
WINTER GUIDING:
Scotland
CLIMBING & MOUNTAINEERING
Experience winter climbing and mountaineering on classic Scottish routes in areas such as Ben Nevis, Glen Coe and The Cairngorms.
Guided by WMCI instructors, you'll develop winter skills and gain confidence on winter ridges, snow, ice and mixed climbs. Ideal for climbers & mountaineers seeking progression on demanding winter ground.
GUIDING PRICES
PER DAY:
1:1 £320
1:2 £190pp

OVERVIEW
Join Lake District Mountaineering for guided winter walking, climbing and mountaineering days in the Lake District, tailored to your experience and goals.
Whether you’re new to the winter environment or an experienced climber looking for a challenge, our qualified guides will help you climb snow, ice, and mixed routes and winter ridges suited to your level for a rewarding day on the mountain.
OUTLINE:
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Customised Climbing Experiences:
We tailor each day to your abilities, goals, and interests - whether that’s tackling classic winter routes and gullies in The Cairngorms, exploring long mountaineering ridges on Ben Nevis, climbing ice on Aonach Mor or learning core winter skills. Your adventure is designed around you.
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Professional, Certified Guides:
AMI-certified guides means expert technical knowledge. We are WMCI guides, trained to work, teach and guide in the winter environment.
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Safety First Approach:
Safety is our priority. Our guides follow the latest best practices, undergo regular training, and use top-quality equipment. Comprehensive risk assessments ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
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Skill Development and Coaching:
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced climber, our guides provide personalised coaching to help you improve technique, build confidence, and achieve your climbing goals.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
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Guided climbs on ice, mixed and gully routes tailored to your skill level
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Big mountains days out alpine-style ridges in snow and ice conditions
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Full days in rugged winter mountain terrain with stunning views
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Expert instruction in winter techniques including crampon use, ice axe skills, and route finding
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Emphasis on safety with thorough risk management and top-quality gear
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Personalised coaching to help you build confidence and improve skills
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Flexible itineraries based on conditions, ability, and goals


EXAMPLE ITINERARIES:
Introductory:
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Cairngorms – Northern Coires Skills Day:
Focus on winter movement skills, crampon/ice axe use, and basic steep ground travel, with short and steep gullies if appropriate.
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Ben Nevis – Number 4 Gully:
A snowy mountaineering line in stunning mountain scenery. Great for progression from easier terrain.
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Twin Ribs & Fiacaill Ridge:
A classic Grade I/II mountaineering day with rope-work instruction, perfect for building winter confidence.
Intermediate:
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Cairngorms – Coire an t-Sneachda:
Climb classic grade I/II gullies such as Jacobs Ladder, The Runnel or Fiacaill Coulior. Mixed terrain and good scope for learning winter climbing.
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Glen Coe – Dorsal Arete:
Iconic grade II ridge on Stob Coire nan Lochan combining scrambling and climbing, with excellent coaching opportunities.
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Glen Coe – Curved Ridge:
A classic Grade II mountaineering route on Buachaille Etive Mòr, offering exposed climbing, stunning views, and a true alpine feel in snowy conditions.
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Ben Nevis - Ledge Route:
A classic Grade II mountaineering day with rope-work instruction and stunning exposure, perfect intro to mountaineering day.
Advanced/Experienced:
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Ben Nevis – Tower Ridge:
A long, committing ridge with somecomplex route finding and technical climbing. A serious winter mountaineering challenge.
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Glen Coe – Twisting Gully, SC Gully or Raeburn's Route:
Steep and often icy grade III/IV climbs in Stob Coire nan Lochan. Ideal for experienced climbers seeking sustained mixed ground.
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Cairngorms – Fingers Ridge or Fiacaill Buttress:
Technical mixed routes with intricate movement, amazing grade IV climbs on routes such as The Seam and Invernookie.
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Aonach Mòr – Left/Right Twin or Tunnel Vision:
Steeper grade III/IV snow and ice lines, often well frozen and suitable for progressing ice climbing skills.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
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Beginner winter mountaineers & climbers wanting to learn winter climbing skills in a safe, supportive environment
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Intermediate mountaineers & climbers looking to progress on classic winter routes
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Experienced climbers seeking new challenges on ice & mixed routes and snowy gullies
Suitable for ages 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
A good level of fitness and some summer hillwalking and/or Grade I scrambling experience is required for our introductory winter days.
For climbing days, prior attendance of a winter skills course and some trad climbing experience are essential. Summer mountaineering experience is also beneficial.s
COURSE RATIOS
1:2 Ratio
Safety is paramount so no more than 2 people per 1 instructor on winter climbing & mountaineering routes.
A party larger than 2 will require multiple instructors - we can supply instructors adhering to our ratios - please enquire.
1:4 for winter walkers and bespoke skills days
PRE-REQUISITES
For walkers and mountaineers: Some summer hill walking/scrambling experience is necessary.
The days are progressional and we are looking to build confidence in technical ground.
For climbers: some winter skills experience is necessary and ideally some trad rock climbing in the summer.
EQUIPMENT
All technical equipment can be provided, including ice axes for climbing.
We will share kit lists with you during the booking stage
You will need to wear suitable outdoor clothing for the winter mountain environment (full gore-tex, warm layers and gloves) and suitable mountain footwear (B2/B3 for crampon use)
VENUE
Our venues are carefully selected and tailored to get the most out of the programme.
This itinerary is selected to showcase the best of what can be achieved on the given day.
We will take into consideration route conditions, snow coverage and avalanche forecasts/predictions.
Dates on request
Jan-March
Please us the contact form or email us to enquire and we can organise a guided day based on your availability (and ours)
We can supply additional instructors for larger groups - 1:2 ratio for safety in this terrain. For every 2 people we can supply an additional guide.

CONTACT
We look forward to hearing from you and working towards your mountaineering ambitions and helping to achieve your goals.
Phone or WhatsApp:
07458353048
If calls are missed we will respond when possible, please leave a WhatsApp or text message so we can respond to your enquiry.
Thank you