Need inspiring?
We have collated a range of mountaineering adventures our guides and clients have shared throughout the British Mountains. Whilst the UK is small in comparison to other mountaineering powerhouses there are adventures waiting to be had around every corner.
Isle of Arran Excursion (2-4 days)
The Isle of Arran is a stunning island located 20km off the west coast of Scotland, below Glasgow. With only a short foot ferry ride from the port in Androssan you will be dropped off on the Eastern shores of Arran, in the town of Brodick. After grabbing some final supplies you will shortly be walking up the mesmerising Glen Rosa Valley towards the granite peaks of Goat Fell and Being Tarsuinn. The gradual ascent suddenly becomes slightly steeper as we fork left to camp below the south facing slabs of Cìr Mhor. You’ll be lucky if you pass a handful of people on this journey into this remote yet stunning peak nestled off the coast of West Scotland.
After camp is established there will be a chance to marvel in the views and, hopefully, a starlit night. This range of mountains on Arran is a special place, with immaculate granite slabs and cracks offering a playground for mountaineers. There are a selection of climbs within arms reach of our camp to cater for all abilities and conditions, should the Scottish weather do it’s thing. Once we have finished climbing there will be some time to explore the summit and take in panoramic views of the mountains, sea and coastline before settling in to another night in camp.
The beauty of this excursion is that it so easily gives access to remote and adventurous mountains and can be squeezed into an action packed weekend or longer.
Carn Mor - The UK’s most remote crag (2 days)
Sometimes you want a little more adventure than just the climbing and this offers it all. Exceptional climbing, a wonderful setting and an exciting approach.
The approach deters most people - a 5 hour walk… and back?! However, try to think of the challenging access as an additional experience. We opted for bikes and boy was this the best decision! An initially gradual ascent alongside the river slowly became more rolling as we ventured into the wilderness. Progress is staggered with small river crossings and steepenings before the most stunning causeway leading to our home for the night comes into view. Cycling across the river is a special moment, both scenic as well as a relief the approach is finally over and we can get out climbing.
There are options to sleep in the old barn, tent or for an exclusive visit by hiring out a room in the hunting and fishing lodge (this often comes with the bonus of being dropped off across the loch by motor boat). The towering cliff behind the bothy offers a host of climbing, some 9-10 pitches long. There are easier route options on a nearby cliff and our basecamp can be used as a great launching pad to tag two of the most remote munros in Scotland, Ruadh-stac Mòr and A’Mhaighdean.
The climbing on Carn Mor doesn’t get much more adventurous, it has a big feel but an essence of reassurance that our camp sits just at the bottom of the crag. Finishing the day with time to enjoy dinner on the shores of the loch and a swim in the crystal waters is a great way to round off any day in the hills.
Fortunately biking out is largely a downhill affair with the last few kilometres on smooth tarmac leading us back to Poolewe where fish & chips awaits!