guided ascent of fiacaill ridge

guided ascent of fiacaill ridge

1 dayGrade Easy - 3Aviemore, CairngormsMax 1:2 Ratio
5.0 / 5.0•Over 211+ Five-Star Reviews
The route

What the days on the ridge involve

Join one of our local guides to help you tackle the classic Fiaciall ridge. This is the most popular and one of the best scrambles in the Northern Cairngorms, with panoramic views over Loch Morlich and all the way over towards Shelterstone and beyond, it has left a memorable impression on many people visiting the area.
Interactive Map

Expedition Topography & Route

OpenTopoMap Topography
Day-By-Day Journey

Detailed Itinerary

We plan to meet in Aviemore, chat through equipment and aspirations for the day before heading up to the Cas car park where will will be able to see the grandeur of the Northern Corries. A gentle start leads us into the glacial features before we take a turn and head up towards Corie an t-Shneachda where we will make our way towards 'twin-ribs', this provides an enjoyable alternative to gain the ridge before we traverse towards the main event. We can then pick and choose a variety of lines to make the scrambling a little easier or harder depending the conditions. We weave our way up the grippy granite, with exposed drops above Fiacaill Buttress but easier options on the Lochan side if need be, all the effort to be rewarded with fabulous views across to Shelterstone and the Loch Avon basin.

Gear & Provisions

Inclusions, Exclusions & Kit

What's Included

  • ✓Highly experienced & qualified guide
  • ✓Harness, helmet, ropes
  • ✓Climbing hardware
  • ✓Guidebooks
  • ✓Group shelter
  • ✓First Aid kit
  • ✓Photos from your course

Not Included

  • ✗Course Insurance
  • ✗Personal Expenses
  • ✗Accommodation

What to Bring

  • •A pair of suitable walking boots/approach shoes
  • •Quality, breathable waterproof jacket and trousers. Gore-tex or similar
  • •Spare insulating layer
  • •Walking socks
  • •Walking trousers (synthetic materials; jeans or similar are not suitable)
  • •Water bottle or flask
  • •Rucksack 30-40 ltr
  • •Hat & waterproof gloves
  • •Lunch, plus a little spare food
  • •Sunglasses & sun cream (you just never know!)
  • •Waterproof case for phone i.e. zip-lock bag
  • •Personal medications

Ardlogie BnB

Welcome to Ardlogie, a friendly, relaxed guest house situated in a peaceful location close to the centre of Aviemore, with views towards the...

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Ardlogie BnB
Ardlogie BnB
Ardlogie BnB

Aviemore Youth Hostel

Surrounded by woodland, Aviemore Youth Hostel sits on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park and is just a short walk from Aviemore town c...

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Aviemore Youth Hostel
Aviemore Youth Hostel
Aviemore Youth Hostel

Cairngorm Hotel

Aviemore’s premier independent hotel, situated directly opposite the railway station in the heart of Aviemore offers a warm and friendly wel...

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Cairngorm Hotel
Cairngorm Hotel
Cairngorm Hotel
Official Grade StandardsGrade Easy - 3

Scrambling - Easy

Suitable For

A great introduction to scrambling, perfect for those looking to experience steeper terrain and a sense of exposure in the mountains without the intensity of more technical routes. Expect straightforward routes with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and build confidence on rocky terrain.

Skills Required

No prior scrambling experience is needed, but familiarity with hillwalking and a reasonable level of fitness will help you get the most out of the day. The focus is on moving safely on easy ridges and rocky sections with hands-on guidance where needed.

Expedition Gallery

Great conditions for the traverse of Fiaciall Ridge
Guiding on Fiacaill Ridge, Cairngorms
Advanced Scrambling Course in the Loch Avon Basin

Frequently Asked Questions

Individual Departure
£180.00/ person
Private 1:1 RateFrom £380/dayConfigure Private Dates ↓
Scheduled Departures
Sat 1st May 27 - Sat 1st May 271 day expedition
Only 2 left
£180
Sat 22nd May 27 - Sat 22nd May 271 day expedition
Only 2 left
£180
Sat 19th Jun 27 - Sat 19th Jun 271 day expedition
Only 2 left
£180
Sat 3rd Jul 27 - Sat 3rd Jul 271 day expedition
Only 2 left
£180
Sat 21st Aug 27 - Sat 21st Aug 271 day expedition
Only 2 left
£180
Sat 4th Sep 27 - Sat 4th Sep 271 day expedition
Only 2 left
£180
Basecamp Concierge

Need To Adjust Dates or Roster?

