THE ISLE OF SKYE has the most celebrated scrambling in Britain – a range of brilliant classics along and around it’s famous Cuillin Ridge. These mountains are truly special and offer a unique experience for scramblers of all abilities. On Skye, we offer both courses to help you develop the confidence and skills to tackle scrambles on your own, and and guiding to enable you to enjoy the classics.
Scrambling fits into the mountaineering world somewhere between walking and climbing – once you start using your hands to aid progress you are scrambling – but the line between scrambling and climbing is somewhat more blurred, and without care and a degree of skill and judgement, the scrambler can find themselves in potentially dangerous climbing situations, without the back up of a climber’s gear and experience. Aspirant scramblers need a range of judgemental and routefinding skills backed up with some basic climbing techniques for different rock features. Knowledge of basic ropework helps too. Once these skills are mastered, there can be few more exhilarating ways of reaching a summit than by moving confidently and fluently over rocky terrain – away from the crowds and with fresh views and perspectives.
Enjoy these excellent courses in the company of fellow outdoor enthusiasts and experienced instructors.
OUR SCRAMBLING COURSE AIMS TO GIVE YOU:
- • Climbing skills suitable for varying rock forms and types – for example, how to tackle wet and loose rock,
- chimneys, slabs and steep sections.
- • Basic rope skills for safeguarding short ascents and descents – a range of important skills enabling the
- group leader to ensure greater margins of safety on tricky sections.
- • Judgement and routefinding skills – it’s not always easy to locate your chosen route, especially it’s star
- point and it can be even more difficult to keep on the correct line. We’ll give you some tips on how to do this.
- • Hazard awareness and management – factors such as loose rock, weather and conditions changes.
- • Interpreting guidebooks – what the guidebooks say – and what they actually mean!
- • Equipment review – a look at footwear and other technical gear required for making your scrambling safer
- and easier.
- • An enjoyable and safe time
- • Guided ascents of classic routes
PRICE & DATES:
The non-residential cost per weekend is £180, which includes instruction and use of specialist gear. Weekends can be extended to give 3 day courses, and longer courses and alternative start days/dates are available for groups. Max ratio 1:3
Courses are available starting on the following dates: April 24th; May 29th; June 26th; September 11th; Private guiding and courses for small groups are available any time by arrangement – maybe you’d like to try a classic such as Pinnacle Ridge or the Inaccessible Pinnacle.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:
A full equipment list will be provided on booking. All specialist gear
such as ropes and helmets are provided, but you are more than
welcome to bring and use your own if you have them.
VIA FERRATA
If you enjoy scrambling you may want to try the ultimate – the Via Ferrata of the Dolomites, Austria and France.
TO MAKE A BOOKING:
Contact Highpoint on 01539 437691 or email.
