CLIMBING
Be Inspired
As one of the few instructors to climb all of the major sea-stacks in the UK, and an all-rounder with a love for all disciplines of the sport; you will be inspired by Neil’s enthusiasm and knowledge of this wonderful sport.
You will be in the safest of hands: Neil holds the qualification of Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, or MCI (formerly MIA); the highest rock climbing and mountaineering qualification in the UK.
He has climbed: Trad: E6 | Sport: 7c+ | Bouldering: V10 | Winter: Scottish VII:7 / WI: 7
Neil is also passionate about spreading knowledge, imparting skills and confidence and enabling you to achieve more than you thought possible. From indoor to outdoor climbing, sport to trad, single to multipitch, classic to modern, Dubh Mor specialises in developing your climbing by guiding and instruction.
He has climbed: Trad: E6 | Sport: 7c+ | Bouldering: V10 | Winter: Scottish VII:7 / WI: 7
Neil is also passionate about spreading knowledge, imparting skills and confidence and enabling you to achieve more than you thought possible. From indoor to outdoor climbing, sport to trad, single to multipitch, classic to modern, Dubh Mor specialises in developing your climbing by guiding and instruction.
From the Highlands and Islands to the Central Belt
Experience the best of:
- Accessible single pitch crags
- Soaring sea cliffs and iconic sea stacks
- Classic long mountaineering routes
Scotland has a rich climbing heritage and some of the best classic and modern rock routes in the world.
A lifetime spent exploring these wonders has left me with a vast depth of knowledge and experience to ensure you get the most out of a guided ascent, or instructional how-to day.
CLIMBING COURSES
Grade 1 – easy scrambling, often exposed ridgelines. Good movement and confidence other than a protected climb. Hands may be used for balance occasionally but rarely for upward progress. e.g: CMD arete.
Grade 2 – more complex and exposed scrambling, often with more complex route-finding. Less confident/experienced parties will want the reassurance of a rope. Hands will be used for balance and upward progress. e.g: Liathach
Grade 3 – moving into the realms of rock-climbing, often involving short sections of steep, complex and exposed ground. Some rock climbing up to Moderate standard. Only experienced climbers will feel confident without a rope.
The ability to retreat/descend via abseil may be useful. Hands will be used for upward progress. Downclimbing my also be involved. e.g: Curved Ridge. most sections of the Cuillin RIdge
Easy: there are actually very few ‘Easy’ graded rock climbs, as most have been subsumed within the newer scrambling grades. e.g: Ledge Route (direct).
Moderate: often classed as a ‘mountaineering route’. Commonly climbed in big boots not rock shoes but employing the use of a rope and simple climbing techniques. Expect difficulties to be short lived and not sustained, but potentially very exposed. Abseiling possible. e.g: Curved Ridge or In Pinn
Difficult: actually considered to be rather ‘easy’(!) in the modern climbing context. Big boots will still be worn.Expect the holds to still be good, but the angle steeper and the use of a rope more common and continuous. Abseiling likely. e.g: Tower Ridge / Clach Glas-Blaven Traverse.
Very Difficult: firmly in the realms of rock climbing, but short sections may be encountered on big mountaineering routes. Still do-able in big boots and still good handholds, albeit steep. Expect exposure, more complex climbing techniques and continuous use of a rope in ascent and descent. e.g: Pinnacle Ridge (Skye), Agag’s Groove Severe, Very Severe, etc upwards: Definitely rock climbing. Expect to wear climbing shoes unless very experienced, and to require continuous use of rope and advanced climbing techniques