Need to swap dates, change participant details, or ask technical kit questions? Our instructors are on hand to assist.

Flexible transfers and weather rescheduling guarantee
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Your Expedition.
Your Exact Pace.

Want dedicated 1:1 instruction or exclusive guiding for your party on guided ascent of fiacaill ridge? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.

WMCI / MIC Certified Lead GuidesTailored Weather Safety Routings
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From £380/day
Calculated Private Rate1 Day • 1:1 Ratio
£380(£380/day)
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The Highland Standard

Why scramble with us

Qualified mountain instructors, a small group, and routes chosen for the people on the day.

A person in an orange jacket sits in a sleeping bag on a rocky summit, watching the sun set over a sea of cloud.
5.0 / 5.0••TripAdvisor Verified

Scrambling trips, in their words

How other people found the ridges, the exposure, and the days with a guide.

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"Scrambling in Glen Coe"

Highly recommend Stephen and Scottish Rock and Water, I did a 2 day introduction course on scrambling in Glen Coe and Stephen made our experience highly enjoyable and very educational. Stephen is very patient and I felt extremely comfortable and safe during the course at all times. I have gained valuable confidence and knowledge from my 2 days. Had an amazing time, thank you Stephen

Craig BeveridgeVerified

"Tower Ridge Ben Nevis"

Absolutely loved the whole day, even the walk out. Stephen was a top guy, first class guide who made sure we were safe, but also allowed us to enjoy ourselves at the same time. Would highly recommend booking with him if you have any plans for a trip.

Brian Verified

"A great day out learning new tricks"

Me and my partner booked a scrambling course on the Curved ridge in Glen Coe with Stephen. Stephen is a great guide. He tailored our experience to meet our needs and to fill gaps in our knowledge we felt we beeded. We weren't totally sure where we were in terms of experience, but he gave us great confidence in our abilities, and also has great chat ! We wouldn't hesitate to book another course with Scottish Rock and Water, and it's clear that Stephen is an absolute expert at his job. We came away from the day accomplished and confident.

JessicaVerified

"Scrambling experience on Skye :)"

The perfect first time scrambling and climbing in Skye! Loved every moment. From the views to the company. Stephen is incredibly knowledgeable and professional and also a fantastic teacher, making sure I felt confident and safe throughout. Thank you for a fab day. Can't wait to book the next trip over!

Melissa MVerified

"Liathach scrambling"

Having had a brilliant experience with Stephen last summer doing an introduction to scrambling course I decided to book into a last minute guided traverse of Liathach. Once again had an amazing experience - cannot praise Stephen enough! He's a brilliant guide, makes you feel so at ease and gives you confidence in your abilities. I was terrified about this walk but felt so safe and comfortable with him. Such good company too making it a fantastic day with lots of chat and laughs along the way. Thank you so much, will definitely be booking back for in for another trip in the future.

Louise AllanVerified

"In Pin & Sgurr Mhic Choinnich combo"

Stephen helped us achieve 2 more ticks in our Munro book. He expertly made our short ridge traverse highly educational and fun at the same time. We even invested in more basic scrambling equipment within hours of completion as he made us hungry for more! We will certainly use Stephen as a Guide again or enroll on one of his many mountaineering courses, an epic day led by a top Guide! Five stars all round 👍

Ollie HVerified
Field Notes

Scrambling notes

Grades, kit, and how to prepare for a Scottish scramble.

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A voucher from £50, posted to you and valid for three years. It can go toward a course, a private day, or winter kit hired for that trip.

A climber in an orange helmet moves up a granite slab above a Highland glen.