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Guided Walking Holidays in Scotland

 

Established in 1998, we’re an owner-run provider of guided walking holidays and mountain courses in the Highlands of Scotland. We firmly believe ‘the day’ doesn’t finish with the walk; we don’t hand you over to someone else, you arrive back at our Lodge or holiday cottage to ‘Cake-O’Clock’ - a welcoming mug of tea and some of Rebecca’s home baking.

Andrew’s knowledge of the mountain environment is extensive. Having a background in geology and been interested in natural history and conservation from an early age, he’s a mind of information. The fine food and the relaxed and jovial atmosphere of our own lodge, means that access to some of the wildest places in the Britain is a safe, fun and exhilarating experience.

We are always on hand to ensure your stay exceeds expectations and are very proud of all the great testimonials we receive. Come and enjoy a complete adventure with us!

Andy & Rebecca

 

Dates listed are arrival and departure dates. Prices are fully inclusive of guiding/instruction; accommodation and full board (usually at our base, Fraoch Lodge or equivalent); transport to the walks/course and pick up/drop off in Aviemore or at Inverness airport. Clients using public transport to reach Aviemore are entitled to a £15 "green travel discount" on the price of their holiday/course.

For full details on any holiday, visit www.scotmountain.co.uk

holiday details | check availability

Summer 2009

HIGHLAND MUNROS
9th-15th Aug - Grade 2/3, 6 days; £578
This is a great introduction to the challenges of Scotland's high peaks. We head into the big mountain groups. Coires and ridges abound giving you unending interest amongst some of the finest mountain scenery.
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COMPLETE CAIRNGORMS
16th-22nd Aug - Grade 2, 6 days; £542
Explore Britain's most natural landscape: the Great Forest of Caledon with its noble pines, the mighty Cairngorms with their tundra flora, the expansive heather moors. The habitats are rich - you experience the full variety of this unique mountain area.
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GLENS, FORESTS AND LOCHS
23rd-29th Aug - Grade 1, 6 days; £542
Immerse yourself in some of the finest habitats and views. This is walking through wild lands where little appears to have changed since the forests chased back the glaciers.
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MOUNTAIN SKILLS & NAVIGATION
2nd-8th Aug & 30th Aug-6th Sept - Grade 2, 6 days; £477
You plan to go out in the mountains today. What will the weather be like? How long will the route take? What do I need to take? Learn how to use a map and compass, know about timing and pacing, ...

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HIDDEN CAIRNGORMS
10th-15th Sept - Grade 2, 5 days; £454
Make the most of this year's Easter break and get your hill walking season off to an early start. This holiday sees us taking in peaks in very varied mountain-scapes.
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LAIRIG GHRU CHALLENGE WEEKEND
18th - 20th Sept - Grade 2/3, 2 days - Flight-linked; £243
Walk Britain's most spectacular mountain pass. The 18 mile route of past drovers, thieves and soldiers cuts right through the heart of high Cairngorm splendour. From the high point its sides rise sheer for another 1500ft to 4 of the 5 highest peaks in Britain - awesome scenery and a worthy challenge.
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MUNRO HIKE AND BIKE WEEKEND
Dates TBC - Grade 4, 2 days - Flight-linked; £TBC
With this weekend we get into some really remote and wild mountain scenery with the use of Mountain Bikes. All three of these mountains have been chosen for the superb scenery and the access along good tracks.

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THE EMPTY QUARTER
Dates TBC - Grade 2/3, 6 days; £TBC
Empty of people, maybe, but not of hillwalking interest. This is the very distinctive wilderness of Assynt and NW Sutherland, where the superlatives really start to flow - 'island mountains' rising abruptly from a vast loch pitted tableland. The sense of space is superb. We could go on but to say these are the most eye-catching of mountains with fantastic walking.
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Autumn Holidays

NORTHERN HI-LIGHTS WEEKEND
9th - 11th Nov- Grade 2, 2 days - Flight-linked; £254
Fantastic mountain walking, beautiful scenery, delicious food, a badger watch supping mulled wine and the Aurora Borealis!! What more could you want! Well, we may not be able to guarantee the latter item but they're a lot more common than you might expect.
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MOUNTAIN NAVIGATION WEEKEND
3rd-5th Apr & 29th-31st May - Grade 3, 2 days; £183
Of all the skills for the hills, navigation is the most important - no surprise when you consider that up to 80% of mountain rescue call-outs stem from navigational errors. This course provides a firm grounding in the essential skills as well as developing the right tactical approach to good mountain navigation. It's ideal for both those who are starting from scratch, as well as those who have some navigating experience but would like to become more proficient and increase their repertoire of skills. The variety of terrain found in the Cairngorm Mountains provides an ideal practice ground, from the low level feature packed moorland to the test piece high plateau. This fun course is delivered in a well-structured, progressive manner so you quickly gain in confidence and skill.
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AUTUMN MUNROS
24th - 30th Oce- Grade 3, 5 days; £624
The golden birch mixed with the deep green pines; rusty bracken and rich brown moors; the array of colours amongst the flora of the high tops, all combine to make this the most colourful time of year to visit.
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BIG MOUNTAIN WEEKEND
30th Oct - 1st Nov & 20th Nov - 22nd Nov - Grade 3 +, 2 days - Flight-linked; £245
Saturday is a challenging day tackling one of Britain's highest peaks while on the Sunday it's an early start to do a shorter mountain route before you head back home in good time.
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NIGHT NAVIGATION WEEKEND

