Snowholing is the art of creating your own shelter at night in snowy environments, by... you guessed it... digging yourself a hole and sleeping in it! Discover the confidence that constructing your own shelter in a harsh climate gives you and experience this ultimate adventure! The allure of the highest, wildest, sub-arctic plateau in Britain is the main attraction and the icing on the cake is a chance to learn micro navigation, avalanche awareness, emergency shelters, ice axe and crampon training throughout the trip in this raw wilderness. We’ll cover basic rope work and snow anchors to improve your security on steep ground and the night will be spent in a snowhole which we’ll spend time digging out into a luxurious palace! If you want to improve your winter mountain safety skills then this is quite simply the best way to do it. It doesn't matter whether you are new to the winter mountain environment, or have a few winter seasons under your belt, as everyone is able to learn new skills, hone rusty ones or simply find out if their safety levels are up to scratch. The standard of training, over the two days, is that of the winter mountain leader syllabus, although aimed at independent mountain enthusiasts not wanting the hassle of registering and becoming part of the formal training and assessment network. As such this is not a certificated course and is aimed at improving personal safety on the mountains as well as being a great guided experience. You need to be fit enough to carry an overnight rucksack through deep snow in windy conditions and turn up with the correct clothing and personal kit - advice on booking.Day 1Meet Aviemore rail station 10am for planning and packing session before transferring to Cairngorm ski car park and ascent onto the plateau aiming to traverse the rim of Coire an t-sneachda to a snowhole site where time will be spent digging the overnight shelter.Day 2A day of snowcraft skills practising crampon safety, ice axe arrest, step cutting, navigation skills, security on the steep ground, avalanche training en route. Descend to ski area prior to arriving in Aviemore late afternoon and finish. Itinerary is indicative and subject to change to suit weather conditions.   Inclusions What's Included 🚆 Transportation - All local transport throughout the weekend 🍴 Food - All meals are provided during the expedition 🧰 Equipment - Specialist winter equipment will be provided   What you'll need 📋 Other - All specialist equipment: No hidden hire costs - we will supply a winter sleeping bag, gore-tex bivvy bag, mat, snow shovel and all winter hardwear including an expedition rucksack if needed. We can arrange transfers for you if you contact us prior to booking. Inverness is a common pick-up point. This trip is suitable for those who have done a bit of hill / mountain walking before and are willing to brave some cold weather! We will provide a further kit list on booking.

The Torridon mountains are often referred to as the most mountainous part of Britain. Largely due, in part, because of the steepness of the slopes and the small distances from one peak to the next. In short, they are crammed into an area ranging from the sea at Loch Torridon, and it's great glen at the southern fringe, to the beautiful Loch Maree at the Northern edge. Experience the Alpine stature of routes such as the Liathach Traverse, the cirque of Bein Alligin or the ascent of the Bodach Dubh pinnacles of Bein Eighe. These are days out that offer remoteness, self reliance and the tremendous sense of achievement gained from negotiating routes on untouched snow across uncrowded mountains. As well as safely guiding you through each day a large part of what we do is aimed at teaching good, safe practice enabling you to develop a solid base of personal skill for future adventures. By the end of the week you'll be well versed in ice axe and crampon use, snow and avalanche awareness, ropework and snow anchors, weather, emergency shelters and that most elusive of winter skills, winter mountain navigation. This will all be achieved while tackling the exciting ridges and gullies of Torridon - on the job training so to speak. If conditions allow we may well spend a night out in a snow hole or spend sometime honing your navigation skills at nightfall. Above all, you'll leave as a far safer mountaineer with more confidence in the winter environment and having experienced the local knowledge of our guides and their passion for this area. So avoid the crowds this winter - turn your back on the heaving masses all departing from the Cairngorm ski car park / anywhere on Glencoe or Ben Nevis. See the NW Highland mountains as they should be experienced - crowd free and blissfully quiet!Day 1Ascent of Fuar Tholl and its high, wild corrie where a first day snowcraft session will allow development of vital movement and safety skills such as: ice axe arrest, crampon use, rope safety and avalanche awareness. This day will finish with an ascent to the summit of Fuar Tholl by its central gully or SE ridge.Day 2Traverse of the Toll Ban pinnacles, East Bein Eighe Grade 1. Culminating on the summit of Sgurr nan Fhir Dubh.Day 3Ascent of ‘Way Up’ gully, grade 1, in Coire Dubh Mhor. Thereafter, arriving at the high summit of Spidean a Choire Leith on the main Liathach ridge. If time, energy and weather allow then a traverse of the Am Fasarinen pinnacles, grade II, will be possible. This is one of the great west coast mountaineering trips.Day 4Traverse of the Forcan Ridge & Saddle - Grade IIDay 5The An Teallach traverse including the Corrag Buidhe pinnacles and the summits of Sgurr Fiona and Bidean a Ghlas Thuill. NB: Days 4 & 5 can also be given over to an overnight snowholing expedition to the Saddle, Kintail Ñ. A great experience, spending the night at 1000 metres surrounded by Kintail and the Knoydart wilderness. Group choice.   Inclusions Accommodation - Comfort 6 nights local guest house accommodation, 5 days on the mountain   What's Included 🚆 Transportation - all local transport provided daily. Transfers by arrangement. 🍴 Food - All food is provided 🧰 Equipment - All specialist equipment is provided: no hidden hire costs   What you'll need 📋 Other - We'll provide a full kit list on booking We can arrange transfers for you if you let us know prior to booking This is suitable for those with some hill and mountain walking and have a reasonable level of fitness, able to wade through snow and carry their supplies all day. We can run this trip on multiple dates and on a private only basis - get in contact for more info, thanks!

