We meet and chat through the week ahead, and what people want to get from the five days. We then look at the weather and avalanche forecast and talk through the options. On the snow, we concentrate on good footwork and efficient movement, thinking about prevention is better than cure! Then we will look at what to do if we do take a slide. A journey over Cairngorm works well for the first day.
The second highest peak in the UK, Ben Macdui. If conditions allow we will head for this via the lochan shoulder with spectacular views into the Lairig Ghru and over o the snowiest corie in the UK, Garbh Corie. We will make a round trip and return and back via 1141 if it is safe to do so.
Creag Meagiadh, providing one of the most dramatic areas that we will visit as we make our way up towards corie ardair, taking in the views of the majestic lines, gullies and huge icefalls. We make our way up through the window before heading for the summit
Bynack Mor, hidden along the Ryvoan pass and the 'green loch' gives a remote feel to this outing. A longer day but with much of this on the access tracks through the pine forests at Glenore all the way to Strath Nethy. After this we ascend our way to the summit before retracing our steps back through the forest to the car park.
Overlooking Loch Eanaich, Sgor Gaoith (the windy peak) has a remote feel wiht the great expanse over towards the northern cairngorms. With a rewilding project and steeped in history, Glen Feshie is a firm favourite of many and has a natural feel to it with plenty of native trees growing in the glen.
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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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Ideal for those with prior summer hillwalking experience looking to refine their skills in more technical and demanding winter conditions. These courses are designed for people seeking a rewarding challenge in some of Scotland’s most dramatic mountain settings.
A solid background in summer hillwalking and a high level of fitness are essential. You should be comfortable navigating rugged terrain and ready to adapt your skills to winter conditions, including using crampons and an ice axe. The focus will be on advanced navigation, avalanche risk assessment, and tackling steeper or more exposed routes. Expect long, physically demanding days, technical challenges, and the unpredictability of winter weather—offering an ideal opportunity to push your limits and hone your abilities.
All of our staff hold the relevant qualifications and substantial experience for any courses that you book with us here at Scottish Rock & Water. We can provide any relevant certifications upon request.
Yes, you can secure your course/trip with a deposit. We only require a 25% deposit to reserve your position, with the full payment due 30 days prior to the start date.
Yes! Around 40% of people book as solo travellers.
Yes! You can use our fast checkout option to secure your spot without adding participant details. All we need is your name and email to send the confirmation.
While it's not legally required, we strongly recommend that you secure comprehensive travel/activity insurance before your trip to Scotland. Our courses involve outdoor adventures where weather conditions or unforeseen events could cause cancellations or prevent attendance. Having insurance ensures that you're financially protected if these situations arise. For example, many adventurers opt for specialized coverage such as Sports Cover Direct's offerings for canoe holidays or winter climbing, and the British Mountaineering Council also provides tailored policies for mountaineering activities. We encourage you to review these options and choose a policy that best suits your needs for peace of mind during your adventure.
Need to swap dates, change participant details, or ask technical kit questions? Our instructors are on hand to assist.
Want dedicated 1:1 instruction or exclusive guiding for your party on east coast winter summits? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.
Qualified winter instructors, a small group, and the day spent on snow rather than in a classroom.
All of our courses take place in the Cairngorms, a breathtaking location known for its rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes. This stunning environment offers the perfect backdrop for your winter adventures, allowing you to challenge yourself while surrounded by some of Scotland's most iconic and awe-inspiring scenery.
We live and work in the Cairngorms—and have for over 16 years! Our deep connection to this stunning area means we know it inside and out. From hidden gems to the best winter routes, you’ll benefit from our local knowledge and passion for the place we call home. Whether you’re new to the area or a returning adventurer, we’re here to share the very best of the Cairngorms with you.
All of our courses come fully equipped with leading providers of winter hardware inc our new range of Grivel axes and crampons, world-renowned for their excellence. These industry-leading tools are included as part of your course fee, ensuring that you're using the best equipment available to safely tackle the challenging Scottish winter conditions.
We’re a very small, family-run business built on a love for Scotland’s wild places. Unlike big providers, we focus on personal connections, tailored experiences, and a deep commitment to the landscapes we work in. When you book with us, you're supporting a passionate local team who truly care about your experience.
How other people got on with an axe and crampons, and what they took away from the course.
Boots, axes, and how to prepare for a first winter course.
Winter SkillsStephen McCall
A blog to help people plan their winter days with a framework to have safer and more enjoyable days in the winter months....
WinterLou Reynolds
You may be relatively new to winter walking or an expert winter climber, but avalanche awareness applies to us all and unfortunately, I don't think we can ever sit back and say we have it all sorted. It needs constant aw...
WinterLou Reynolds
Keeping our hands warm in winter is a common topic of conversation and an area of confusion for some. The idea of needing the most expensive gloves on the market, or buying the thickest pair possible, is not necessarily...
Unsure about boots, crampons, or whether a skills course is the right start? Talk to the instructors who teach these days.
Gift vouchers
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.
