Take Your First Steps in Rock Climbing
Learn Essential Skills and Build Confidence on the Rock
Start Your Climbing Journey with Practical Skills and Expert Guidance
With Gairloch as our base, we’re lucky to be surrounded by some of the best rock climbing in the UK. Within a 30-minute drive, you’ll find dozens of rock climbing venues, offering everything from classic trad and sport routes to world-class bouldering. Just 45 minutes away lies Torridon, arguably the best bouldering spot in the UK, with challenges for all levels. The area is rich with Lewisian gneiss and Torridonian sandstone, which are known for their fast-drying, highly frictional qualities—making it possible to climb here almost every month of the year, even in the Scottish climate.
On the map below, the green markers each show an individual climbing location, all within 30 minutes of Gairloch. With classic rock routes, world-class sport climbing, and fantastic trad climbs all around, this is an unbelievable place to be a climber. It’s the perfect setting for those wanting to dive into the world of climbing while surrounded by stunning Scottish landscapes.
If you’re new to rock climbing and want to get a feel for the basics, this course will give you the skills you need to get started. Over a practical session, you’ll learn fundamental movement skills, belaying, rope management, and the use of equipment, all with guidance from Jamie, the founder of Nordur.
Jamie is a passionate rock climber who has spent more than 20 years climbing all over the world. What sets him apart is his love for coaching climbers of all levels, particularly those with a fear of heights. He follows a step-by-step, tried and tested process to help people manage and move through their fears. In Jamie’s own words, “There’s nothing I like better than helping someone push themselves out of their comfort zone and being there with them when they break through their goals.”
This course isn’t about reaching the top quickly. It’s about learning to move safely and confidently on rock, at your own pace. Jamie’s approach focuses on patience and personal growth, offering plenty of hands-on practice throughout the day, with real-time feedback as you develop your skills.
By the end of the day, you’ll have a solid foundation to build on for future climbing adventures, whether that’s at an indoor wall or out in the mountains. This is a relaxed, supportive course designed to give you confidence and the tools you need to start climbing safely.
Your Climbing Itinerary
Explore the Best Climbing Crags in Wester Ross
There are many excellent crags close to Gairloch, offering a variety of climbing opportunities. The location we choose will depend on a mix of weather conditions, the time of year, and your personal goals for the day. No matter where we go, you’ll have a great day on the rock of Wester Ross, gaining new skills and feeling both physically and mentally fulfilled after a brilliant day of climbing.
-
Key Skills
Tieing into the rope
Efficient movement skills
Belaying your climbing partner
Abseiling
Understanding climbing ethics, grades and guidebooks
Equipment purchasing and care
-
Harness
Helmet
Belay device and rock climbing rack, and ropes
-
Warm clothing
ideally long sleeves and trousers as when you are learning can get scrapes.
Walking boots
Waterproof tops and bottoms.
Midgy nets are always a great idea although we do try to pick venues with the correct conditions like wind direction on the day.
Rock climbing shoes if you have them.
-
Can i do this even though i’m scared of heights.
Absolutely I (Jamie) specialise in working with people who are scared of heights. We start small building up a trust in the equipment in myself (your belayer)
Can i book a bespoke course with just myself or my family/friends.
Yes we offer this please get in touch via phone or email and we can organise this no problem.
What happens if it is raining on the day?
There are many rocks that still allow climbing on all but the worst heavy rain.
Expedition Safety
Your Safety is Our Top Priority on Every Trip
At Nordur, the safety and well-being of our adventurers are our highest priority. We aim to provide an exhilarating experience while ensuring that every step of the way is secure and well-managed.
Our expert guides are highly trained and experienced in mountain navigation, emergency first aid, and managing technical terrain risks. With extensive local knowledge, they are skilled at making informed decisions based on real-time conditions in the mountains, from scrambling ridges to technical rock faces.
Before we begin the mountain day, you'll receive a thorough briefing covering essential safety protocols, route specifics, and emergency procedures tailored to the activity, whether it’s scrambling over ridgelines or tackling rock climbing pitches.
