intro to rock climbing

intro to rock climbing

2 daysGrade Leisurely - 2Aviemore, CairngormsMax 1:6 Ratio
5.0 / 5.0•Over 211+ Five-Star Reviews
The course

What you will climb and learn

Our intro to rock course, aimed at people who wish to try climbing for the first time or to brush up on some skills that they already have but feel a little rusty. The principal theme of the day is to get people feeling confident on the rock and starting to use the equipment in context i.e. on the climbs.
Interactive Map

Expedition Topography & Route

OpenTopoMap Topography
Day-By-Day Journey

Detailed Itinerary

Day one will be an opportunity to get out and get on the rock having some fun whilst looking at some core, fundamental skills to build a solid base that we can build upon. Areas such as guidebook interpretation, grades, movement, footwork, tying in and belaying.

Gear & Provisions

Inclusions, Exclusions & Kit

What's Included

  • ✓Highly experienced & qualified guide
  • ✓Harness, helmet, ropes
  • ✓Climbing hardware
  • ✓Guidebooks
  • ✓Group shelter
  • ✓First Aid kit
  • ✓Photos from your course

Not Included

  • ✗Course Insurance
  • ✗Personal Expenses
  • ✗Accommodation

What to Bring

  • •A pair of stiff comfortable, waterproof walking boots
  • •Quality, breathable waterproof jacket and trousers. Gore-tex or similar
  • •Spare insulating layer
  • •Walking socks
  • •Walking trousers (synthetic materials; jeans or similar are not suitable)
  • •Water bottle or flask
  • •Rucksack 30-40 ltr
  • •Hat & waterproof gloves
  • •Lunch, plus a little spare food
  • •Sunglasses & sun cream (you just never know!)
  • •Waterproof case for phone i.e. zip-lock bag
  • •Personal medications

Ardlogie BnB

Welcome to Ardlogie, a friendly, relaxed guest house situated in a peaceful location close to the centre of Aviemore, with views towards the...

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Ardlogie BnB
Ardlogie BnB
Ardlogie BnB

Aviemore Youth Hostel

Surrounded by woodland, Aviemore Youth Hostel sits on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park and is just a short walk from Aviemore town c...

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Aviemore Youth Hostel
Aviemore Youth Hostel
Aviemore Youth Hostel

Cairngorm Hotel

Aviemore’s premier independent hotel, situated directly opposite the railway station in the heart of Aviemore offers a warm and friendly wel...

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Cairngorm Hotel
Cairngorm Hotel
Cairngorm Hotel
Official Grade StandardsGrade Leisurely - 2

Rock Climbing - Easy

Suitable For

Perfect for those new to climbing or looking for a relaxed day on the rock. These routes focus on building confidence and enjoying the climbing experience in a supportive and low-pressure environment. Expect straightforward climbs with plenty of time to take in the scenery and savor the adventure.

Skills Required

No prior climbing experience is required, but a basic level of fitness will help you get the most out of the day. You’ll learn essential climbing techniques, belaying, and how to move effectively on rock. Routes are shorter, less steep, and designed to make climbing accessible and fun.

Expedition Gallery

Nuts/wires a big part of tradional climbing equipment
Intro to Climbing Course, Cummingston, Scotland
Cloud inversion over StrathSpey, Kingussie crag
Intro to climbing course, Glen Nevis
intro to rock climbing photo
intro to rock climbing photo

Frequently Asked Questions

Individual Departure
£150.00/ person
Private 1:1 RateFrom £380/dayConfigure Private Dates ↓
Scheduled Departures
Sat 1st May 27 - Sun 2nd May 272 days expedition
6 spaces
£150
Sat 22nd May 27 - Sun 23rd May 272 days expedition
6 spaces
£150
Sat 19th Jun 27 - Sun 20th Jun 272 days expedition
6 spaces
£150
Sat 3rd Jul 27 - Sun 4th Jul 272 days expedition
6 spaces
£150
Sat 21st Aug 27 - Sun 22nd Aug 272 days expedition
6 spaces
£150
Sat 4th Sep 27 - Sun 5th Sep 272 days expedition
6 spaces
£150
Basecamp Concierge

Need To Adjust Dates or Roster?

Need to swap dates, change participant details, or ask technical kit questions? Our instructors are on hand to assist.

Flexible transfers and weather rescheduling guarantee
Bespoke Mountain & Water Charters

Your Expedition.
Your Exact Pace.

Want dedicated 1:1 instruction or exclusive guiding for your party on intro to rock climbing? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.

WMCI / MIC Certified Lead GuidesTailored Weather Safety Routings
Private Guiding Ledger

Configure Private Departure

From £380/day
Calculated Private Rate2 Days • 1:1 Ratio
£760(£380/day)
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More rock

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The Highland Standard

Why learn to climb with us

Mountaineering and climbing instructors, real Scottish rock, and a ratio that leaves room to coach.