 

Winter Holidays

HOGMANAY WINTER SKILLS
27th Dec - 4th Jan - Grade 3, 6 days; £694
The unique challenges and unrivalled rewards of the winter mountains cannot be beaten. This is to see them at their finest. Why not make the most of the Christmas and New Year holiday by combining it with a truly rewarding learning experience.
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WINTER SKILLS WEEKEND
5th Feb - 7th Feb; 19th - 21st Feb; 5th - 7th Mar - Grade 3, 2 days; £240
This condensed course provides the skills for safe movement across snow and ice covered mountain terrain. It covers: suitable equipment, avalanche assessment, cramponing, self belay/arrest, etc. There is also the opportunity to update your winter navigation skills.
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WINTER MOUNTAIN NAVIGATION
8th - 10th Jan - 2 days; £240
Should the winter mountains dish-up their worst, you will have the skills and proficiency to deal them. This weekend is ideal for the experienced summer navigator wanting to make the transition to winter conditions
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INTRODUCTION TO WINTER SKILLS
16th - 22nd Jan; 13th - 19th Feb; 13th - 19th Mar - Grade 3, 5 days; £572
You'll gain a clear understanding of the principles and quickly attain the skills. You'll be able to choose the most appropriate technique for the terrain and conditions. With adequate time given over to practise, you'll finish the course proficient in both the technical winter skills and those essential winter navigation techniques.
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SNOWHOLE EXPEDITION *AS SEEN ON TV WITH GRIFF RHYS JONES*
Challenging! Rewarding! Memorable!
23rd - 27th Jan; 6th - 10th Mar; 19th - 23rd Mar - Grade 3/4, 3 days; £390
This will be one of the most remarkable experiences of your life. Help construct a comfortable communal snowhole lit by the reflected light of candles! Wake up to the absolute silence of a pristine winter wonderland bathed in the soft light of a Cairngorm dawn.

This is the ultimate winter mountain experience of the high Cairngorms. Once you've undergone a day of essential winter skills training we embark on a two-day expedition to head deep into the snowy wilderness. This is Britain's ultimate winter mountain experience and one not to be missed.
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CLASSIC WINTER CAIRNGORMS
30th Jan - 5th Feb - Grade 3/4, 5 days; £572
Holiday in Britain's high arctic, home to our most permanent snow beds. With so much ground above 3000ft, nowhere else are conditions so consistent - a winter mountain wonderland.
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WINTER MOUNTAINEERING
27th Feb - 5th Mar - Grade 3/4, 5 days; £735
This course is ideally suited to the keen winter hillwalker who aspires to incorporate a graded winter route into his/her mountain day.
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WINTER MUNROS
27th Feb - 5th Mar - Grade 3, 5 days; £597
For the finest views of the year, go high and go in winter. With the crisp clear air views often go on for 80 miles or more! This winter escape provides you with some classic high level winter walking on distinctive mountains in the east and central Highlands.
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Other Holidays

We also run the following courses (dates TBC); please enquire for dates, prices and availability:

Spring Holidays

MOUNTAIN NAVIGATION WEEKEND
3rd-5th Apr & 29th-31st May - Grade 3, 2 days; £183
Of all the skills for the hills, navigation is the most important - no surprise when you consider that up to 80% of mountain rescue call-outs stem from navigational errors. This course provides a firm grounding in the essential skills as well as developing the right tactical approach to good mountain navigation. It's ideal for both those who are starting from scratch, as well as those who have some navigating experience but would like to become more proficient and increase their repertoire of skills. The variety of terrain found in the Cairngorm Mountains provides an ideal practice ground, from the low level feature packed moorland to the test piece high plateau. This fun course is delivered in a well-structured, progressive manner so you quickly gain in confidence and skill.
holiday details | check availability

HIGHLAND EASTER
Dates TBC- Grade 2, 5 days; £TBC
Make the most of this year's Easter break and get your hill walking season off to an early start. This holiday sees us taking in peaks in very varied mountain-scapes.
holiday details | check availability

 

CAIRNGORM 4000'ers
Dates TBC - Grade 4, 4 days; £TBC
Five of our 6 highest peaks reside in the 'Gorms: Cairngorm, Ben Macdui, Carn Toul, Braeriach and Sgor an Lochain Uaine (Angels Peak). All over 4000ft, they form a magnificent massif giving you the best high "plateau" walking anywhere.
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WILD KNOYDART
Dates TBC - Grade 2/3, 7 days; £TBC
The remote and rugged Knoydart peninsula is a very special place. For many, it epitomises west highland beauty; mountain after mountain plunging to deep dark serpentine lochs. Accessible only by boat (our mode) or long walk-ins, its one of the most isolated parts of mainland Britain. Its reputation is thoroughly deserved.
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SPRING MUNROS
Dates TBC - Grade 3/4, 6 days; £TBC
Long days, new life, warm sun - an opportune time for mountain walking. Stretch those legs, blow away the winter cobwebs and ascend through bonny mountain scenery to some of Scotland’s highest summits.
holiday details TBC | check availability