We use only the best equipment, all meeting international safety standards. This includes top-tier climbing gear such as ropes, helmets, harnesses, and protection equipment. Your guide will walk you through the correct use of this gear, ensuring you feel confident and prepared throughout the day.
Our groups are kept small, allowing us to provide a more personalised experience and enhancing our ability to manage safety effectively during the adventure. Your guide will always be close by to monitor progress, manage the route, and offer support if conditions change.
Ready to explore some of Scotland’s finest climbing and scrambling routes with the confidence that you're in expert hands? Let’s get started.
Reserve your place on an Intro To Rock Climbing Now?
But don’t take our word for it have a look below at the media reel that shows you some of the highlights on offer during the week.
Your Intro To Rock Climbing Photo Gallery
Develop Your Climbing Skills and Learn to Lead Climb in Gairloch area!
If you’ve already mastered the basics of climbing and are ready to up your game, we offer a range of tailored experiences to help you progress. Whether you’re looking to learn lead climbing, abseil by yourself safely, or tackle more advanced challenges like multi-pitch routes, big mountain climbs, or sea stacks, we provide all these options. Jamie, our experienced founder, will work with you directly, ensuring you gain confidence and skills in the areas that interest you most, helping you grow as a climber in the stunning environment of Wester Ross.
Giving You Unmatched Expertise and Personalisation on Your Trip
Why Choose Nordur for Your Scottish Highland Adventure
Local knowledge
Nordur stands apart in the world of adventure travel with its deep-rooted local expertise. Led by our founder, Jamie, a seasoned guide with over 17 years experience, and is not only a local but a huge enthusiast of the Scottish wilderness, Nordur offers an authentic experience that larger, outsourced tours simply cannot match. We know every hidden trail and secret spot that makes Scotland unique, offering you a richer, more immersive experience.
Sustainability and Respect
At Nordur, we are deeply committed to preserving the stunning landscapes we explore. We practice Leave No Trace principles and engage in efforts to maintain the natural beauty and integrity of the Scottish wilderness. Choosing Nordur means supporting eco-friendly tourism and contributing to the conservation of these magnificent areas for future generations.
Tailored Adventures
Each expedition is carefully crafted to match the desires and abilities of our guests. Nordur specialises in creating personalised experiences that cater to your interests, whether you're seeking thrilling mountain ascents or serene moments by secluded lochs. Our small group sizes ensure that your journey is attentive and responsive to your pace and preferences.
All-Inclusive Expeditions
From high-quality camping gear to expert navigation and safety equipment, everything you need for your journey is provided. Our packrafts are state-of-the-art and we provide you with full training, ensuring that you can navigate the lochs with ease and safety. With Nordur, you can focus fully on your adventure, knowing that all logistical details are expertly handled.
Choosing Nordur means embarking on an expedition where every detail is designed to offer a profound connection with Scotland's natural wonders and cultural heritage. It’s more than just a trek —it’s an expedition into the heart of the wild, guided by those who call it home.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure that pushes your limits and takes you beyond the ordinary, into the extraordinary landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
Ready for an adventure?
When you come on a course with Nordur, it’s not just a course; it’s a pivotal life experience.
Spaces are limited to maintain the quality and intimacy of the expedition. Reserve your place on this extraordinary adventure today and discover why Nordur's Intro to Rock Climb Course.
Not sure this adventure is right for you? Contact us to discuss your needs!
We also offer a whole range of other bucket list adventures, both in Scotland and Internationally. Check out our other expeditions here or give us a call to discuss your perfect adventure.
Related Blogs
-
![]()
Protection of Clients in Svalbard: Polar Bears, Safety Measures, and the Wonders of the Arctic
Protection of Clients in Svalbard: Polar Bears, Safety Measures, and the Wonders of the Arctic
-
![]()
How to scramble the Liathach ridge - is it for me?
Preparing for the Liathach Traverse: What You Need to Know
The Liathach ridge, a classic mountain traverse in Torridon, is one of Scotland's great mountain days. The views, the scrambling, and the exposure make it a day to remember, but preparation is key to making sure it’s a good memory. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, the gear you’ll need, and some escape options if things don’t go to plan.
