Adventure Scotland - brought to you by Scotland's National Tourism Organisation

Ecosse Mountains is a small mountaineering company run by Kevin Rutherford, a full member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors and holds the highest UK qualification, the Mountain Instructor Certificate.

Kevin has been walking and climbing in the Scottish mountains for the last 15 years, they inspired him so much that he gave up his desk job 6 years ago and went down the instructor road. As well as climbing in the UK, Kevin has climbed extensively in European Alps. Kevin also works as a trekking guide with recent successful trips to Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro in Africa and to Nepal climbing Mera Peak and Island Peak.

Ecosse Mountains guarantees a friendly and professional service.

What we do best:

Winter Mountaineering - This course would suite those with summer walking/scrambling experience or those with prior winter walking experience who were up for a bit of a challenge. A physically demanding course ascending the Glencoe, Lochaber & Cairngorm peaks by the more interesting routes. These routes would involve some scrambling,would require a good level of fitness and also a head for heights! Daily ongoing instruction in route selection, route finding, navigation and avalanche awareness. A course for the true 'mountaineer'.

Snow,Ice & Mixed winter climbing - The Scottish mountains in winter offer unique challenges to climbers. Unstable weather patterns, variable temperatures and high altitude throw up unexpected challenges and memorable days out. The memorable days out could be climbing steep ice on Ben Nevis to navigating your way to the top of a Munro in whiteout conditions. This course would suit -

1. Novice winter climber, looking for a sound introduction to the essential core winter climbing skills, teaching in movement on steep ground, rope management, belaying, anchors, emergency skills.

2. Intermediate, looking to update your climbing skills, push your grade, get up to date with mixed climbing techniques, an intro to leading in winter, an update to modern ropework and protection techniques.

3. Seasoned winter climber, looking for a challenge, a refresher or to tick that route you have been eyeing up for years.
Route selection, avalanche awareness and navigation will be covered on a daily basis.

Winter Skills - A course for the summer hillwalker/novice winter walker who would like to enjoy the mountains in their full winter condition. Course covers essential winter knowledge and techniques giving a sound introduction to the skills required for safe enjoyment of the Scottish hills. Skills - navigation & route finding, moving on snow and ice, ice-axe self arrest, effective choice and use of ice axe and crampons, avalanche awareness and emergency shelters. This course can be a 1 day course to a 5 day course depending on your needs.