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The mountains in Scotland may not be as high as the mountains in Europe and there are no permanent glaciers or snow fields but they can still provide a stiff test for even the most experienced climber.
Areas of note include Ben Nevis, Scotland’s and the UK’s highest mountain which has a series of complex corries and a north face that rises vertically 2,000 feet, and Glen Coe which has had a climbing tradition for years, with a variety of outcrops close to the road that runs through the glen. On the Isle of Skye there are the famous Black and Red Cuillin mountain chains and on Arran there is some great cliff climbing.
The Cairngorm mountain ranges in the east offer some of the best climbing in Scotland, with large buttresses rising up to 300 metres and in the south west in Dumfries and Galloway is the Galloway Hills, which has two good quality mountain cliffs.
But if you prefer slightly easier challenges there are lots of smaller crags ranging from 10 metres and 90 metres throughout Scotland, often in low-lying locations and with easy access. Or maybe attempt the numerous hill walks that provide a strenuous test and are no less rewarding.
The biggest sea cliffs in Scotland are located on the islands, but all along Scotland’s seaboard; east, north and west coasts, plenty of sea cliffs can be found with excellent climbing up to 50 metres high.
The sport of bouldering is well catered for in Scotland, with the most famous location being Dumbarton Rock west of Glasgow and Narnain Stone near Loch Lomond.
There are several outdoor centres and indoor climbing walls in Scotland that will provide expert tuition, training and equipment. Finally as always it’s vitally important to seek expert guidance on all forms of climbing and hill walking to ensure your safety.

One of the must climb mountainous areas in Britain, the Cuillin which dominates the skyline of western Skye, provides a real treat for anyone visiting the area.

Explore the crags and cliffs of the mountains in Aberfeldy and Dunkeld with Adventure Perthshire.

Stirling Sports village has plenty to offer the keen rock climber.

Hebridean pathways offer mountain guiding, trekking and climbing instruction, providing informative and enjoyable activities.

The highest mountain in Southern Scotland, the Merrick has always attracted a large number of walkers to the area but also its fair share of climbers looking for a challenge.

Specialising in providing high quality guided and instructed mountaineering, navigation and climbing courses in and around Fort William Mountain Motion is the perfect complement to an adventurous cottage holiday!

Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest mountain and therefore provides some of the most extreme rock climbing areas in the country.

Climbing in the Cairngorms is defiantly a challenge for even the most experienced climber.

Easily accessible from Glasgow the Isle of Arran is a small but very scenic mountainous island just waiting to be discovered by any enthusiastic rock climber.

The Isle of Skye is famous for having some of the most beautiful, dramatic and diverse scenery in the world and what better way to see all this than to climb a ridge, crag or mountain on the island.

Located on the shores of Loch Fyne, this exciting outdoor and indoor adventure centre houses a climbing wall.

Lochgoilhead Centre has been providing climbing adventures for over thirty years.

Hebridean Pursuits specializes in winter climbing and offer something to suit everybody’s needs, whatever your climbing ability!

Adventure Aberdeen, run by Aberdeen City Council, offer a wide range of outdoor activities and courses for individuals, groups and families of all ages throughout the year.

From absolute beginners to tried and tested experienced climbers, Adventure First offer climbs and instruction for individuals of all levels.

For a spot of indoor climbing head down to the Transition Extreme centre where you can climb the 15 metre high wall on one of their 50 challenging routes.

For newcomers to the area of the sport in general this is a great opportunity to benefit from the experience of local climbers.

Offering both indoor and outdoor climbing Beecraigs Outdoor Activities has plenty to interest the keen rock climber.

This famous Scottish mountain is one of the most climbed hills in Scotland and provides absolutely stunning views from its summit.

Even the most experienced of climbers can be challenged by climbing in the Cairngorm Mountains.

This area is characterised by its classic mountain slab terrain, with a magnificent sweep of smooth, polished granite up to 200m in height.

Situated high in the Cairngorms, this square topped Crag rises 270m directly above rough boulder-strewn ground.

Skye Guides are a team of experienced and well qualified instructors who will guide you on some fantastic routes along the varied and challenging climbing and walking locations.

A sandstone crag just outside of Queensberry Craighoar is a good little route for climbers of all abilities.

The good quality granite at Cairnsmore of Fleet makes it very popular with rock climbers from around the area. Just on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park it enjoys some amazing views and rugged landscapes.

An easier angle for climbers of all abilities this is a good one for winter climbs or beginners setting out. Still with some great views on offer the Clints of Dromore are really worth navigating on a quiet afternoon.

A steep, if small, crag of granite this climb is short but can be challenging in parts of some routes.

Craigdews has a number of south facing crags, making them quick drying. There is some nice climbing to be had on the routes here with very easy access to the rock face.

Made up of fine granite the routes on Cragencaille are suitable for all abilities and there’s really easy access to the rock making it well worth the visit, the views complete it

With short yet challenging routes, the crag at Loch Grannoch was first climbed and recorded in 1981 and displays some stunning views

The cliffs on the brilliant Solway Coast are a large climb so it’s important to pick your route carefully. It does provide a real challenge however which are rewarded by the scenery and calm of the place

This compact crag on Buchan Hill can be difficult at first to spot on approach but is well worth the effort. With many routes up it including the ominously named ‘stolen dreams’ this small spot has great views on the finish looking over Loch Trool.

The Mull of Galloway can prove a really difficult place to climb and only for those with plenty of experience. The Mull is big and can provide problems with being tidal but climbing on here is on some of the best coastline in Scotland.

Along with orienteering, abseiling , scrambling, archery, mountain biking and hill walking, Loch Lomond Outdoor Centre also provides activity courses in Rock Climbing!

Boasting a marvellous indoor climbing wall, the McClaren Leisure centre provides tuition for groups and individuals of all ability. Call the bookings centre on: 01877 330 000

Although it is only just high enough to reach Munro status, this rocky little mountain provides a short but steep ascent of around seven miles.

Better known as ‘The Cobbler', Ben Arthur is an extremely popular Scottish mountain well known for its wonderful views. It can be climbed in approximately four hours.

Coire an t-Sneachda is one of the most popular winter climbing destinations in Britain. This Coire is situated on the west of the Coire Cas car park and takes about a mile to walk in, but it is well worth it.
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