Climbing

Glencoe’s climbing heritage is second to none with both summer rock and winter mountaineering routes in abundance.

Three Wise Monkeys – Indoor Climbing Centre

Since opening in 2016, the indoor climbing centre has been a big hit, both with seasoned climbers glad of an indoor training facility, and with many families having a go at a new sport.

Taster indoor climbing sessions are available to book for both adults and children, outdoor bouldering and climbing instruction can also be booked

Guided Rock Climbing

If you are after some adrenaline filled days hanging of a rock face by your fingernails then Andy from Infinity Mountain Guides is your man. Andy has many years experience climbing in all over the world and is the current leader of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team so you know you’ll be in safe hands. He even occasionally gives lectures for our winter safety lecture series which is held during FebruaryFest every year.

A Brief Overview of Climbing in Glencoe

For the more experienced, there are plenty of guides out there that will provide detailed descriptions of routes in and around the glen. However, here’s a little taster of what the glen has to offer…

Buachaille Etive Mor

The mountaineer’s mountain. The Rannoch Wall and Crowberry Ridge offer spectacular situations with many famous and popular routes set against a back drop of the Rannoch Moor. Agag’s Groove and January Jigsaw are names synonymous with the Buachaille, whilst the Crowberry Gully remains a very popular winter gully route on the mountain.

East Face of Aonach Dubh

A number of easier grade routes make this a popular destination for many climbers discovering the delights of the glen. The Lower and Upper Bow, Quiver Rib and Archer Ridge are some of the highlights on this relatively accessible crag.

Coire nan Lochan

Several steep walls provide for some harder grade rock climbs but this mountain really comes into its own in winter conditions. Broad Gully is a straight forward snow slope and a popular means of ascent of the peak, or as a descent route for climbers who have completed other climbs. In heavy snow conditions, neighbouring Dorsal Arete is the safer option. Other classic winter routes include SC Gully, Twisting Gully and Boomerang Gully.

West Face of Aonach Dubh

This is the spectacular face that dominates the view from Clachaig Inn & Chalets. Due to the nature of the terrain, access to/from the routes requires a degree of caution. However, routes such as Big Top and Trapeze are still regarded with some awe and trepidation some 50 years after they were first climbed. In winter, No 6. Gully is an absolute classic. And, of course, the icicle of Elliott’s Downfall is a much sought after prize, though we’ve yet to hear of a second naked ascent as yet! Sit back in Clachaig’s Bidean Lounge with your binoculars and a pint, and watch the sport unfold!

And of course, not forgetting Clachaig Gully, our very own route from the doorstep. However, the gully is rarely climbed these days. Maybe the idea of wet slimy vegetation covered walls and the occasional rockfall don’t have the appeal they once used to! Or maybe folk have just got soft!