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Guided Ascent of Curved Ridge, Glencoe
Join MIC certified mountain guide Ken Applegate on a unique guided ascent of the stunning Curved Ridge in Glencoe, Scotland!
Description
The Curved Ridge is part of the Highland’s iconic Buachaille Etive Mor mountain. It is a steep ridge that leads to the impressive Stob Dearg Munro. Graded as a 2/3 scramble, the Curved Ridge is difficult, but its breathtaking scenery is worth the effort. Our guided ascent of the Curved Ridge will provide you the chance to take on the challenge with proper assistance so that you can fully enjoy the experience!
We begin early in the morning with a brief overview of the day’s itinerary and equipment check. Then we will start up a path from the car park opposite the Lagangarbh Hut around a spot known as the waterslide. From there, we will continue a steep ascent until we get to Rannoch Wall, an impressive red rock which faces the moor. On the left of Rannoch Wall we will find Curved Ridge with plenty of holds for the hands and feet that will allow us to scramble up to the summit. The prize at the top will be the spectacular views. We will be out on the hill for 6-9 hours.
Because this is a challenging ascent, a good fitness level is necessary. However, we will be there every step of the way to help you whether you have previous experience or are new to scrambling. Additionally, we will show you the necessary techniques that you will need to tackle this challenge. We will also manage the ropework so that you can enjoy the excursion.
Are you ready to take on this exciting challenge in “The Buachaille”? Then book your place and join us on a unique ascent of the Curved Ridge!
Would you like to explore more of the Scottish Highlands? Then join us on a guided traverse of the Aonach Eagach!
Details
Accommodation Not included. |
More info Socks –Go for a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks. Thermal/Base Layers –A thermal or wicking top is far better than cotton. Fleeces –At least one fleece layer for your upper body. If you get cold easily perhaps add a fleece gilet/vest to your layering. Having an extra fleece top or synthetic layer in a waterproof liner at the bottom of your rucksack is useful if cool conditions are likely to be encountered. Windshirt or lightweight softshell jacket –Ideal for dry conditions. Walking trousers –Polycotton, polyester or softshell is ideal. Warm Hat & Gloves –A warm hat can still be very useful even in summer. For Skye, leather work or gardening gloves, which are cheap and durable are ideal. Remember that even in the height of summer, with a bit of rain and wind, it will still be quite chilly. Waterproof jacket and over trousers ( Outer shell clothing) –The trousers should have at least a knee length zip enabling them to be fitted over boots. Lightweight waterproofs are ok. Rucsac –A medium volume sac (30 -40 litres) is best for mountaineering. Use a strong plastic rucsac liner to keep the contents dry. External Rucsack covers have a habit of blowing away and don’t work as well as an internal liner. Everything needs to fit inside your sac. Bivvy Bag –A large person sized poly or foil survival bag is the minimum requirement, essential. Gaiters or Stop-tous –Useful, but not essential. Not really necessary on the Skye Cuillins. Head Torch –Even in summer it’s good practise to carry a small headtorch. First Aid kit –A small personal pack including medication for blisters. Suncream and sunglasses if good forecast. Compass/Map –(OS or BMC/Harveys) Harvey maps produce the best map for Skye. The map should be weather-proofed in a clear plastic map case or covered with clear sticky back plastic. Whistle/Watch Waterbottle –1 to 2 litres, maybe more during hot weather. Lunch & Spare Food Trekking Poles -These are optional, but useful particularly in descent. Boots –For scrambling, boots which have good lateral stiffness, such as B1 rated boots, are useful. Helmet –Please bring one along if you can. We have DMM helmets available. Harness –Please make sure the harness fits over all clothing and can be put on over boots and crampons. Adjustable leg-loops are preferable for ease of fitting. Belay device, two HMS Carabiners and one 120cm sling –We can provide you with these if you don’t have your own. |
Photos
About the guide
I gained a good insight into the instruction and guiding of mountaineering activities whilst working as a member of the domestic team at Glenmore Lodge in the summer of 2003. Since then, I have skied, climbed, trekked and mountaineered across the length and breadth of the UK, from Cornwall to the Orkney Isles, and overseas, having sought adventures in China, Mongolia, The Indian Himalayas, New Zealand, Japan, Southern Africa, The Swiss, Italian and French Alps, The Pyrenees, Southern Spain and Norway. I enjoy climbing in all it’s forms, whether it be bouldering at Fontainebleau, sport climbing at Rodellar, trad and winter climbing in the UK or alpine climbing in Switzerland. I have also put up a couple of new routes, Mint Sauce E1 5c in Glen Nevis and Feathered Friend V,5 on Creag Meagaidh.
I have completed my Mountaineering Instructor Certificate (MIC), the highest instructional qualification in the UK, which enable me to work both in summer and winter conditions, whether it’s walking, mountaineering or climbing, and is a full member of both the Association or Mountaineering Instructors, and The Mountain Instructor’s Community. I have also completed my International Mountain Leader Summer Training and have worked as a contracted instructor for Abacus Mountain Guides, Martin Moran, Glenmore Lodge, Mountain Motion, West Coast Mountain Guides, Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre, Adventure Peaks, The Outward Bound Trust, Ryan Glass Mountaineering, Hike Pyrenees, World Challenge Expeditions and Outlook Expeditions.
