Guided Winter Walking Week
Five days of guided winter walking around the historic and stunning mountains of Glencoe.
You know the basics of walking the hills in winter and now you want to put those winter walking skills into practice.
Over the five days, we will undertake a series of mountain journeys, exploring the beautiful West Coast mountains. Hopefully bagging a few new Munro’s for your collection. We will revise some of the unique hazards that winter brings, and, through the course of the week develop your judgement, skills and confidence in the winter mountains.
Who is it for ?
This five day winter walking adventure is for experienced walkers who have some knowledge of walking in winter already and want to extend their experience.
If you are new to winter then our Winter Skills long weekend or Introduction to Winter Mountaineering is the course for you. If you want to take it steeper than Winter Mountaineering.
Guided Winter Walking Week – Course Format
The exact course itinerary is always flexible to cope with weather conditions. At the beginning of the week, we will revise the skills that are required for us to move safely on the hills in winter. On subsequent days you will put these skills into practice as we explore the winter mountains of the West Coast, from the busy central hills to the more esoteric, but no less worthy outliers.
We aim to summit at least one mountain each day and, weather conditions permitting, we can take to some of the famous local ridges stringing several summits together.
In previous years, we have summited: Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor, Sgorr Dhonuill, Sgorr Dhearg, Bidean nam Bian, Buaichille Etive Mor, Ben Starav, Meal a Bhuridh, Creise, Ben Lui, Beinn an Dothaidh, Beinn Sguliard, Stob Ban, Am Bodach, Chno Dearg, Creag Megadith and Beinn a Chaorainn. Not all in one week though!
We normally decide the mountain and the route as a group from a couple of carefully selected options.
We normally start at 8am except on the first day which is 8:45. This allows you to sort out any last minute kit issues on the first day.
There is no such thing as a standard week, but we offer the below as a guide:
Day 1 – Meet at 8:45am. Introductions and brief chat before heading to Glencoe mountain and taking the chairlift up and practicing winter skills, use of ice axe, crampons and bag Meal a Bhuiridh. 6 hour day.
Day 2 – Meet 8am. Ballachulish Horseshoe, possibly by Schoolhouse ridge. 6-8 hour day.
Day 3 – Meet 8am. Buaichille Etive Mor. An easier day to rest our legs. 4-6 hours.
Day 4 – Meet 7ish. Ben Nevis. Possibly the CMD arete, possibly via Coire Leis and always a more interesting variant than the zig zags. Minimum 8 hours.
Day 5 – Meet 8am. Buaichille Etive Mor. Depending on energy levels it might be just Sob Dearg or include Stob na Broige.
Head home, exhausted but very happy
We use course bases not cafes to meet. This means you get free tea and coffee and our legendary biscuit tin 🍪🍪🍪.
You don’t have to budget an extra £15 per day for teas and coffees when you book with us. We also loan all technical equipment (less boots) free of charge.
Course Details
- Location: Glencoe - Scotland
- Cost: £495 per person
- Duration: 5 days
- Ratio: 1:6
- Level: Intermediate
More Information
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Course Dates
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Bespoke Dates and Locations
If there are a group of you that want the challenge and exhilaration of winter walking, but there are no suitable dates available, or you would like to do something similar in a different area, please contact the office and we will arrange some dates to suit your diary.
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Meeting Point
For our winter walking week, we meet at 08:45 in Glencoe.
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Equipment Required
A detailed equipment list is contained in the joining instructions. Essentially, you need to be self sufficient for a day in the mountains, in winter.
We can provide an ice axe, crampons and helmet if needed. Boots can be hired locally if required, but will need pre booking.
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Fitness Level
You certainly don’t have to be super fit to enjoy this course, and average fitness is quite sufficient. Some experience of winter hillwalking is essential.
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Accommodation Options
The Guided Winter Walking week is non-residential to allow you to select between thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require.
There are hundreds of accommodation options in and around Glencoe / Fort William from luxurious Castles to campsites and everything in between.If you want a hand booking something or want something special, contact the office and we will endeavour to assist.
Gallery
FAQs
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How do I book ?
The best way to book Guided Winter Walking is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options on the above and then submit your booking. You only need to pay the deposit if your course is more than six weeks away.
For bespoke events get in touch first so we can check diaries and if required give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
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Does the course include accommodation ?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
A range of accommodation options can be found on our accommodation page.
For bespoke courses and events we can arrange whatever you desire from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
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Children, Parking, Dogs, COVID and everything else...
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage.
