Discover winter walking in Scotland
Winter mountain days in Scotland can gift you the most special of memories. The light can be spectacular, the hills a snowy wonderland and the experience exhilarating. However, winter walking in Scotland also comes with its challenges. The daylight hours are short, the weather unpredictable and the frozen snowy terrain adds a whole load of new skills that you need to master to enjoy the mountains safely.
I (Anna) can help you take your first steps into the winter mountains. Whether this is through a winter skills course or guided winter walking I can tailor the day to best suit your needs. As a highly experienced and qualified Winter Mountain Leader I will help you to gain the skills and experience needed to enjoy all the wonders of winter without putting yourself at risk.
What can I offer?
During the winter months I offer bespoke guiding and open group skills courses and experiences for winter walking in Scotland. Most of my guiding is based out of the Fort William or Aviemore area but other locations are possible. Working on a bespoke basis means I can tailor the experience to exactly meet your individual or group needs. Whether you are looking for some 1:1 teaching on winter navigation, a group of friends wanting a winter skills course or simply want a guided walking day so you can relax and fully enjoy the surroundings I can provide this for you.
Bespoke Guiding
Examples include:
A winter skills course looking at safe and efficient movement over snow and ice. Including how to use ice axe and crampons, understand snow conditions and the avalanche forecast.
A day focussed on navigation skills and strategies for winter walking in Scotland. In winter having a map and compass and being confident to use them in all weather conditions is an essential skill to keep you safe.
A guided winter walking day. Get up high to enjoy snowy summits and mountain tops under the safe guidance of a qualified Winter Mountain Leader.
A multi-day experience including all of the above. If you really want to get to grips with winter then one day is not enough. All of the above can be incorporated into a longer multi-day course to make sure there is time to cover all the aspects of winter walking and give you plenty of opportunity to hone your skills.
Bespoke guiding costs
I operate on a day rate basis of £350 per day for winter walking and skills. Maximum group size is 4 – 6 depending on the activity. There is a 10% reduction if you are looking for a 1:1 ratio.
This equates to the following per person per day costs:
1 person = £315 per person per day
2 people = £175 per person per day
3 people = £117 per person per day
4 people = £87.50 per person per day
5 people = £70 per person per day
6 people = £58 per person per day
Bookings for multiple days may be offered at a reduced rate, get in touch for details. If you are an individual and would like to share the cost of a day with someone then get in touch as I may know others looking to do the same.
Please note that I do not provide winter equipment hire you will need to have your own or hire from elsewhere such as Scottish Mountain Hire or Ellis Brighams . I can advise you on what you will need.
2025 Winter Group Courses & Experiences
This two day course will cover the basics of winter movement and safety in the mountains. It is designed for people who are confident and competent summer hillwalkers and would like to take their walking into a winter environment.
Winter Navigation & Decision Making
The focus of these two days is to develop skills and confidence particularly in relation to winter navigation techniques, understanding weather and conditions, route planning and decision making.
Join us for a fully inclusive week of guided winter walking in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Our cosy base in Spean Bridge means we can access a wide variety of mountains within a day.
From Glencoe and Ben Nevis to the south, to Glen Shiel in the North and the Cairngorms in the East the opportunities for winter hill walking are vast.
A two day course led by a qualified Winter Mountain Leader and experienced fell runner. These are aimed at anyone who would like to build skills and experience for continuing their running through the winter months, particularly in a mountain environment.
Get in touch
Winter in the mountains can be an intimidating prospect. If you are interested but not sure if its for you then get in touch and we can work out the experience that would suit you best.
I am always happy to answer questions and discuss what you would like to get out of guided days spent with me. You can reach me on 07720 398 642, anna@wildrootsguiding.scot or complete the form below.
I look forward to hearing from you.