A climber in an orange helmet moves up a granite slab above a Highland glen.
5.0 / 5.0••TripAdvisor Verified

Climbing courses, in their words

What other climbers say about the teaching, the crags, and the progress they made.

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"Fabulous weekend climbing"

My daughter, 13, & I have just had a great weekend climbing with Stephen. I haven't done much outdoor climbing for 20 years and my daughter really wanted to move from indoors to outdoors. Stephen was a fabulous instructor, he gave very good and clear instructions, refreshing my skills and teaching my daughter. By the end of the weekend we now have the skills & confidence to go out climbing by ourselves. Flavours to try at the local ice cream parlour & best local cafe advice were also second to none! It was a brilliant weekend and we would thoroughly recommend Scottish Rock & Water if you want fun, skilled & safe instruction.

Charlotte LobbVerified

"Intro to Rock Climbing"

Had a great day climbing with Stephen. He tailored a day for 6 of us, who ranged from some experience in climbing to complete novices. Also as a mum with her 2 sons on the rock face, Stephen couldn't have been more safety concious and professional. Everyone was challenged but never overwhelmed and all really enjoyed our time with Scottish Rock and Water. Our day with Stephen was the highlight of our 2 week holiday.

Ruth JonesVerified

"Intro to Rock Climbing"

Myself and my two adult sons Iain and Calum met Stephen in the Stac Pollaidh car park on a very windy morning. We had already arranged for Stephen to spend the whole day with us and with Stac Pollaidh only being a half day we spent the morning at the Reiff sea cliffs practicing some moves above surf pounding on the rocks below. Before we did anything Stephen asked each of us about any medicals, allergies, injuries and about our experience of climbing. He then set up and we abseiled down onto a smallish ledge, even closer to the waves, and had a practice each at a short v diff pitch. All quite scary but excellent practice for what was to come on Stac Pollaidh and very safe due to Stephen's excellent set up and his instruction on abseiling, ropework, belaying and on the climbing itself. After a quick lunch we headed up to the Stac Pollaidh ridge in reduced wind speeds as forecast, but still quite blustery. At the point on the ridge where most people turn around we clambered into climbing harnesses and donned helmets, ready for the scrambling with reminders and tips about technique. Our aim was to get to the true summit (being a Graham bagger) and on the way we roped up twice for a couple of awkward steps with some exposure and made the summit in clear weather with wonderful views. On the way down we only roped up once and found an alternative way around the other steep pitch. Overall we found Stephen professional, informative, attentive to detail, very friendly and excellent company. A fantastic day out with many thanks to Stephen. Very highly recommended!

Simon SawersVerified

"Learn to Lead Climb"

Awesome coaching from Josh on a Learn to Lead (Trad) course covering belaying, anchors, gear placement and more top tips to make the process safe and smooth. The perfect next step for any sport climber/indoor climber looking to add new skills to their rope work and basics of using of trad gear. Stephen endeavoured to find a partner to pair me up with and delivered promptly. All around a great service, exceptional teaching and in an amazing setting. I’ll be looking at more courses from Scottish Rock & Water to build on skills this winter!

Ross GillespieVerified

"Learn to Lead Climb"

Me and my partner were wanting to move out of our indoor climbing comfort zone and start our proper rock climbing journey. We booked the “Learn to Lead Climb” 2 day course and preceded to have one of the best weekends we’ve had outdoors in Scotland for a while. We’d highly recommend Scottish Rock & Water whether you’re a total novice or just need that little bit extra expertise on hand to guide you through. We spent two days with our guide Stephen in and around Aviemore/Inverness and his climbing and general outdoors knowledge was unparalleled. The two days were tailored to our skill level and over the weekend we went from never having been climbing outdoors to now caught the climbing bug and very eager to get out there on our own and start exploring those famous Scottish Crags. Stephen is a fantastic guide. He's very professional, but also very easy going and good natured and had us totally at ease over the 2 days. He’s very supportive, not only during the course, but the support provided afterwards was exceptional for all my follow-up questions and queries. I cannot recommend this company enough. In fact after Stephens story of his recent trip to Skye he might have us back sooner rather than later for a guided trip on the Skye Cuillin Munros.

David SpenceVerified

"Learn to lead 2 day course"

We were a couple of sport climbers looking to to try a bit of trad. By the end of the weekend we were comfortable with the fundamentals of trad leading - placing gear, building anchors and abseiling. The scenery was cracking and we had a great laugh with Stephen the guide. Came to us highly recommended by friends and we would also highly recommend

Robbie GlassVerified
Field Notes

Rock climbing notes

Grades, racks, and how to get ready for a day on Scottish rock.

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Basecamp Concierge

Ready to climb on Scottish rock?

Not sure where to start, or how a trad day differs from climbing indoors? Talk to the instructors who teach on these crags.

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A voucher from £50, posted to you and valid for three years. It can go toward a course, a private day, or winter kit hired for that trip.

A climber in an orange helmet moves up a granite slab above a Highland glen.