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Winter isn’t always the easiest time of year to get out into the Scottish hills. The days are shorter, the weather can be challenging and a walk that was straightforward in summer can become a much more serious undertaking when snow and ice arrive.
But winter also brings some of the most memorable days in the mountains. Frost transforms the landscape, low sunlight picks out the shape of the hills, and on the right day the views seem to stretch for miles. Familiar routes take on a different character, and there’s a particular satisfaction in returning from a day out in the cold to somewhere warm and comfortable.
Winter has always been a huge favourite of Andy’s. Even now, he gets very excited at the prospect of snow – and that’s after nearly 30 years of guiding in the Highlands. Here are some of the reasons he thinks it’s worth getting out into the hills when the temperature drops.
One of the biggest attractions of winter walking is the landscape itself. Snow and frost reveal details that can be less obvious in summer, while the low sun creates long shadows and dramatic contrasts across the hills.
On clear days, the views from the higher Cairngorms can be exceptional. Sometimes an inversion leaves the summits above a blanket of cloud; at other times, distant mountains stand out against a crisp blue sky. Sunrise and sunset can bring extraordinary colours, too.
Of course, winter doesn’t guarantee clear skies. Mist, cloud and snowfall are all part of the season, and visibility can change quickly. But when the conditions come together, the results can be spectacular.
Can’t beat these views! New Year Winter Walking 2022 – 2023
Walking in winter asks more of you than following a familiar summer route. Snow can make progress slower, icy slopes require care, and navigation becomes particularly important when the paths disappear beneath a covering of white.
That added challenge is part of the attraction for many experienced hillwalkers. It encourages you to develop your judgement, pay closer attention to the landscape and think carefully about each stage of the day.
You don’t necessarily need to aim for the highest summit, either. A good winter walk is one that suits the conditions and the people taking part. Sometimes a lower route offers the most rewarding day; on other occasions, settled weather and good snow conditions may allow a more ambitious outing.
It’s easy to become less active when the days shorten and the weather turns cold. Having a walking trip planned gives you a reason to keep getting outside rather than waiting for spring.
A full day in the hills can be physically demanding, particularly when you’re walking through snow or over rough ground. Regular walking helps maintain fitness and stamina, while a week of walking can provide a welcome opportunity to build on the exercise you manage in everyday life.
There’s no need to make it about step counts or calories. For most of us, the better motivation is having somewhere interesting to go, a route to explore and a good reason to put on our boots.
Always a memorable sight – the Cairngorm Reindeer herd
Winter walking brings skills into sharper focus. Understanding mountain weather, navigating in poor visibility, recognising icy terrain and knowing when to change your plans are all important parts of travelling safely in the hills.
If you’ve mostly walked in summer, the prospect of winter conditions can feel daunting. A winter skills course is a way to learn the techniques and decision-making involved, with instruction and practice in suitable conditions.
For those who want to concentrate on the walking itself, going out with an experienced local guide can also be a good way to discover winter mountain terrain. A guide can help choose an appropriate route, assess the conditions and adapt the plan as the day develops.
Winter mountains deserve respect, and the right skills and preparation make a real difference.
Self-arresting on a winter skills course in the Cairngorms
There’s something satisfying about sharing a day in the hills when everyone has had to make a little extra effort. You might be following a line across a snowy plateau, stopping to admire a view or finding shelter for a short break out of the wind.
Walking gives people time to talk. Conversations wander from the mountains to family, work, travel and all sorts of other subjects. By the end of a trip, a group has shared far more than a collection of photographs and summit names.
The camaraderie isn’t unique to winter, of course. But a memorable day in challenging conditions can give people a particular sense of achievement and a story to tell afterwards.
If you look closely at the picture below, you’ll see a group of people who have been coming on trips with us for over 10 years – many of them come annually or bi-annuallly to be part of the same group. See Mike below – so integrated he even has the same jacket as Andy (in the centre of the picture).
For anyone who enjoys being outdoors, snow can bring out a sense of playfulness. Crunching across frozen ground, watching spindrift blow across a ridge or learning how to move confidently with crampons can make the mountains feel like a completely different environment.
On a winter skills course, activities such as practising ice-axe techniques and learning how to move on snow have a serious purpose: they help develop the skills needed for winter travel. But there’s plenty of satisfaction in learning something new, practising it and seeing your confidence grow.
And there’s no denying the simple pleasure of being out in a snowy landscape on a bright winter’s day.
Winter is an opportunity to see familiar places from another perspective. The Cairngorms can feel vast and remote under snow, while woodland and lower-level routes offer their own rewards when the high ground is less inviting.
