James Climbing Hard Rock in Scotland
Coire Mhic Fhearchair with it's Famous Hard Rock Climbs
Challenging Gneiss Slabs at Diabaig
Our Hard Rock Course with James McHaffie is an opportunity not to be missed. Climb some of the most magnificently challenging rock climbs, in spectacular environments whilst being guided by a world renowned, climbing legend. What’s not to love! Over this five day course we will aim to undertake a truly inspirational selection of climbs graded between VS to E2, all within the Torridon area. This course combines some of the best quality climbing and instruction in the UK, all within a blissfully peaceful setting. We rarely see another climber on these crags. So, immerse yourself in climbing paradise and join us for this unique experience.
Find out more on our itinerary page
This course is designed for people who already have experience in climbing and want an adventure that is really very special. If you have no outdoor climbing experience but you are a regular indoor climber, we would recommend you are comfortable at climbing around 6b/6c indoors. If you have some outdoor climbing experience then we recommend you have an awareness of the difficulty of the VS grade, although this doesn’t need to be a grade you have climbed regularly. No experience of leading is needed, however, experience of belaying and lead belaying (either indoors or outdoors) is necessary. Some of the days may well have long walk-ins to high mountain crags, so a level of hill fitness will also be needed.
Our Hard Rock Course with James McHaffie is located in The North West Highlands. We will be making use of a wide range of the excellent crags in and around the Torridon area. The exact routes and crags will be chosen over the course of the week. However, some examples may include; big mountain crags such as Triple Buttress in Coire Mhic Fhearchair on Beinn Eighe and beautiful coastal crags such as Diabaig. There are plenty of villages to base yourself for the duration of the course. As with most of our courses, the village of Gairloch is an excellent choice. It has a good balance of access to the local crags as well as a range of amenities such as campsites, B&Bs, hotels, shops, pubs and takeaways. Alternatively, the village of Torridon itself, as well as Kinlochewe are well located and have a good range of accommodation.
Within climbing circles James McHaffie needs little introduction. He is one of the most experienced trad climbers in the world. However, unlike many world class climbers, James is also a fully qualified climbing instructor. In fact, he is one of the most experienced performance climbing instructors in the UK. His climbing record is immense; including on sighting more than eighty E7s and with a total of over two hundred routes graded E7 to E9. His mixture of climbing skill and instructional ability is really very special and we are incredibly excited to have him onboard.
We have no fixed itinerary for our Hard Rock Climbs with James McHaffie Course. The exact routes and crags will be decided during the week itself depending on both the weather conditions and ability and desire of the group. Below is just one example of how the course may be structured.
Today we will ease into the course by heading to an easy access crag with a fantastic range of routes. With the quality of climbing only matched by the tranquillity of the surroundings, it will be a wonderful introduction to the area. Our aim for today is to simply enjoy some magnificent climbing and get an idea of current ability and desires for the week.
Examples of where we may climb today:
Today we will head out to one of the many excellent single pitch venues in the area. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to 2 and 3 star routes. Therefore, our chosen crag will depend on the weather and the group. Our aim for today will be to build confidence in our climbing with a good variety of challenging routes.
Examples of where we may climb today:
Many of the crags in the area come with a world class view. Surrounded by mountains, lochs and sea and far as the eye can see. Today we will head out to match the quality of the climbing with an equally magnificent setting. Giving you the opportunity to gain a real appreciation for this magnificent area.
Examples of where we may climb today:
Some of the crags within the area have a uniquely special character. Today’s aim will be to head out on a multipitch adventure. Linking together a series of excellent routes to create a fantastic climbing journey.
Examples of where we may climb today:
As the week unfolds, you will discover there is no end to the quality and variety of climbing within Torridon. However, top of most people’s goals will be the high mountain crags. So, to complete Hard Rock Climbs with James McHaffie, today we will head out for a long mountain route.
Examples of where we may climb today:
In order to provide the best experience and highest chances of success we keep low ratios for our courses. For our Hard Rock Climbs with James Mchaffie course we never go beyond a ratio of 1 guide to 2 clients. These small numbers allow us to make sure you get the direction and support you need as well as keeping you safe on the steep terrain of these routes.
Open course are where you can book onto a date and join other like minded people. These are great for individuals looking to share an experience with others and make new friends and walking partners. Our open courses are run to a maximum of two individual spaces on each open course to give the perfect balance between a social experience and effective journeying/climbing in the mountains.
Our five day open course allow you to enjoy some of the best rock climbing that can be found anywhere in the UK.
Private courses are totally flexible and tailored directly to your needs. These can be run on any dates during the season and will only have yourself or those you have booked with on the course. This works well for those where they need specific dates or where they would rather not be on a course with someone they don’t know. We have a maximum ratio of 1 guide to 2 clients for our private Hard Rock with James Mchaffie course to ensure the best experience and give you the highest chance of success.
| Ratio | Price |
|---|---|
| 1:1 | £TBC |
| 1:2 | £TBC per person |
| Date | Price |
|---|---|
| 28 Apr 2025 to 3 May 2025 | £850 per person |
You will need normal hill walking kit including sturdy footwear, waterproofs (jacket and trousers), food, warm clothing and “ideally” rock shoes though large holds make this route possible in good boots or approach shoes. Technical kit such as harnesses and helmets are available to borrow for your booking where required. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own subject to inspection by your guide to ensure its safety. A complete kit list is provided with each booking.