advanced scrambling course

advanced scrambling course

2 daysGrade Challenging - 7East & West HighlandsMax 1:2 Ratio
5.0 / 5.0•Over 211+ Five-Star Reviews
The route

What the days on the ridge involve

Our advanced scrambling course looks at the fundamental skills needed to look after yourself and your partner on typical grade 3 terrain. We will look at rope work techniques inc, stance management, transitions between moving together or pitching and how we recognise when to do so. All the while keeping these areas slick while maintaining flow in our movement, and our rope work.
Interactive Map

Expedition Topography & Route

OpenTopoMap Topography
Day-By-Day Journey

Detailed Itinerary

After chatting through the forecasts and choosing an appro[rite route we will cover how to effectively plan a day in the mountains, guide book interpretation and applying this to the route. The kit we carry and why, route finding en route, decision making on the route about where to go and how to use the rope, inc transitions between rope off, moving together and pitching the crux section on the scramble.

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 suitable walking boots/approach shoes
  • •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
Official Grade StandardsGrade Challenging - 7

Scrambling - Challenging

Suitable For

Designed for confident scramblers who are ready to take on more technical and exposed routes. These days involve significant height gain and require strong movement skills, and a willingness to embrace the adventure of more committing terrain.

Skills Required

A strong level of fitness and scrambling experience is essential. You should feel confident tackling exposed ridges, steeper rock sections, and navigating mixed terrain. Expect longer days and more sustained effort as you take on classic Scottish scrambles in their most thrilling form.

Expedition Gallery

Early start on Dubhs Ridge, Isle of Skye
Cloud inversion as we traversed the pinnacles on the Aonach Eagach
Topping out on the Clach Ghlas traverse, Skye
Skye Ridge, some of the best scrambling anywhere in the UK
Advanced Scrambling Course in the Loch Avon Basin
Inn Pinn in the background after coming off on Mhic Choinnich

Frequently Asked Questions

Individual Departure
£360.00/ person
Private 1:1 RateFrom £380/dayConfigure Private Dates ↓
Scheduled Departures
Sat 1st May 27 - Sun 2nd May 272 days expedition
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Sat 22nd May 27 - Sun 23rd May 272 days expedition
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Sat 19th Jun 27 - Sun 20th Jun 272 days expedition
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Sat 3rd Jul 27 - Sun 4th Jul 272 days expedition
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Sat 21st Aug 27 - Sun 22nd Aug 272 days expedition
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Sat 4th Sep 27 - Sun 5th Sep 272 days expedition
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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 advanced scrambling course? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.

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

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

Other scrambling trips

The Highland Standard

Why scramble with us

Qualified mountain instructors, a small group, and routes chosen for the people on the day.

A person in an orange jacket sits in a sleeping bag on a rocky summit, watching the sun set over a sea of cloud.
5.0 / 5.0••TripAdvisor Verified

Scrambling trips, in their words

How other people found the ridges, the exposure, and the days with a guide.

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"Scrambling in Glen Coe"

Highly recommend Stephen and Scottish Rock and Water, I did a 2 day introduction course on scrambling in Glen Coe and Stephen made our experience highly enjoyable and very educational. Stephen is very patient and I felt extremely comfortable and safe during the course at all times. I have gained valuable confidence and knowledge from my 2 days. Had an amazing time, thank you Stephen

Craig BeveridgeVerified

"Tower Ridge Ben Nevis"

Absolutely loved the whole day, even the walk out. Stephen was a top guy, first class guide who made sure we were safe, but also allowed us to enjoy ourselves at the same time. Would highly recommend booking with him if you have any plans for a trip.

Brian Verified

"A great day out learning new tricks"

Me and my partner booked a scrambling course on the Curved ridge in Glen Coe with Stephen. Stephen is a great guide. He tailored our experience to meet our needs and to fill gaps in our knowledge we felt we beeded. We weren't totally sure where we were in terms of experience, but he gave us great confidence in our abilities, and also has great chat ! We wouldn't hesitate to book another course with Scottish Rock and Water, and it's clear that Stephen is an absolute expert at his job. We came away from the day accomplished and confident.

JessicaVerified

"Scrambling experience on Skye :)"

The perfect first time scrambling and climbing in Skye! Loved every moment. From the views to the company. Stephen is incredibly knowledgeable and professional and also a fantastic teacher, making sure I felt confident and safe throughout. Thank you for a fab day. Can't wait to book the next trip over!

Melissa MVerified

"Liathach scrambling"

Having had a brilliant experience with Stephen last summer doing an introduction to scrambling course I decided to book into a last minute guided traverse of Liathach. Once again had an amazing experience - cannot praise Stephen enough! He's a brilliant guide, makes you feel so at ease and gives you confidence in your abilities. I was terrified about this walk but felt so safe and comfortable with him. Such good company too making it a fantastic day with lots of chat and laughs along the way. Thank you so much, will definitely be booking back for in for another trip in the future.

Louise AllanVerified

"In Pin & Sgurr Mhic Choinnich combo"

Stephen helped us achieve 2 more ticks in our Munro book. He expertly made our short ridge traverse highly educational and fun at the same time. We even invested in more basic scrambling equipment within hours of completion as he made us hungry for more! We will certainly use Stephen as a Guide again or enroll on one of his many mountaineering courses, an epic day led by a top Guide! Five stars all round 👍

Ollie HVerified
Field Notes

Scrambling notes

Grades, kit, and how to prepare for a Scottish scramble.

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Basecamp Concierge

Ready to step onto the ridges?

Not sure which scramble grade matches your fitness, or how exposed a route will feel? Talk to the guides who know these ridges.

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Gift vouchers

Give a day in the Highlands

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.