You don’t need a perfect summit day to enjoy being outside. A walk through frost-covered woodland, a view across a frozen-looking corrie or the changing colours of the sky at the end of the afternoon can all make a day memorable.
The key is being prepared to adapt. Winter walking isn’t about going out regardless of the conditions; it’s about finding the right experience for the day.
If you already enjoy hillwalking, winter can open up a whole new dimension of the activity. If you’re newer to the hills, there are ways to build experience gradually, starting with appropriate routes and learning from qualified instructors or guides.
The important thing is to be realistic about your experience, equipment and the conditions. Winter mountain walking can involve serious hazards, including ice, poor visibility, strong winds and rapidly changing weather. Some days, the right decision is to choose a different route or stay off the high ground altogether.
At Scot Mountain Holidays, our winter walking programme gives us the opportunity to explore the mountains with local knowledge and a flexible approach to route choice. We plan around the conditions rather than treating a summit as an obligation.
If you’re curious about winter walking in the Cairngorms, take a look at our winter walking holidays. If you’d prefer to develop your own winter mountain skills, you can also find out about our winter skills courses.
Winter won’t always deliver blue skies and snow-covered summits. But it offers a different way to experience the Scottish mountains, and some days will stay with you long after the snow has melted.
When you think of snow, it’s easy to picture adrenaline-filled days of skiing or snowboarding. But what if you’re not a fan of the slopes or simply want to try something different? Scotland offers a winter wonderland full of thrilling alternatives that let you embrace the snow in unique ways.
Here are Scot Mountain Holidays’ top four snowy adventures for non-skiers, perfect for creating magical winter memories.
Hiking isn’t just a summer activity—winter hiking offers a whole new level of magic. With snow-dusted trails and tranquil, crowd-free paths, it’s the perfect way to experience Scotland’s rugged beauty in its most serene form.
Yes, winter hiking comes with challenges, but the rewards are extraordinary. Picture yourself surrounded by glistening peaks, breathing in crisp mountain air, and savoring the quiet that only snow can bring. Just be sure to bundle up and prepare for the elements!
For those craving adventure with a side of learning, Scot Mountain Holidays offers snow skills courses that are as practical as they are exhilarating.
From mastering ice axes to building emergency snow shelters or navigating icy terrain, these courses give you hands-on experience that’s both empowering and fun. Not only will you leave with stories to tell, but you’ll also pick up life-saving skills that every winter enthusiast should have.
Not every snowy adventure needs to be a grand expedition! Sometimes, the best memories come from simple, joyful moments.
Spend an afternoon building a snowman, crafting the perfect snow angel, or engaging in a good old-fashioned snowball fight. If you’re traveling with kids (or just feeling like one yourself), grab a sled and race down a snowy hill.
End your day by cozying up by a roaring fire with a hot drink and a good book. After all, there’s nothing like the warmth of home after a day of snowy fun.
If you’ve never tried snowshoeing, you’re in for a treat! Imagine strapping on tennis racket-like footwear and gliding effortlessly across snowy trails and frozen terrain. Snowshoeing is easy to learn, beginner-friendly, and a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Scotland’s breathtaking winter scenery. However, the snow conditions on the Scottish hills are not always suitable for snowshoeing which lends itself more to the soft powder snow you find in the Rockies or the Alps. It’s far more common to see winter hikers in Scotland out with crampons and an ice axe, than it is to see a group of snowshoers.
From snow-covered peaks to quiet, magical trails, Scotland is the ultimate destination for winter lovers. With Scot Mountain Holidays, you can enjoy a range of activities designed for adventurers who want to experience the snow without strapping on skis or a snowboard.
So, whether you’re trekking through glistening forests, learning new skills, or simply playing in the snow, Scotland promises a winter escape like no other.
Ready to trade the slopes for something different? Let Scot Mountain Holidays help you craft your perfect snow-filled adventure!
Crampon compatibility is important, but it’s far from the only factor to consider when choosing a suitable mountain boot for Scotland’s winter hills. With 25 winter seasons of guiding and Winter Skills instruction under his belt, Andy Bateman of Scot Mountain Holidays shares what to look for in a reliable winter mountain boot.
Scotland’s winter mountains are as diverse and changeable as the weather that shapes them. Snow conditions can vary dramatically in both type and depth—far more so than any lingering summer snow. Add to that the range of situations where you may encounter snow and ice, and it becomes clear: limiting yourself with the wrong boots could hold you back before you’ve even begun your ascent. Choosing the correct winter boots is essential.
