Summer Scrambling Weeks 2008

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FORT WILLIAM SCRAMBLER

Grade: Strenuous Scrambling

Fort William is at the hub of some of the best ridges and scrambles on the mainland. It is a natural centre for those wishing to try scrambling for the first time, or for the more ambitious to practice new techniques.

The Aonach Eagach ridge in GlenCoe is described as “The best ridge on the mainland ". Narrow and committing, it's lofty pinnacles are a scramblers dream. Ledge Route and the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, is one of the finest circuits on Britain’s highest mountain. These are just two of the many fine ridge scrambles we would hope to attempt on these weeks.

Some use of ropes will be necessary to traverse these routes. Instruction on the correct use of ropes in a scrambling situation will be covered during the week. Due to the nature of the terrain the ratio of clients to guide will be kept low.

Maximum of four to one.

FORT WILLIAM SCRAMBLER: £ 495.00

Course Only: £ 320.00

Availability 2008 (Saturday arrival dates)

May: 10th, 31st                        June: 10th, 24th                        July: 12th 

August: 16th                 September: 13th, 27th

SKYE MUNROS

 

Grade : Strenuous Scrambling

They're unique! That's the only way to describe the mountains of Skye. The Cuillin are the most stunning mountain scenery in Britain. Challenging mountains with airy crests surrounded by precipices. There are a few walking routes to the tops, and climbing these mountains is very different from most of the mainland Munros. Most of the Cuillin peaks require some scrambling to reach their summits and one, the Inaccessible Pinnacle, requires rock climbing. In many places on the ridge the exposure and narrowness of the routes are such that a slip might have serious results.

These weeks are strenuous, rough and rocky underfoot. Sure-footedness and a good head for heights are essential, and some previous scrambling would be useful. Some use of ropes will be necessary to traverse these routes and some instruction in the correct use of ropes in the scrambling situation will be covered during the week

Accommodation: The week will be based in comfortable Bed and Breakfast accommodation in the islands capital, Portree. Centrally located the B & B’s are within easy walking distance of all the local Pubs and Restaurants. Portree also has a good camp-site and bunk house accommodation for those wanting to choose the 'Walking only' option.

Due to the nature of the terrain the ratio of Clients to Guide will be kept low.

Maximum four to one.

SKYE MUNROS: £ 495.00

Course Only: £320.00

Availability 2008 (Saturday arrival dates)

 

May: 3rd, 17th                           June: 7th, 21st               July: 5th                         September: 6th, 20th

 

SKYE RIDGE TRAVERSE

Grade : Scrambling + Some Rock Climbing.

The Black Cuillin of Skye has the greatest mountaineering challenge available to us outside the Alps. A traverse of some nine miles and ten thousand feet of ascent from Gars Beinn to Sgurr Nan Gillian. During these weeks we would hope to attempt the full traverse in one go. This will normally require at least one bivouac up on the ridge.

The Bivouac is pre-stocked with food, stove and pots, mugs, spoons, plates, groundsheet and tarpaulin plus sleeping mats. All the client needs to carry on the traverse attempt is a sleeping bag plus waterproofs and gloves, hat and spare clothing, food and water and a rope. A typical traverse rucksack should weigh no more than 9 kgs (20lb). This reduces as water (2 litres) and food is consumed. It may even be possible to pre-place the sleeping bag by arrangement.

During the rest of the week we will do other mountaineering routes in the Cuillin such as the Clach Glas Ridge on Blaven and climb the Cioch on Sgurr na Ciche.

To attempt the ridge we require good weather. If this is not available other alternatives will be substituted.

Maximum two to one.

SKYE RIDGE TRAVERSE:            £ 600.00

            Course Only:             £450.00

Availability 2008 (Saturday arrival dates)

 

May: 3rd, 17th                           June: 7th, 21st          

 

July: 5th                                     September: 6th, 20th

 

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Summer equipment Check List

You are expected to provide your own normal hill clothing and boots. The list below is a rough guide to what you may expect to need during an average week.

EQUIPMENT :

Walking Boots Boots need to be of good quality, well broken in and have a good chunky tread on the sole.

Waterproof Jacket. A medium to heavy weight jacket with a hood.

Waterproof Overtrousers. Big enough to get on over your boots

Gaiters. Essential for all weeks.

Warm clothing. Lots of layers.

Hat/Balaclava. You loose 20% of your heat thruogh your head.

Gloves/Mitten. Mittens are warmer. Bring a spare pair too.

Rucksack. Around 30 - 45 Litres is the best size

Plastic Rucksack Liner. Most Rucksacks are not waterproof

Survival Bag. The essential minimum survival kit.

Torch. Headtorches are best. Bring spare batterys and bulb.

Compass and Whistle.

Map sheet for the area. For Fort William map sheets 41 40 and 34 are all useful, as are the new Harvey’s maps of Ben Nevis and Glencoe.

For Skye the best map for the Cuillin is the New Harveys Map of Skye it is superb.

Thermos Flask, Personal First Aid kit, Sunglasses and Suncreme, Camera and Spare Film.

Extra Equipment required on Scrambling Weeks

All technical equipment can be supplied free of charge. If you have your own bring it along as these trips are good for getting used to using your own equipment. And with familiarisation comes a greater degree of safety.

Helmet

Harness

Karabiner and friction device

Sling and locking Karabiner

Bivouac equipment for a Skye Ridge Traverse

If you have any questions about gear or it's suitability please give us a call. We will be pleased to help.

 

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