Winter Mountain Experience with Mollie Hughes
£185pp
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Spend a unique day winter mountaineering with world record-breaking mountaineer, polar expeditioner and Ocean Vertical Director, Mollie Hughes.
Over the past 10 years she has taken part in many expeditions across the globe, including reaching the summit of Mount Everest from both the northern and southern route.
In 2020 Mollie became the youngest woman to ski solo from the coast of Antarctica to the geographic South Pole, covering 700 miles in 58 days.
Winter Mountaineering in Scotland
Winter in the Scottish mountains is a serious and highly rewarding undertaking. Reduced daylight, snow and continually changing conditions in wild and remote locations make for a real mountaineering adventure.
Winter adventures need the right kit, and you can see full details on What to Wear and Pack for Winter Mountaineering in Scotland here.
There are many and spectacular locations to choose from: The famous and iconic peaks of Glen Coe to the little known mountain wilderness of Black Mount, and the Bridge of Orchy region.
Glen Coe is one of the most magnificent areas of natural wilderness in the whole of Britain with many and varied summits and ridges of over 3000 feet. In winter it represents an awe-inspiring and significant challenge.
Summits include Bidean nam Bian which at 1150m is the highest in Glen Coe and Argyle. Other iconic summits we regularly lead client to are Stob Coire nan Lochan, Buachaille Etive Mor and its little sister Buachaille Etive Beag. Together these represent some of the most beautiful mountains in the UK and beyond.
Your professional guide along with Mollie Hughes, in a group of no more than 6, will focus on how to use an ice axe and crampons and how to navigate safely through steep terrain often under snow.
The emphasis will be on winter skills, mountain weather forecasts, avalanche awareness, navigation, accurate decision-making and building confidence in the mountains to become your own independent adventurer.
And if you would like to do a little homework research before your trip with Mollie, you can read the 10 Top Tips for Winter Mountaineering in Scotland here. Enjoy!
Mollie in the Himalayas, Mount Everest, Antarctica and Scotland
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Mollie Hughes with clients before hitting the snow line in Glen Coe
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Blue bird day winter mountaineering on Buachaille Etive Beag in Glen Coe
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Sunrise over a frozen winter landscape in Glen Coe
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Mollie Hughes admiring the view on Ama Dablam in the Himalayas
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Mollie Hughes trecking solo to the South Pole, Antartica
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Mollie Hughes on the summit of Mount Everest
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Mollie Hughes winter climbing in Glen Coe, Scotland
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A fresh snow day in Scotland
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Mollie Hughes descending from the summit of Mount Everest
Trip Overview
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Availability
November - April
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Day Duration
10-12 hours
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Difficulty
Challenging
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Language
English
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Meeting Point
6.30am. Ingliston Park and Ride EH28 8LS by Edinburgh Airport. [Or Wallyford Park and Ride EH21 8BU at 6am / or contact us]
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Minimum Age
16
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Total Distance
8 - 15km
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Mountaineering Time
5-8 hours
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Summit
900m - 1345m
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Group Size
Maximum 6
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Minimum Number
3
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Weather
If the weather is unsafe your Guide will choose an alternative mountain location.
What’s included (and not)
Included
- Experienced & qualified guide and Mollie Hughes.
- Ice Axe
- Crampons
- Helmet
- 25L rucksack
- Transport to and from the mountains.
Not Included
- Winter mountaineering boots - crampon compatible
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm clothing
- Hat and gloves
- Lunch
Optional extras
- Premium winter mountaineering boots - Scarpa Manta. Hassle free - we bring them to you. £15
What to bring with you
Winter mountaineering boots - crampon compatible
Waterproof trousers
Please do not use cotton clothing
Wool socks
Base layer
Gloves – plus spares
Lightweight fleece
Warm hat – plus spare
Fleece or soft-shell jacket
Spare fleece / warm top
Trousers – synthetic that dry quickly
Lunch, snacks and liquid
Waterproof jacket with hood
Trip map
Distance dependent on location
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