Winter days in Scotland are short, and efficiency is key. Moving quickly and safely saves both energy and time. That’s why sole rigidity is vital.
The rigidity of a winter boot doesn’t come from the sole itself but from the mid-sole. It’s crucial that the boot is stiff both lengthways and across its width. Most modern boots with rigidity in one direction will have it in the other, too.
A stiff sole concentrates your weight effectively, whether you’re cutting into snow and ice or relying on the boot’s grip. Here’s why this matters:
B2 and B3 boots provide superior grip on snow and ice compared to B1 boots. This can mean less reliance on crampons for minor snow cover. Walking in crampons over thinly snow-covered rocks can be awkward and inefficient; in such conditions, a stiff boot often performs best.
Sometimes it’s faster and more practical to kick a few steps into firm snow rather than stop to put on crampons. Flexible B1 boots often don’t hold up here. When you try to kick “pigeon hole” steps, for example, the boot’s toe can bend upward and bounce off the surface instead of cutting in. This isn’t just inefficient—it’s uncomfortable.
In steep terrain, the ability to “front point” safely is essential. B1 boots are often too flexible: the toe bends upward, the heel drops, and the front crampon points can shear out of the snow or ice, increasing the risk of falling backward out of the step.
Crampons are tough pieces of kit, but they’re not indestructible. A flexible boot places unnecessary stress on the crampon, which can weaken it over time and eventually lead to failure. Using a rigid B2 or B3 boot supports your crampons properly, reduces wear, and ensures greater comfort for your feet.
A stiff, well-structured upper is equally important. In softer, more flexible boots, tightening crampon straps can squeeze and restrict your feet. This can reduce blood circulation, leading to cold feet—or worse, frostbite. B2 and B3 boots are built to prevent this, keeping your feet secure but comfortable.
Winter boots are designed with insulation in mind, which is critical for keeping feet warm in sub-zero temperatures. This insulation also tends to add padding, increasing overall comfort during long winter hikes. Cold feet are uncomfortable at best, and at worst, they can lead to injury or frost damage.
Your boots are as much a tool as your axe or crampons when it comes to winter walking. For the Scottish winter mountains, a B3 boot is not overkill—it’s an investment in safety, efficiency, and comfort. While a B1 boot might be adequate for summer treks involving glacier crossings in the Alps or Himalayas, it simply doesn’t offer the necessary performance for Scotland’s unpredictable winter conditions.
Before heading to your local outdoor gear shop, check which staff members are trained in proper boot fitting and when they’ll be available. Taking the time to find the right boots will make all the difference in your winter walking adventures.
If you’re preparing for your first winter trip—or just looking to upgrade your kit—remember: the right boots will let you tackle Scottish winter mountains with confidence. Also you don’t need to commit the first time you are trying out winter walking – you can hire boots to find out if that’s your thing or not.
Ready to hit the hills? Let Scot Mountain Holidays show you the ropes with expert-led Winter Skills courses.
So you’re considering going on a hiking holiday? Firstly; great choice. Not only is hiking extremely beneficial to your health and wellbeing. But it’s also a cheaper way to travel and allows you to experience the essence of a place. Hiking holidays are becoming increasingly popular, but there is the question, how to choose a hike in Scotland when there’s such a wide range available?
The first thing to consider is if you want to go on a hike or a walk.
Do you want or need a guide? Fortunately, Scot Mountain Holidays have a range of group hiking holidays, tailor made tours, and private guiding options available, so you’ll definitely find the right hike for you. But to ensure you’ve found the perfect hike you do need to consider certain aspects.
Are you intending to go on an inn-to-inn hike? Follow a long distance trail? Or do you want to get into the mountain wilderness areas and have a truly unique and off the beaten track experience?
Are you quite happy hiking on your own but you’d like some guidance on choosing routes, support with transport? Find out about Scot Mountain Holidays self-guided options for the more adventurous.
Tours with Scot Mountain Holidays range from weekend getaways to seven days long. With tours running throughout the year, all that is required is for you to decide on your availability.
Choosing a season is one of the most important decisions in finding the right hike for you. Spring and summer are the most popular hiking periods and also provide the most pleasant hiking conditions. Perfect for those with families or first time hikers. Autumn is a wonderful season for hiking due to the beautiful colours, the changing environment and lack of climbing traffic. Autumn is suitable for everyone, and ideal for those who prefer a cooler temperature. Winter is considerably more difficult to hike in, and we recommend winter hiking for those confident in their abilities. This is due to the additional gear required and the added challenges of often hiking through snow. Winter is however often a more rewarding experience, with the raw beautiful scenery, clear winter views and the satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Scot Mountain Holiday tours are graded on a level of difficulty from two to five, with five being the most difficult. When considering how to choose a hike in Scotland it’s important to take into account your own level of fitness and choose a tour suited to you. For an overview, refer to the Scot Mountain Holidays grading system.
