Scottish Winter Climbs

Part of the popularity is due to the unique climbing conditions, when alternating influences of moist maritime and cold polar air masses produce a frequent freeze-thaw cycle. Along with high precipitation, this can produce snow, ice and ’mixed’ conditions which can be a joy to climb in. Unfortunately, it can also produce much dodgy weather which for the new visitor can be somewhat off-putting, not to say downright dangerous.

This guide can help the newcomer, both by helping select the routes, and explaining when, where and why to climb. The SMC have gone to some effort in this guide to make a visit to wintry Scotland as painless as possible! And if they have succeeded, then the comprehensive guides described elsewhere can lead you on to a lifetime of exploration.

Key crags

• Selected classic routes from all over Scotland, from The Cobbler to An Teallach

 All Outdoor Guides