Ice Climbing in the Cairngorms: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You
5.0
(9 reviews)
The Cairngorms are one of Scotlands true gems, with an alpine and tundra-like landscape unique to Britain. Ice climbing is an adventurous and exciting way to explore this mighty massif!
The Cairngorms are a mountain range in the eastern Highlands of Scotland that consists of a large elevated plateau with low and rounded glacial mountains, proving a fantastic spot for great ice climbing adventures. If you are planning on experiencing some of Scotland’s amazing winter climbing possibilities, Cairngorms is the best place to indulge in this thrilling activity. There is something for everyone here, and the climbing routes include a wide range of grades and lengths for people all of levels of ability. So take your pick from our selection of ice climbing trips and courses in Cairngorms below, and discover some of the most fascinating and stunning mountain terrain in Europe.
Top ice climbing trips | Cairngorms
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FAQs: Ice Climbing in Cairngorms
What should I know about Ice Climbing Cairngorms?
Much of the ice climbing in Cairngorms can be quite tricky, so having a good level of fitness and some experience in ice climbing will be beneficial to your enjoyment of the activity.
When not ice climbing, the cities of Aberdeen, Inverness and Perth are close by to Cairngorms, and these are the best places to arrive and depart from in order to reach the ice climbing spots.
Why should I choose Cairngorms for my Ice Climbing adventure?
The Fascinating Landscape
The landscape of Cairngorms is unlike any other in Britain, with its dry, rocky, desolate and tundra-like terrain giving way to steep granite cliffs and large patches of snow and ice. Tors and boulders are strewn over much of the land, giving the whole place a rather other-worldly feel, and the lack of buildings or any sort of settlement in the area means it all maintains its pristine and conserved state, fantastic for ice climbing.
The Diverse Fauna
Due to its relative isolation and lack of human impact, Cairngorms houses many different types of animal species that are not seen anywhere else in the country. These include a variety of birds such as ptarmigan, dotterel, snow bunting and red grouse, as well as other animals such as red squirrels, mountain hare's and the only herd of reindeer to be found in Britain.
The Remoteness
Despite the UK having a relatively high population density, this area of Scotland is still remote, isolated and quiet, with only a few villages dotted around the outskirts. This makes it an excellent location to disconnect and unwind from the modern world, with only the vast and glorious tracts of rocky land in front of you, as well as uninterrupted views when ice climbing.
What can I expect from the weather during my Ice Climbing trip in Cairngorms?
Very cold winters, with temperatures often dropping below 0 degrees celsius. Cold summers with a max of 10 degrees celsius.
Which language is predominantly spoken in the Cairngorms region?
English
What currency is accepted around Cairngorms?
Pound Sterling
How can I get to Cairngorms?
Trains from London, Edinburgh and Glasgow to Kingussie or Aviemore. Fly to Inverness or Aberdeen airports. Drive or catch a bus from all over the country.
What's the country code for the Cairngorms region?
+44
When is the best time to travel to Cairngorms for Ice Climbing?
December to April, when the weather is coldest and ice is most plentiful.
What people are saying about Ice Climbing | Cairngorms
James
I can’t recommend this enough. Great service, great price and the on the ground team was top notch. Top marks all round.
Liam
Euan is an excellent leader and seems to have a great gift of knowing the abilities of those he is leading. He definitely creates even more enthusiasm and enjoyment : even when I am going to have a really great day, he makes it even better!
Ethan
A wonderful 2 days climbing tuition. Excellent supportive instruction, a calm professional approach and a perfect mix of fun, chat and laughter with tips,tricks and confidence building. Any beginner climber who wants to develop their skills, build their confidence and be inspired should spend time with Rocio. Thank you :)))
Jessica
Rocio's patience, good humour, ability and above all, encouragement, enabled me to fulfill some long-held dreams, and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone thinking of moving up a level or two, or simply wanting to achieve their personal "big ticks".
Laura
Will definitely use West Coast Mountain Guides again. Organising and booking was made easy with Kens help and guidance, offering us a few dates and responding quickly to emails. We had a great four days with two very accommodating and highly competent guides, Niels and Mike who made sure we got the most out of our trip for our skill level. Highly recommend.
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