Learn to Sea Kayak in Scotland over two days in and around the beautiful Applecross peninsula. These trips take place over any weekend in the summer and winter and are particularly popular on the bank holiday weekends. We can also run the two days at any other time for groups of three or more. So if you want to take part on any two day date then just email us and we'll see what's possible. Find out what sea kayaking is all about - beaches, seals, otters and hidden treasures. Of course the best thing about learning to kayak in Applecross is that you'll be paddling in one of the most scenic kayaking areas in Scotland and it also happens to be the most sheltered area too. Applecross Bay is very shallow and sandy allowing a friendly environment for you to learn in and progress through the core paddling skills. This means that you can enjoy the real benefits of kayaking while learning with confidence at the same time. The two days will allow you to cover all the basic paddle skills and use them on a trip on the second day where you will be guided around the untouched islands and see the stunning beauty of the local area. The aim of the trip is to build your confidence in kayaking and introduce you to the skills that will allow you to pursue kayaking further allowing you to join longer day trips or multi day kayak camping expeditions in the future. Choose one of the options on the left and enjoy staying at the campsite, Hartfield Lodge Hostel or our local guest house. Oh - and did we mention that everyone who works here lives here. That means that we know the area better than anyone making the best use of your time and allowing an insight into this fantastic peninsula that is second to none. So make the best use of your precious time and we look forward to seeing you this summer. There are even some winter weekend dates which are great for blowing away the winter blues. All we do is to wrap up warmer and enjoy the winter shoreline too.Day 1A relaxed morning learning the foundation skills of paddling. Learn to use your paddle and all the basic control techniques. In the afternoon we'll develop these skills to put you fully in control of your kayak ready for a day tour on Sunday.Day 2A short planning session in the morning will allow you an insight into how to plan a day expedition safely - weather, tides, charts & navigation, kit needs and general safety tips all feature. From late morning until late afternoon we'll get out into the wilds, visit coral beaches, see some seals and enjoy the beauty of the highlands.   Inclusions Accommodation - Comfort 3 nights accommodation, Full Board inclusive of arrival & departure nights, Coal Mhor Guest House, Camusteel   What's Included 🍴 Food 🧰 Equipment 📋 Other - - 3 nights accommodation -All meals except on arrival evening -Guiding -Instruction -Equipment -Local transport   What you'll need 📋 Other 🧤 Warm Clothing ☂️ Waterproofs ⛺ Camping Equipment

This trip is the best possible introduction to sea kayaking with an overnight camping element and is a great way to prepare yourself for further sea kayak adventures. You'll spend day one learning the basic skills of kayaking enabling you to get used to you boat, paddle and how to manoeuvre yourself. An afternoon of confidence building paddle skills will complete your preparation for the overnight expedition on days two and three. The morning of day two will be spent preparing for the overnight expedition focusing on planning, safety, weather and equipment needed before heading out in the afternoon to return on Monday. Typically on this trip we head south to the Crowlin islands and coral beaches of Applecross. Alternatively we have the sheltered Loch Torridon on the northern shores of Applecross peninsula allowing a more fjord like experience. During the expedition enjoy fresh, local home cooked meals and escape into the wilds. Explore the beauty of the highlands and the hidden secrets of the sea. Visit the seal colonies and the remote islands before heading back to Applecross bay on Monday afternoon. This is a great intro if you’re short of time and want to make good use of the UK bank holiday weekends without using up your annual leave. It's possible to get to Applecross from anywhere in the UK by Friday evening, kayak in the wilderness for three days, depart Monday late afternoon, and be back refreshed for work on Tuesday morning.Day 1A relaxed morning learning the foundation skills of paddling. Learn to use your paddle and all the basic control techniques. In the afternoon we'll develop these skills to put you fully in control of your kayak ready for an overnight trip on Sunday.Day 2A short planning session in the morning will allow you an insight into how to plan a day expedition safely - weather, tides, charts & navigation, kit needs and general safety tips all feature. From late morning we'll pack the kayaks ready for an overnight camp and get out into the wilds, visit coral beaches, see some seals and enjoy the beauty of the highlands.Day 3A relaxed day exploring the South Inner Sound, Crowlin Islands and local area prior to returning to Applecross Bay having completed your first expedition.   