HIGHLAND EXTRAVAGANZA
Dates TBC - Grade 2, 6 days; £TBC
From Loch Ness in the north to Atholl in the south; the Cairngorms in the east to Lochaber in the west, this holiday samples Scotland's very varied mountain-scapes - an ideal introduction to the Highlands.
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CLASSIC KINTAIL RIDGEWALKING
Dates TBC - Grade 3, 7 days; £TBC
No other area in Britain has so many big mountains so tightly packed together; divided by deep glens, range upon range stretch to distant horizons. This is classically rugged highland scenery of high peaks linked by narrow ridges – a ridge-walkers paradise. The superb walking combined with the fantastic accommodation at Sheil Lodge makes for a wonderful holiday.
holiday details TBC | check availability

MIDSUMMER BOTHY SOLITUDE EXPEDITION
Dates TBC - Grade 2, 5 days; £TBC
This is the ultimate in escapism: no phones; no faxes; no deadlines; no nothing; just a 4 hour walk to the nearest road! Our base is Scotland's newest and finest bothy - we're sworn to secrecy, but its loch shore setting is below one of Scotland's grandest and remotest north faces.

ADDICTIVE ARRAN
Dates TBC - Grade 2/3, 5 days; £TBC
This is mountain walking for the connoisseur. Arran may lack Munros but its granite mountains are spectacular. Angular peaks and jagged ridges dissected by deep valleys provide some of the most entertaining walking on offer. This, all in an island setting with views stretching to the distant mainland ranges - Scotland in miniature.
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Summer Holidays

MOUNTAIN FLORA WEEKEND
Dates TBC - 2 days; £TBC
A new, innovative trip, designed by our lead instructor. Further details to follow.
holiday details TBC | check availability

CLASSIC TORRIDON
Dates TBC - Grade 3, 6 days; £576
Torridon's reputation is wholly justified. A landscape of towering buttresses and a primeval feel. For many this magnificent area provides the finest mountain days anywhere. I need say little more, other than this holiday requires a good head for heights.
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HIGH CAIRNGORM BACKPACKING
Dates TBC - Grade 3, 4 days; £326
If you're looking to totally immerse yourself in the mountains, then there's no better way than backpacking. If you want the perfect place to do it, then look no further than the Cairngorms. We avoid the repeated long ups and downs of other ranges. Once the gently undulating 'plateau' edge is gained, we're left to relax and enjoy - an ideal introduction to backpacking.
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CAIRNGORM RIDGE WALKING
Dates TBC - Grade 3, 5 days; £469
We trace the natural lines of the Cairngorm Massif: high plateau edge, mountain ridge, skyline traverse. We follow them all, starting and finishing at different locations.
holiday details TBC | check availability

PURPLE MOUNTAIN MAGIC
Dates TBC - Grade 2, 4 days; £TBC
The purple of the flowering heather is a perfect match for the deep green of the Scots Pines. Whole hillsides turn subtle heathery shades. With this combination you couldn't be anywhere other than Scotland. This is the time to see the Cairngorms in all their summer glory.
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FRUITS OF THE FOREST WEEKEND
Dates TBC - Grade 1, 2 days - Flight-linked; £TBC
How about walking in an area that has little changed since the forests chased back the glaciers 10 000 year ago? How about the chance to sample some of nature's gourmet delights - under expert guidance of course! The ancient Caledonia pine forest of Abernethy set within the Cairngorm National Park, is a superb example of what once was - noble pines, juniper, edible fungi, views to the peaks beyond and home to a quarter of the UK's endangered species.
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BEN NEVIS CHALLENGE WEEKEND
Dates TBC - Grade 3, 2 days - Flight-linked; £TBC
By anyone's standard 'The Ben' is a big day. There is no luxury of a high car park or cable car to take you half way up. You begin the climb virtually from sea level and ascend the full 4409 feet to the roof of Britain. The views are stupendous; sun glinting Loch Linnhe far below, the colossal cliffs of its north face, the Cuillin Ridge on distant Skye. the list goes on and on.
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Autumn Holidays

CLASSIC MOUNTAIN HORSESHOES
Dates TBC - Grade 4, 4 days; £TBC
This short break delivers some of the most challenging mountain walking the Highland’s has to offer. We trace the edge of highly impressive cliff and corrie scenery to gain some of Scotland’s most distinguished peaks. All-in-all 10 Munros in 4 days.
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Mountain Innovations Ltd, Fraoch Lodge, Deshar Road, Boat of Garten, Inverness-shire, PH24 3BN, tel: 01479 831 331