East Coast Winter Summits

Join us on our guided East Coast Winter Summits course to sample some of the best mountains on the east coast of Scotland, under the guidance of our experienced, certified instructors. We will cover some aspects of training on this course but the emphasis is on guiding on some impressive mountains around the Cairngorms
Any technical equipment, crampons, ice axe and helmet is included in price
How to be efficient with your snow craft; focusing on efficient footwork; use of the ice axe for self-belay, step cutting and self arrest
Effectively planning your days in the mountains, using weather and avalanche forecasts
Appropriate choice and use of equipment and clothing suitable for winter hillwalking
Avalanche awareness/avoidance and its implications for safe route choice
Emergency procedures, digging shelters
Ascend some classic mountains in the west coast of Scotland

Day 1

We meet and chat through the week ahead, and what people want to get from the five days. We then look at the weather and avalanche forecast and talk through the options. On the snow, we concentrate on good footwork and efficient movement, thinking about prevention is better than cure! Then we will look at what to do if we do take a slide.

Day 2

This is what you have come for - ascents of major peaks in the west coast of Scotland. As always the objectives and the training areas will be weather and conditions dependent. The training focus will be on improving your core skills in the winter mountaineering environment. There will be a growing emphasis on your own ability to make decisions, whether it be about packing your bag, regulating your temperature or where to stop for a snack. Overall, you should expect to feel more confident and competent about mountaineering under your own steam and leave the course with more valuable experience under your belt.
​

> Derry Cairngorm & Ben Macdui

> Braearich 

> Lochnagar

> Ben Avon

> Beinn a Bhuird

Day 3

This is what you have come for - ascents of major peaks in the west coast of Scotland. As always the objectives and the training areas will be weather and conditions dependent. The training focus will be on improving your core skills in the winter mountaineering environment. There will be a growing emphasis on your own ability to make decisions, whether it be about packing your bag, regulating your temperature or where to stop for a snack. Overall, you should expect to feel more confident and competent about mountaineering under your own steam and leave the course with more valuable experience under your belt.
​

> Derry Cairngorm & Ben Macdui

> Braearich 

> Lochnagar

> Ben Avon

> Beinn a Bhuird

Day 4

This is what you have come for - ascents of major peaks in the west coast of Scotland. As always the objectives and the training areas will be weather and conditions dependent. The training focus will be on improving your core skills in the winter mountaineering environment. There will be a growing emphasis on your own ability to make decisions, whether it be about packing your bag, regulating your temperature or where to stop for a snack. Overall, you should expect to feel more confident and competent about mountaineering under your own steam and leave the course with more valuable experience under your belt.
​

> Derry Cairngorm & Ben Macdui

> Braearich 

> Lochnagar

> Ben Avon

> Beinn a Bhuird

Day 5

This is what you have come for - ascents of major peaks in the west coast of Scotland. As always the objectives and the training areas will be weather and conditions dependent. The training focus will be on improving your core skills in the winter mountaineering environment. There will be a growing emphasis on your own ability to make decisions, whether it be about packing your bag, regulating your temperature or where to stop for a snack. Overall, you should expect to feel more confident and competent about mountaineering under your own steam and leave the course with more valuable experience under your belt.
​

> Derry Cairngorm & Ben Macdui

> Braearich 

> Lochnagar

> Ben Avon

> Beinn a Bhuird

 
Inclusions
Accommodation - Comfort
 
What's Included
🚆 Transportation - On-course transport
🍴 Food
🥤 Drink
🧰 Equipment - Equipment supplied by SRW > Crampons > Ice axe > Helmet > Shovels > Group shelter > First Aid kit > Photos from your course​
📋 Other - Highly experienced & qualified guide
 
What you'll need
☂️ Waterproofs - Quality waterproofs i.e. Gore-tex or similar
🍴 Food - Lunch
🥤 Drink - Warm drink
📋 Other - B2-B3 style boots Rucksack 30-40ltr

Hat, waterproof gloves plus spares x 2 minimum Winter walking socks We advise wearing 2-3 thinner layers rather than one thick layer so you can adjust your temperature during the activity 'Belay' type jacket Wicking base layers, top & bottoms Goggles, double clear lens recommended Head torch, plus spare batteries Balaclava and neck gaiter 4 season sleeping bag to snow hole if the conditions are favourable