'The Great Mountain Crags of Scotland' is a celebration of climbing in Scotland's wild places, compiled by Guy Robertson and Adrian Crofton. Featuring contributions from many of Scottish mountaineering's great writers and climbers, and beautifully illustrated with breathtaking photography, it delves deep into the heart of some of the oldest mountains on Earth. This is a book for anyone with an interest in Scotland's wild places, where the mountains and cliffs, rather than the climbs, take centre stage, transporting the reader far from towns and cities, and deep into the wilderness.
The Great Sea Cliffs of Scotland is an anthology of outrageous climbing adventures from twenty-six of the most extraordinary sea cliffs across Scotland. From the farthest flung sandstone sea stacks of the northern isles, to the granite playground of the Aberdeenshire coast, via the intricate archipelago of the Hebrides, all the major sea cliffs on the Scottish mainland and surrounding islands are covered in five distinct sections. Each area is described in rich detail and accompanied by personal accounts that offer an intimate perspective of the distinctive nature of this unique environment, and the generous rewards for those willing to accept the challenge of these seemingly improbable lines. With contributions from some of the most renowned pioneers and activists in the field of climbing, this compilation traces the remarkable history of Scottish sea cliff climbing and offers a glimpse of its future. Original poetry by Stuart Campbell complements each introductory section, and exclusive images from some of the UK's most distinguished photographers reveal the cliffs in high resolution with unique clarity and vibrance, capturing the drama and scale of these magnificent seascapes. Full list of contributors: Ross Jones, Tim Rankin, Guy Robertson, Andy Inglis, Lou Reynolds, Dave MacLeod, Wilson Moir, Grant Farquhar, Simon Nadin, Murdoch Jamieson, Rob Christie, Blair Fyffe, Steve McClure, Rick Campbell, Kevin Howett, Karin Magog, Alice Irmak Thompson, Pete Herd, Ian Taylor, Tess Fryer, Mick Fowler, Simon Richardson and Jason Currie. Original poetry by Stuart Campbell. Foreword by Julian Lines, author of Boardman-Tasker winning Tears of the Dawn, and the UK's most prolific deep-water solo climber.
Guidebook to exploring Scotland’s finest mountain ridges through climbing, scrambling and winter mountaineering. With 47 routes across Lochaber, Cairngorms, the North and West Highlands, Skye, Rum, Arran and the Southern Highlands, this guide contains something for all levels of experience and ability, from mountain walkers to scramblers, climbers and mountaineers. The routes range from 3–26 miles (4–42km) in length and are graded from Moderate–Very Severe (climbs), 1–3 (scrambles) and I–III/3 (winter mountaineering). 1:50,000 OS mapping included for the approach to and descent off each ridge Clear route descriptions and topo diagrams of the ridge scrambles and climbs Includes classic routes on Ben Nevis, the Aonachs, Glen Coe, Coire an t-Sneachda, Torridon, the Cobbler, Ben Lui, Mitre Ridge, An Teallach Traverse and Cuillin Main Ridge Traverse Routes accessible from key bases including Fort William, Kyle of Lochalsh, Aviemore, Gairloch, Lochinver, Arrochar and Cranlarich Advice on difficulty, access, accommodation and wild camping, and seasonal notes on choosing the best conditions to tackle each route
The best mountain, crag, sea cliff and sport climbing in Scotland. From the Foreword by Hamish MacInnes . "If you have an ambition to do all the climbs in these two Scottish Rock guides I think you'd better schedule time off in your next life. This labour of Gary's has been of gargantuan proportions. Those of you who use the guides will benefit by his dedication and the sheer choice offered; if you divide the retail price of these by the number of good routes you'll realise this is a bargain. Volume 1 covers a proliferation of Scottish crags up to the natural demarcation of the Great Glen. They are easier to access than most in Volume 2 and present infinite variety. I have been a long-time advocate of selected climbs and the use of photographs to illustrate both climbs and action. I'm glad that this principle has been used throughout these two volumes. It gives you a push to get up and do things. The list seems endless and if you succeed in doing half of them you'll be a much better climber and know a lot more about Scotland - have a good decade!"
