There is something uniquely beautiful a walk in the Highlands.

Between us, we’ve all been to many ranges around the world and have seen some incredible peaks but when it comes to sheer beauty, the Scottish mountains have the edge. We may not have the highest peaks in the world but what we do have is a fantastic variety of mountain-scapes. From the great bulk of the Cairngorms in the East to the fortressed peaks of Torridon in the west, the Monoliths of Assynt in the North to the myriad of peaks in the south, the unique blend of wild rugged mountains, loch, sea, and the soft light of these high latitudes gives an unrivalled beauty. There is, without a doubt, a life-time of wonderful sites & adventure up here.

Andy Bateman is our lead guide and the motivator behind Scot Mountain Holidays. He works with a number of local guides in the area who are all experts in the local terrain, flora, fauna & folklore like the story behind reindeer moss. Andy is fascinated by how our environment links up and works together. He absorbs nature documentaries and finds  everything on a walk fascinating from ruined settlements to glacial deposits. His wildlife eye is very keen and it’s rare for him not to spot some wildlife during the day.

We can offer private itineraries or trips tailored to your requirements whether on your own or in a group.

Examples of private opportunities include:

winter climbing or mountaineering; walking and wildlife watching; walking and cultural visits like Culloden, Loch Ness, Speyside Whisky distilleries or Blair Atholl estate; charity challenges

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

accommodation at Fraoch Lodge

meals or just packed lunches

The post Private Guiding appeared first on Scot Mountain Holidays.

On the evening of arrival we will run through some housekeeping and let you know what to expect during the course: when meals will be available and what time you’ll be heading out for the day, how long any indoor sessions will be, the skills you’ll be learning and the order they’ll be taught. You’ll get to know your instructor a wee bit over dinner and afterwards he’ll chat about your gear and give you some tips and pointers for taking care of it when you’re out in potentially windy or cold conditions.

The course does not cover the use of GPS as we believe it is essential that a hillwalker should have a proficient level of old-fashioned navigation techniques before ever picking up a GPS. You must be able to read and interpret a map and use a compass before your GPS can help you.

HIGHLIGHTS

Of all the skills for the hills, navigation is the most important – no surprise when you consider that up to 80% of mountain rescue call-outs stem from navigational errors. This course provides a firm grounding in the essential skills as well as developing the right tactical approach to good mountain navigation. It’s ideal for both those who are starting from scratch, as well as those who have some navigating experience but would like to become more proficient and increase their repertoire of skills

SKILLS COVERED

Aspects and techniques covered in the course include:

• Feature recognition

• Map interpretation and relating the map to the ground

• Slope and contour feature interpretation

• Navigation with map alone

• Compass bearings

• Time and pace (distance)estimations

• Tactical Navigation techniques incl. aiming off, doglegging, attack points, etc.

RELEVANT BLOGS

Understanding navigation

Hiking: how not to get lost

How to prevent cold hands while out hiking

The post 2 Day Mountain Navigation Course appeared first on Scot Mountain Holidays.

The Cairngorms are an ideal training ground. Winter conditions are remarkably consistent. The terrain is quite subtle meaning that you’ll need to apply all you new skills.

The 2 days focus on obtaining the skills and correct approach for maximising your navigational skill level. We concentrate on contour interpretation and ‘play safe’ tactical techniques. We cover timing, pacing and compass bearings yet we develop a wide array of skills to avoid the pit-fall of an over reliance on these 3 techniques. You will increase your ability to gather information from the map and be able to apply corrective techniques.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 2 nights accommodation at Fraoch Lodge
• 2 breakfasts
• 1 dinner
• 2 packed lunches
• pick up from Aviemore station or Inverness airport
• transport to the hill
• instruction from a highly qualified, experienced, local guide

SKILLS TAUGHT

• appropriate navigational equipment for winter
• winter navigation tactics and limiting the effect of error
• recognition of contour features and their use as waymarkers in the winter mountains
• problems associated with navigating by certain features in the winter mountains
• recognition and use of different slope forms
• Navigating by and measuring slope aspect
• time and pacing (micro- navigation) techniques
• tactical navigation techniques incl. aiming off, attack points, collection features etc.
• “Inappropriate” and appropriate winter techniques e.g. hand railing and dog-legging

RELATED BLOGS

Understanding Winter Navigation

Why choose a winter skills course in Scotland?

Top 10 winter skills tips

The post Advanced Winter Navigation appeared first on Scot Mountain Holidays.

