain weather forecasts for scrambling
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Assessing mountain conditions on the ground for scrambling
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Knowing and executing emergency procedures in scrambling
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Included:
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Exceptional instruction and coaching
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Access to Alex’s knowledge and advice before and after the course
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Local transport to and from your accommodation in Aviemore
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Ropes and climbing hardware
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Helmet and harness
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Guidebooks
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Maps and compass
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Emergency equipment
Not Included:
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Personal clothing
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Accommodation
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Food and snacks
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Transport to Aviemore before and after the course
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