What people are saying about Ken Applegate
Benjamin Hatfield
5.00
September 2020
Kathleen Walsh
5.00
July 2020
Fantastic climb of Tower Ridge under Ken\'s expert guidance. We felt safe, secure and confident every step of this breathtaking route. Ken\'s competence and knowledge left us in no doubt that we\'d be more than happy to choose him and West Coast Mountain Guides in the future. Thank you!
Laura June
5.00
March 2020
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.
Andy Paterson
5.00
June 2019
Ken immediately made us feel welcomed and we had a good chat on the walk in before gearing up for the ridge ascent. Both my son and I had a fantastic experience thanks to Ken\'s calm, expertise in leading us over Tower Ridge and then descending via Ledge Ridge to round off a great day. Highly recommended!
Nick Battams
5.00
February 2019
have just come back from completing an ascent of ledge route and a descent via no4 gully, guided by Ken. absolutely fantastic day and Ken was friendly, professional and very confidence inspiring. cant recommend highly enough and I\'ll definitely be back next season!
Phil Lloyd
5.00
October 2018
Ken took me and my son up the north face ledge route to the top of Ben Nevis. It was a challenge in places - particularly with the snow and ice - but it was an unforgettable experience! Ken was a great guide.
Catherine Hockley
5.00
September 2018
Ken was a fantastic guide, safe, experienced and took us on an incredible adventure!
Eva Kaeppel
5.00
September 2018
I made a booking request for a one-on-one guided trip less than a week before the date and was lucky enough to get a guide (Phil) without problem, who did a splendid job and made this a very enjoyable, instructive and safe first scramble for me. Communication was great before the event, too. I‘d recommend this company without hesitation and hope to hike with them again in the future.
Elizabeth Luchars
5.00
August 2018
Ken was a wonderful guide! He was thorough in assessing our experience and picked the right hike for us. He was full of knowledge and easy to talk to as well. We\'d definitely recommend him and hope to hike with him again ourselves.
H Shindle
5.00
August 2018
On short notice, while traveling through Scotland, we booked a Private Guide to Ben Nevis through Explore-Share.com. We much enjoyed the climb to the summit with our Guide Stuart Mapp; Stuart was the consummate professional and his concern for both our safety and this experience cannot be understated. His direct knowledge of Ben Nevis’s Route, History, Flora and Stories made this trip the highlight of our 17 days in Scotland and Ireland for us. Our success to the summit, and back down, was directly supported by Stuart and made it very much more enjoyable . Thank you again!
Claire Parsons
5.00
May 2018
I usually do these things with my Husband, but we currently live in Singapore and I’m back visiting family and didn’t want to miss out. I was doubly anxious because our usual guide was unavailable, but Ken quickly put me at ease. For me that’s about feeling like I have all the information I need, being reassured that I’m making good time and having a few scheduled breaks for snacks etc. We also had a good chat, which made the walk in fly by. A very enjoyable day, I felt safe and comfortable throughout. I hope to be back in the future for more adventures.
Alberto Canete
5.00
April 2018
It was a great experience. It fulfilled all my expectations to have a first approach to winter mountaineering. My guide was great teaching me all the basic stuff related to crampons, ice axe and winter hiking, plus he was a great coach supporting me to make it to the summit.
Noam Gati
5.00
February 2018
Hannah the guide was very professional. She came on time, she gave us the equipment and very good and clear instructions. I\'ll definitely recommend this trip. Thank you very much
Dave
5.00
January 2018
Been climbing for several years but had never used climbing axes so aim of this trip was to gain experience using two tools. The routes Ken chose were a perfect selection making the climb challenging and very enjoyable. Already looking at dates when more ice is present to climb with Ken again. Ken was great company, has a great knowledge of the highland area and is clearly a very skilled climber. Explore and Share made the whole process very simple and effortless, would highly recommend. Thank you. Dave
Michael Hellyer
5.00
March 2017
Private Guiding on the classic Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis North Face On two previous winter trips up Ben Nevis via the CMD route, I had marvelled at the majestic North Face and dreamt of fulfilling a route on it\'s flanks. This season, Ken helped me fulfil this dream by guiding me on the classic Tower Ridge (IV, 3). The whole experience was absolutely fantastic and Ken made sure to attend to every detail; from communications, equipment provision, weather and condition assessment and climbing advice on route. Ken\'s professionalism certainly enabled me to push my limits, as I felt completely safe within his guiding ability. I was fortunate to have moderate conditions on the day, and this enabled a fairly rapid and highly enjoyable ascent of the ridge in true Scottish conditions. I will definitely be back for more winter adventures
Prices per person
Group of 1 | GBP 266 each |
Group of 2 | GBP 145 each |
Group of 3 | GBP 108 each |
Want a different number of travellers?
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
The price includes Guiding and Instruction and free use of harness and helmets. Accommodation is not included but we can help make arrangements or recommend suitable places to stay whilst visiting Glencoe and the surrounding area.
For booking assistance
Have any doubts? Talk directly with an Explore Share assistant.
The Concierge service is a great tool for when you still haven't decided what kind of Adventure you're looking for and you're open to suggestions
The guide I had on the day was Dave Fowler, not Ken