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Rock Voyager

Aviemore, Cairngorm National Park

4 Days

£725 pp

A rock climbing adventure!

Explore the breathtaking rock climbing destinations Scotland has to offer with me. As a seasoned instructor, I will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills you need to excel at rock climbing, no matter your level.

  • Explore the breathtaking rock climbing destinations Scotland has to offer with me. As a seasoned instructor, I will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills you need to excel at rock climbing, no matter your level. We'll journey to a range of stunning venues, from sea cliffs to towering mountain crags, and customise the experience to fit your individual skill set. During the week, you'll receive expert instruction in key areas such as protection and anchor use, abseiling, multi-pitch climbing, leading on rock, movement techniques, mental training, rescue techniques, sea cliff and stack climbing, and bouldering skills. Join me for a thrilling rock climbing adventure in Scotland.

    ​This course is based in Aviemore, at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Scotland's Highlands. Aviemore is well-connected by road, rail, and air, and offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. While the village will be our base, we’ll explore various Highland locations to make the most of the weather and conditions, ensuring you have the best experience possible.

  • NB: This itinerary is a sample of what we could do during the course. This is subject to change due to weather, conditions and group fitness. I will always make sure that you get the most out of your course no matter what the weather and conditions are.

    4-Day Rock Voyager Course Itinerary
    Rock Climbing Course in the Scottish Highlands

    Day 1 – Fundamentals of Single-Pitch Climbing and Abseiling


    We’ll start the course with a strong focus on single-pitch climbing fundamentals. This includes essential climbing techniques, rope handling, and movement skills on rock. You’ll practise placing and removing protection, building safe anchors, and climbing efficiently while understanding the basics of rope management.

    In the afternoon, we’ll introduce abseiling techniques, ensuring you’re confident in descending from climbs. You’ll learn to set up safe abseil systems, control your descent effectively, and troubleshoot common issues encountered during abseiling.

    By the end of the day, you’ll have a solid foundation in single-pitch climbing and abseiling, preparing you for more complex challenges ahead.

    Day 2 – Multi-Pitch Climbing and Rescue Techniques


    Day two focuses on the art of multi-pitch climbing. You’ll learn how to plan and execute multi-pitch routes efficiently, including building anchors, rope management between pitches, and maintaining good communication with your climbing partner.

    As part of the day’s skills training, we’ll also cover key rescue techniques. You’ll practise escaping the system, ascending a rope, and setting up simple rescues to ensure you’re prepared for unforeseen challenges.

    By the end of the day, you’ll have gained confidence in climbing longer, more exposed routes while understanding critical safety procedures.

    Day 3 – Introduction to Lead Climbing and Advanced Techniques


    On day three, we’ll delve into lead climbing, building on the foundational skills developed earlier. You’ll practise lead climbing on single-pitch routes, learning to place protection effectively, assess placements for safety, and manage the added challenges of leading.

    In addition, we’ll introduce advanced techniques such as route reading, improving efficiency on steep terrain, and refining footwork and body positioning to conserve energy during climbs.

    The day will also include discussions on climbing ethics and environmental awareness, ensuring you climb responsibly in these stunning natural landscapes.

    Day 4 – Putting It All Together: The Ultimate Rock Challenge


    Our final day is all about applying your new skills on a memorable climb. You’ll take on a route that combines single-pitch, multi-pitch, and lead climbing elements, putting your technical abilities, decision-making, and teamwork to the test.

    You’ll begin by planning your approach, considering weather conditions and route logistics, before leading or seconding sections of the climb. Along the way, you’ll practise rescue techniques and abseiling as part of the challenge.

    By the end of the course, you’ll have gained the confidence and competence to tackle a variety of rock climbing challenges independently. You’ll leave with a comprehensive skill set and unforgettable memories of climbing in the Scottish Highlands.

    Any questions on the course, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

  • No prior experience is required to join this rock climbing course, making it accessible to everyone. However, having some indoor rock climbing experience beforehand can help you get the most out of the course.

    I will tailor the course to your individual needs and match you with others of complementary abilities, ensuring that both beginners and experienced climbers make great progress towards becoming safe, confident, and independent climbers throughout the week.

    Good general fitness will always make the course more enjoyable and rewarding. If you’d like advice on how to prepare, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’ve got lots of simple and effective ways to prepare physically for rock climbing.

    Feel free to get in touch to discuss your experience and goals—I’m always happy to help guide you to the right course!

    • Making informed decisions in rock climbing environments

    • Selecting and using essential rock climbing equipment

    • Tying key knots for rock climbing safety

    • Mastering single-pitch rock climbing techniques

    • Tackling multi-pitch rock climbing with confidence

    • Practising safe lead belaying techniques in rock climbing

    • Perfecting top-rope belaying methods for rock climbing

    • Understanding the fundamentals of trad protection

    • Using quickdraws and mastering clipping techniques

    • Building safe and effective anchors in rock climbing

    • Setting up in-reach and out-of-reach anchors for rock climbing

    • Mastering lead climbing fundamentals for rock climbing

    • Moving efficiently on rock while climbing

    • Reading routes and developing climbing strategy

    • Interpreting guidebooks and route finding for rock climbing

    • Developing hazard awareness for safe rock climbing

    • Building a solid foundation in rock climbing training

    • Exploring the history and ethics of trad rock climbing in the UK and internationally

  • Included:

    • Exceptional instruction and coaching

    • Access to Alex’s knowledge and advice before and after the course

    • Local transport to and from your accommodation in Aviemore

    • Ropes and climbing hardware

    • Helmet and harness

    • Guidebooks

    • Maps and compass

    • Emergency equipment

    Not Included:

    • Personal clothing

    • Accommodation

    • Food and snacks

    • Transport to Aviemore before and after the course

Are you looking for alternative course dates?

Get in touch and to express an interest if the course dates shown don't work for you. 

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