Being in the right place at the right time is critical when Scottish Winter Climbing. This guide will help you make the right choices ¿ do you go high or low, head east, west or north, or attempt snowed-up rock, mixed or ice climbs? With more than 600 new Scottish Winter Climbs to his credit, Simon Richardson reveals his simple strategy for success and selects 50 climbs to put on your hit-list. There is a detailed analysis of the strategy and tactics Scottish Winter Climbers need, taking into account Scotland¿s sometimes fickle conditions and unpredictable weather. There are sections on using weather forecasts, using the internet, avoiding avalanches, clothing and equipment, protection, navigation, timing, partners and psychology. Simon also presents 50 climbs mostly in the Grade III to VI range, specifically selected to match a variety of Scottish conditions. Each climb is supported by a map and topo, with access and descent details, route description, optimum conditions and top tips. Climbs include well-known classics and lesser-known gems. There are suggestions for more than 200 alternative routes from Grade II to Grade VII. Detailed overviews are included of approaches and descents on Ben Nevis with North Face panorama and map and summit descent bearings. There is also the largest ever collection of photographs of Scottish Winter Climbers in action! Simon Richardson has been climbing in the Scottish mountains in winter for the past 35 years and made more than 600 new ascents. As well as developing classic climbing areas such as Aonach Mor, Simon was instrumental in introducing the Scottish two-tier winter grading system, pioneered modern mixed climbing on Ben Nevis and is author of the Scottish Mountaineering Club¿s climbers¿ guide to Ben Nevis. During the winter he reports on the Scottish Winter Climbing scene in his popular blog scottishwinter.com.
In Mountaineering in Scotland, climber and mountaineer W.H. Murray vividly describes some of the most sought-after and classic British climbs on rock and ice, including the Cuillin Ridge on Skye and Ben Nevis. The book – written in secret on toilet paper in whilst Murray was a prisoner of war – is infused with the sense of freedom and joy the author found in the mountains. He details the hardship and pleasure wrung from high camping in winter, climbs Clachaig Gully and makes the second winter ascent of Observatory Ridge. Murray recounts his adventures in Glencoe and the mountains beyond – including a terrifying near-death experience at the falls of Falloch. Murray's first book, Mountaineering in Scotland is widely acknowledged as a classic of mountaineering literature. It inspirational prose – as fresh now as when first published – is bound to make a reader reach for their tent and head for the hills of Scotland. He asserts, 'Seeming danger ensures that on mountains, more than elsewhere, life may be lived at the full.' This is classic mountain climbing literature at its best.
The best mountain, crag, sea cliff and sport climbing in Scotland. From the Foreword by Hamish MacInnes . "If you have an ambition to do all the climbs in these two Scottish Rock guides I think you'd better schedule time off in your next life. This labour of Gary's has been of gargantuan proportions. Those of you who use the guides will benefit by his dedication and the sheer choice offered; if you divide the retail price of these by the number of good routes you'll realise this is a bargain. Volume 1 covers a proliferation of Scottish crags up to the natural demarcation of the Great Glen. They are easier to access than most in Volume 2 and present infinite variety. I have been a long-time advocate of selected climbs and the use of photographs to illustrate both climbs and action. I'm glad that this principle has been used throughout these two volumes. It gives you a push to get up and do things. The list seems endless and if you succeed in doing half of them you'll be a much better climber and know a lot more about Scotland - have a good decade!"
The diversity of Scotland's mountains is remarkable, ranging from the isolated summits of the far northwest, through the tor-studded high plateau of the Cairngorms to the hills of the Southern Uplands. Colin Ballantyne explains the geological and geomorphological evolution of Scotland's mountains to form an unparalleled variety of mountain forms.
50 great mountain walks in Scotland. Some of the routes described in this larger format book are well known classic challenges such as the Lochaber Traverse, the Mamores and Cairngorms 4000-ers while others approach a favourite mountain from a new angle or combine several in a testing way. Each one can be crammed into a single, long day or backpacked over two to spend a little longer in this rugged and addictive landscape. The collection spans Scotland, right across its magnificent upland areas and dramatic peaks. Routes range from 12 to 25 miles and many would make a good two-day adventure. Some can be approached by kayak or mountain bike. Over 270 ranges and summits feature in settings as varied as the snowbound Cairngorm plateaus and the land-sea jigsaw of the Hebrides, where rugged peaks rise from clear water. Few walking destinations are better suited to routes at the longer, tougher end of the scale.
An inspirational guidebook to the best days out in the Lake District mountains, including Scafell Pike, Fairfield, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, and Blencathra and other lesser-known but wonderful Lake District mountain walks. Each route offers a Great Mountain Day, a challenging walk exploring the beauty of the Lake District. This larger format book is perfect for choosing the next mountain to summit whether that will be a well-known classic challenge or revisiting a favourite mountain via a new route. Ideal for those new to the Lake District or those who think they know the Lake District well! Centres include Ambleside, Keswick, Patterdale, Seatoller, Boot, Ennerdale, and Wasdale Head. Each of the 50 great mountain days can be hiked in one day or are suitable for backpacking adventures. The circular walks are between 4 and 14 miles in length and all graded for difficulty, making this guidebook equally suitable for less experienced walkers and those looking for a challenging day out on the fells. All routes are illustrated with Harvey maps and the author's pictorial route diagrams.
