UKC

Who, in Scotland offers a really decent and worthwhile advanced winter climbing course that won't necessarily break the bank? I am not interested in being dragged up routes like a dog on a lead but rather being coached/instructed in advanced winter climbing techniques and getting to lead some of the pitches myself.

In reply to Hornster:
i suspect you will get all sorts of recommendations based on personal experiences but have a squint at Donald King and Mike Pescod on Abacus Mountaineering. Mike posts on here occasionally. I climbed with Donalda couple of years ago whilst a friend was climbing with Mike. Both are great and I'd use either again very happily. Worth calling Mike to discuss.

Angus

In reply to mcgus not logged in: Thanks. Does Mike focus on coaching/instructing as opposed to dragging clients up routes?

In reply to mcgus not logged in:

I second that. Donald was very good and instructed whilst we led. They'll tailor the day(s) to what you want.

In reply to Wibble Wibble: sounds good. Was that private guiding or a course? what are his prices for a week?

In reply to Hornster:

I can't find their website right now. It was me and a mate and we just hired him for a couple of days. It was cheaper than going on a course and you can do exactly what you want. Donald's an MIC and gnarly mixed climber. Mike's probably a Guide by now, and prefers (so Donald said) purer ice routes.

In reply to Wibble Wibble:

Try http://www.abacus.sphosting.com/ for Mike and Donald.

In reply to Hornster:

Found it: http://www.abacus.sphosting.com/main.htm

The don't do courses as such, but their prices are very reasonable and as I said, the content is much more within your control.

In reply to Wibble Wibble: Cheers for that. It looks and sounds like just what I have been looking for. I'll defo be contacting them.

In reply to Hornster:

Mike and Donald are great. Very nice guys and very good climbers + teachers.

In reply to Hornster:


Done several over last few years, best one by far was by martin moran in the NW Scotland

Look up his web site www.moran-mountain.co.uk

In reply to Hornster:

Graeme Ettle could be your man. He's a guide and top mixed climber. Although the only drawback I had was that I went out just him and me. This meant I couldn't do any leading - he couldn't take the risk he said. But if I recall, if he takes two people out i think he climbs alongside them sometimes. Ask him, though. He certainly knows tricks of the trade - like rotating your axe in your hand, which wraps the leash around the shaft, pulling your hand higher up it which is handy in certain situations he said.