The challenge of a snow hole expedition is unique, the rewards are unrivalled and the memories are unforgettable. Help construct a comfortable communal snow hole lit by the reflected light of candles! Wake up to the absolute silence of a pristine winter wonderland bathed in the soft light of a Cairngorm dawn. Snow-holing in Scotland is for some one of the most remarkable experiences.Snow Hole Expedition is absolutely an unforgettable experience.

Although at times tough and not necessarily for the faint hearted, this isn’t an SAS survival course. The focus is on it being an experience to be enjoyed, not endured. The aim is to go deep into the winter mountain wilderness and put in the time in to make our communal snow-hole comfortable. Our inspiration isn’t your local rabbit warren but the Sistine Chapel!! Well, almost. We construct a snow-hole designed specifically for Scottish conditions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 4 nights accommodation (including one in the snow hole)
• 3 days guiding
• all meals during the trip
• transport to the activities
• cooking equipment and specialist snow hole equipment
• pick up/drop off from Aviemore station or Inverness airport

NB You need to provide your own sleeping bag for a snow hole expedition. You will also need your own winter boots, crampons and ice axe, but these can be hired locally.

RELEVANT BLOGS

Best practice for snow holing

What if there is no snow?

Get an early snow alert

The post Snow Hole Expedition appeared first on Scot Mountain Holidays.

For many, winter sends a shiver down the spine but for a few of us it’s a tingle of excitement. It’s a great privilege to experience a crystal clear horizon some 70 miles distant. You seldom have this opportunity during the warmer months. The reflection of the sunset colours on the ice and frost make winter in the mountains a magical time. This course gives you the confidence and satisfaction of knowing how to be safe and comfortable. This can be a unique and beautiful but sometimes hostile environment.

These 2 practical days out in the Cairngorm Mountains concentrate on all the skills and techniques required to move efficiently and safely over snow covered mountain terrain. This introductory course is a solid foundation for any aspiring winter walker or climber. The skills are not taught in isolation. The course is delivered from the perspective of prevention (rather than cure) in a progressive manner. You will have plenty of time to practise and gain confidence before you leave.

HIGHLIGHTS

•  2 nights accommodation at Fraoch Lodge (one room per household – i.e. single occupancy if you are travelling on your own)
• meals from morning of first day to lunch on 2nd day (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)
• instruction from a qualified, local, experienced guide
• pick up/drop off from Aviemore station or Inverness aiport
• transport to the hill

SKILLS TAUGHT

• cramponing techniques
• how to use winter boots
• ice axe arrest

NB navigation skills are taught separately on our Advanced Winter Navigation Course or alternatively on a 5 day winter skills course

RELATED BLOGS

10 top winter skills tips 

Why choose a winter skills course?

How do I prepare for a winter skills course?

The post 2 Day Winter Skills Course appeared first on Scot Mountain Holidays.

For many, winter sends a shiver down the spine but for a few of us it’s a tingle of excitement. It’s the privilege of experiencing a crystal clear horizon some 70 miles distant, seldom seen during the warmer months. The delicate pinks and oranges of a setting sun interacting with the creations of ice and frost make winter in the mountains a magical time. This course is your passport to this winter wonderland and the opportunity to gain the satisfaction of knowing how to be safe and comfortable in this unique but sometimes hostile environment.

Winter Skills Course in the Cairngorms National park

These 5 practical days out in the Cairngorm Mountain’s will give you a solid understanding of both winter navigation skills and the techniques required to move efficiently and safely over snow covered mountain terrain. The skills are not taught in isolation but are delivered from the perspective of prevention (rather than cure) in a progressive manner. Although it does not include the skills required for very steep terrain involving the use of a rope it, it does form the solid foundation for any aspiring winter climber who understands the importance of a progressive approach. The course also includes winter ascents of the Munro summits of Cairngorm and Sgorr Gaoith.

HIGHLIGHTS – winter skills course

• 6 nights accommodation
• all meals included
• 5 days instruction
• qualified, experienced, local guide
• transport to the hill
• pick up/drop off from Aviemore station or Inverness airport

COURSE CONTENT

• Crampon techniques
• ice axe arrest
• contour interpretation/map reading
• good foot placement
• route planning
• emergency snow shelters

NB HIRE OF WINTER EQUIPMENT IS NOT INCLUDED BUT WE CAN ARRANGE FOR THE HIRE OF BOOTS, CRAMPONS AND ICE AXE

RELATED BLOGS

Top 10 winter skills tips

Why choose a winter skills course in Scotland?

How do I prepare for a winter skills course?

The post 5 Day Winter Skills Course appeared first on Scot Mountain Holidays.