Inclusions Accommodation - Comfort 3 nights guest house accommodation, arrival & departure nights, Coal Mhor Guest House, Camusteel   What's Included 🚆 Transportation - Local transport is provided 🍴 Food - All food is included 🧰 Equipment - We provide all kayaking equipment   What you'll need 📋 Other - We will provide a kit list upon booking We can arrange transfers (get in contact before booking if you need this) We can run this adventure on multiple dates, please let us know if we do not have the date you want

Be shown the secret coves and beaches only known by our local instructors, whilst picking up sea kayaking skills from our experienced guides. We’ll ease you in with some splashing about on Applecross bay covering all the basics on day one, including a short coastal trip, before we take you on an unforgettable expedition. Wildlife is ever present on the coastal fringes and local Islands allowing us a chance to see Puffins, Whales, seasonal Dolphins, and the ever present Porpoises. This is a great beginner / improver introduction to sea kayak expeditioning with time to train & learn properly, whilst experiencing nature at its finest. 2019 planned dates (please message us before booking): April 29 - May 3 May 13 - 17 May 27 - 31 June 10 - 14 June 17- 21 July 8 - 12 July 22 - 26 Aug 5 - 9 Aug 19 - 23 Sep 23 - 27 Oct 21 - 25Day 1A relaxed morning learning the foundation skills of paddling. Use of the paddle and all the basic control techniques will be covered. In the afternoon we’ll develop these skills to put you fully in control of your kayak ready for progressing towards intermediate skills tomorrow.Day 2Some more practice of the day one skills with progression into the paddle skills that help you to be stable. The afternoon is given over to learning how to help each other get back into your kayaks - essential safety skills for anyone kayaking at sea (don't worry - no one will be made to go upside down during this week!)Day 3A planning session in the morning will offer you an insight into how to plan a multi-day expedition safely - weather, tides, charts & navigation, kit needs and general safety tips all feature. From late morning we’ll begin packing and preparing before paddling off into the wilderness...Day 4Exploring the amazing surroundings via kayak.Day 5Return on Friday afternoon feeling refreshed and totally hooked on wilderness kayaking!   Inclusions Accommodation - Comfort Accommodation at Coal Mhor Guest House will be provided on arrival and departure dates, with Wild camping in between the expedition - you can also arrange your own accommodation using the campsite locally at a lower trip price. Contact us for details.   What's Included 🚆 Transportation - All local transport throughout (not to and from the event) 🍴 Food - All meals at guest house and on overnight camps. Except on your arrival travel day 🥤 Drink - Tea , coffee etc. 🧰 Equipment - All specialist equipment: no hidden hire costs   What you'll need 📋 Other - Accommodation at Coal Mhor Guest House will be provided on arrival and departure dates, with Wild camping in between the expedition. You'll need to arrange your travel to and from the location. You'll finish on Friday evening. We can provide airport pick up at an additional price - message us if interested. We can provide a full kit list on request

150 - 200 km north of the Arctic Circle lies the chain of rocky peaks known as the Lofoten islands. As you paddle along beside stunning sheer waterfalls the mountains simply appear out of the sea punctuated by sandy beaches offering easy landings and amazing wild camps where you can sit in this mesmerising scenery, talking about the day and eating freshly made home cooking. Puffins, Seals and other arctic wildlife live in the deep fjords of the archipelago. Our ultimate expedition plan will be decided along with local weather plans when we meet you in Lofoten. The main aim of the week is to paddle into the fjords spending several days exploring the mountains and wild camping along the way. Days can be long as we make the most of your time here and we're not pressured by daylight as there is 24 hours of the stuff! We normally only do a few dates, around mid summer, in late June or early July, so places are fairly limited. If there are two or more of you wanting to join us then don't hesitate - places go fast on this unique trip. We send our guides out from Scotland to run this trip, allowing us