All Scot Mountain Holidays tours are all inclusive. So, all you need to do now, is chose a hike. To ensure the experience pre, during and post hike is completed stress free for you, Scot Mountain Holidays will take care of the rest.
In February we ran a snow hole expedition, the second of the year, in the Cairngorms.
The group was small but unusual.
Ian – our most frequent flier on the snow hole. This was his third snow hole trip. Ian first joined us in 2006 to attempt an overnight snow hole in the Cairngorms National park. The weather was against them on that trip and they had to turn back without reaching the snow hole site. The ski area wasn’t open and though the group attempted to ascend the hill they eventually had to turn back after being blown around a wee bit too much. There is video footage from their endeavours which makes for interesting viewing just to see the effect of nature, if nothing else. Ian returned again in 2007 with 90% of his group to try again – successfully
Andy – our oldest client to date on this trip – a celebration of his imminent 70th birthday.
Hui – our first guest from Singapore. A lone female traveller spending a few months in the UK on a sabbatical from her studies.
Read all about their experience in Andy’s words:
Late last year whilst at David Lloyd’s (gym), I said to my friend, Ian Thorpe, an experienced walker and climber, that I fancied carrying out some serious winter walking, but not climbing. Ian replied “Let me take you to the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.” This was duly arranged by ian and off we set on 21st February at 10am, arriving at Fraoch Lodge in Boat of Garten, in the Cairngorms, at 16.15.
Rebecca, Andy and wee Gregor made us extremely welcome; dinner was baked salmon with a rich and wonderful sauce, followed by home made trifle containing shortbread and blackcurrants, wonderful.
Next morning, along with fellow trekker, Hui, a lady lone traveller from Singapore, we were fitted out with ice axe, crampons & helmets prior to spending our first day on the mountains practising ice axe arrest. This was a daunting experience for some one who has never even worn crampons let alone walked on ice.
Later that day we walked till late on Lurcher’s Crag and the Chalamain Gap, looking towards Corrie an Lochain, before returning to Fraoch Lodge for another wonderful dinner, having first stocked up on copious bottles of red and white wine from the local Tesco.
On Saturday 23rd February after a hearty breakfast at 7.30, we set off for the snow hole day. We arrived at Aviemore ski resort and walked in. At about 2pm we were ready to dig our snow hole. Andrew marked out 2 doorways on the ice covered mountain side. (We were about 3000ft up by now.) These door holes, roughly about 12ft apart, were then dug into using ice saws and snow shoverls. It took 2 hours to create a vertical face, then we had to further excavate in for about 5ft prior to turning inwards to join the 2 ends of the snow hole. This was particularly backbreaking work for Hui, thank God we had clear blue skies and sunshine. After about 4 more hours, the hole was completed. My feet were so cold I could hardly feel them.
Having put all our gear, including cooking utensils inside, Andrew started the evening meal. We had hot tea, followed by carrot and coriander soup, then a buckwheat and chorizo casserole. Dinner commenced about 10.30pm! Ouside the temperature was approx -9oC; inside however was relatively comfortable.
Stunning views from the “window” of your overnight accommodation deep in the heart of the Cairngorms
Next morning we woke up to a complete whiteout. My fear was how do we navigate to the summit of Cairngorm Mountain? Andrew explained that we take a direct compass bearing but because I was finding the walk hard he explained that provided we walked clearly up and around the pudding shaped mountain, we would by definition reach the summit and incidentally GB’s highest automatic weather station. After approx. 600m of ascent we duly found the summit at 1245m.
Roughly 4 hours later, we had descended back to the ski lodge. It was particularly hard going with Hui hanging on the to back of Ian’s rucksack most of the way. We had the pleasure of seeing a Ptarmigan and 2 white hares.
Overall a fabulour experience which I will not be repeating, but one to tick off. Andrew’s knowledge of the terrain, geology, weather conditions, and navigation skills were par excellence.
Having successfully returned to Fraoch Lodge, we were treated once again to an excellent farewell dinner. Many thanks Ian, Andrew and Rebecca for a memorable trip which i will not forget for a long time.
Andrew Palliser
PS My 70th Birthday on March 12th 2013 – what a perferct birthday treat to myself!
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