Rock Climbing & Mountaineering

A Climber's Paradise

Glen Coe has been at the heart of Scottish climbing since the 1930s, when the legendary Scottish Mountaineering Club pioneers first explored its cliffs. From the perfect rhyolite of Buachaille Etive Mòr to the sweeping slabs of the Etive Slabs, the glen offers climbing of every type and grade.

Classic Routes

• Curved Ridge (Grade 3, Buachaille Etive Mòr): The most famous scramble/climb in Scotland. A Grade 3 scramble (or Moderate rock climb) with sensational exposure and positions. Allow 4-6 hours.
• Agag's Groove (Severe, Buachaille): Classic rock route on the Rannoch Wall with superb positions overlooking Rannoch Moor.
• The Chasm (Diff, Buachaille): A dramatic gully climb with waterfalls, caves, and jammed boulders. Bring a waterproof!
• Church Door Buttress (VDiff, Bidean): Excellent multi-pitch on sound rock in a magnificent mountain setting.
• Etive Slabs (Diff to VS): Massive friction slabs in Glen Etive. The Coffin Stone routes are superb in dry weather.

Winter Climbing

Glen Coe is one of Scotland's premier winter climbing venues. When the cliffs freeze, the gullies and buttresses offer world-class ice and mixed climbing. Classic winter routes include:

• Crowberry Gully (Grade III): An atmospheric gully climb on the Buachaille
• Stob Coire nan Lochan: Multiple Grade III-V gully and buttress routes
• Aonach Eagach: The ridge in winter conditions (Grade II scramble) — serious undertaking
• Church Door Buttress: Transforms into excellent Grade IV/V mixed routes

Indoor Climbing

The Ice Factor in nearby Kinlochleven houses the world's largest indoor ice climbing wall, plus extensive rock climbing walls. Perfect for rainy days or warming up before hitting the crags.

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