to maintain the very high safety standards that we have developed in the NW of Scotland for over two decades.Day 1Fly UK to Oslo to Bodo - you then have the option of getting the fast boat or a short 30 min flight to Svolvaer which is the start point of our trip. Alternatively you can opt to use the train to Bodo if you’ve got the time. Looking for advice on the travel options in Norway or from the UK? Our past trip participants have arrived in Lofoten by bike, ferry, aircraft, car and even on foot! Just email us with any questions. Getting north of the Arctic circle is relatively easy with air, rail and ferry links all the way. Wideroe and SAS airlines fly within Norway and from some parts of the UK. Ryanair and Norwegian go to Oslo from the UK allowing you to link with flights north from there. If you've got a bit more time then take the excellent, but slow, train journey up the coast of Norway to arrive in Bodo where you can use a ferry or air to get to your destination Svolvaer, in Lofoten. We have plenty of advice available on the best travel options so just drop us a message and we hope to meet you in Lofoten this summer. Important: If you are short of time and want to fly then please be aware the further North you travel into the Arctic, the smaller the aircraft get. This means that it is often very difficult, or impossible, to get seats, close to our expedition dates. Most people are booking this trip, and therefore their flights, up to 8-12 months in advance. Trains and ferries are usually easy to book - if you've the holiday time!Day 2After packing the kayaks we paddle off to our first night of wild camping. Further expedition days exploring the epic Trollfjorden area - all plans subject to weather with each day being planned accordingly. Return Thursday afternoon to Vaterfjord.Day 3Exploring the epic Trollfjorden areaDay 4Exploring the epic Trollfjorden areaDay 5Exploring the epic Trollfjorden area   Inclusions What's Included 🍴 Food - All provisions, fuel, cookers etc and meals during the expedition. You will be cooked for throughout the trip 🥤 Drink - Tea, coffee etc 🧰 Equipment - Deck, buoyancy aid, paddle and kayak supplied   What you'll need 📋 Other - You will be cooked for throughout the trip, taking away a lot of the hassle and letting you relax! Not Included: Accommodation or food before or after the expedition (get in contact for recommendations or for more info) Any travel to and from the expedition venue. You need to get to the start point. So plan to book your return travel from your home area to Norway. You will also need to be self sufficient with a light tent for the expedition and personal eating utensils. A self cater option is also available at a lower price. We can provide more information on request, thanks!

You’ll be glad to know that you don’t have to be a top notch rock climber to negotiate even the most technical sections of the ridge, or any of its dozen or so main summits. With expert guiding & instruction you can access some alpine style terrain while learning about all the safety considerations en-route. Of course good fitness and a head for heights are important as we’ll try to explore as much as we can of the main ridge over five days. On the way you’ll learn a lot about looking after yourself with rope & rock protection. So if you’ve thought about the Inaccessible Pinnacle or the mighty Sgurr Nan Gillean then join us on this memorable week. We've been guiding on the Cuillin for 30 years and have a local knowledge second to none - essential on such a complex mountain area. You can opt to join this week and stay at any of the places detailed below where we will pick up and drop off each day. Alternatively join us at the Sligachean campsite on the fully catered option at our basecamp.Day 1Ascent of Bruach na Frithe as an easy tasterDay 2Ascent of Sgurr Alasdair, the highest point on SkyeDay 3Ascent of Sgurr a Mhadaidh, Sgurr Greadaidh and Sgurr na Banachdich as an enchainment of peaks.Day 4Ascent of the Inaccessible pinnacle - the only summit in the UK that needs to be rock climbed (easy beginner climbing)Day 5Ascent of Sgurr nan Gillean and Am Bastier   Inclusions What's Included 🚆 Transportation - all local transport provided free 🍴 Food - All meals from lunch on day one to lunch on final day are included though you can also self cater at a discounted price 🧰 Equipment - Tents and sleeping gear provided 📋 Other - local transport and transfers provided   What you'll need 📋 Other - You'll need to arrange transport to and from the event location. We can pick you up from the local train station (Kyle of Lochalsh) and provide transfers upon request (please check with us before booking). You must cover your own camping fees. Bring proper hiking gear. Full kit list to be provided upon request.