City Mountaineering – Guided Mountain Expeditons from London

This 4-day/3-night trip will provide practical learning in the necessary skills required for mountain hiking in the winter, pre-adventure planning to the practical skills required to journey safely in the winter mountain environment.

whether you are new to winter mountaineering, or just need to dust off the cobwebs, this practical trip will cover everything you need to know in order to stay as safe as possible in the mountains

Covered on the trip will include:

• Pre-trip planning (the stuff you do in the comfort of your own home)
• General Safety and risk mitigation
• Weather forecasting and awareness
• Avalanche awareness
• Winter navigation
• Safe use of crampons and ice axe
• Movement techniques on snow and ice
• Ice Axe arrest (the use of you ice axe if you were to fall and slide down a slope - don't worry, this is done in a safe area and is a lot of fun!
• Constructing and using show anchors
• Building an emergency shelter in the snow
• Building (and sleeping in) a snow hole

***
ITINERARY
The specific itinerary and order of events may change based on weather and ground conditions at the time (the classroom day will take place on the worst weather day of the trip)
Thursday (from 8am) - Meet your guide outside Aviemore train station and head to a local cafe for a trip briefing over breakfast before heading out to the mountains for some snowy fun.
Covered on this day will include:

• understanding the snow pack
• basic winter navigation
• safe use of ice axe and crampons
• self-arrest using an ice axe
• what to look out for on your winter journey
• Journey to a local summit

At the end of the day you will check-in to your accommodation for showers before heading to a local pub with your guide for dinner.
Friday - A classroom day of understanding planning and preparation for winter adventures. Covered on this day will include:

• understanding weather forecasts
• understanding avalanche forecasts
• winter terrain traps
• safe route planning
• common mistakes and how to avoid them

Saturday - A second day hiking in the winter wonderland. Covered on this day will include:

• recap on previous days learning
• self-arrest using an ice axe
• building an emergency shelter
• develop more advenaced winter navigation skills
• building a snow hole (if conditions allow)

Sunday - This day will be used as a recap on previous days learnings and to hone the skills you've been taught over the previous days.

• recap and consolidate course learnings
• self-arrest using an ice axe
• Hike to a local peak

At the end of the day you will return to Aviemore for your onward journey home (expect to arrive at 7pm)
***
Cost: 4-days and 3-nights in The Cairngorms National Park for just £545! - Simply RSVP, pay the £100 non-refundable despot and we'll be in contact with more details

INCLUDED

• 3-nights mountain chalet/cottage/hostel accommodation
• 4-days instruction and guidance by a highly experienced and qualified winter mountain leader/guide
• Use of safety equipment (ice axe, crampons and helmet)
• Transport and logistical support from Aviemore train station

***
All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

You've probably heard of The West Highland Way: a 150km long-distance hike from Glasgow to Fort William (the gateway to The Scottish Highlands).

Well, we dont lead this route in the summer due to the shear number of people doing it (it's often referred to as The West Highland HighWay).

We like to do things a little differently at City Mountaineering!
We are leading this trip when the route is quiet: In the middle of Winter!

The shorter days and often slippery under-foot conditions means that this is likely to be a tough week, often with some hiking in the dark. But that's why we love adventure :)

Lead by a highly qualified guide, you will hike from accommodation to accommodation whilst your luggage is transferred and ready for you when you arrive!
You will then have access to a warm shower, bed and comfortable clothes each night/day.

This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and all on the shores of our little island. This is a simply breathtaking hike, however a good level of fitness is a must!

You will be hiking long distances for 7-days in a row potentially in the dark and on slippery terrain.
---------------------------------------------------------
ITINERARY
Please note that exact timings and order of activities are subject to change, based on the local conditions at the time - The beauty of this trip is that the plans can be loose to allow for uncontrollable factors such as the weather

Optional: Friday (from 6pm) - Meet outside Euston train station and board the train for a relaxing journey north
Friday - Meet outside Glasgow Central Station at 10pm and transported to your hostel accommodation for the night for a full trip briefing, kit check and readying yourself for the days ahead
Saturday - Milngavie to Dryman (19km)
Departing the accommodation, you will head straight out to the trail, heading north towards Loch Lomond
Sunday - Drymen to Rowardennan (23km)
After breakfast, you will continue along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, walking through ancient woodland and overlooked by the great Ben Lomond
Monday - Rowardennan to Inverarnan (21km)
Today you hike through the most remote area of Loch Lomond as you pass it's most northerly sections. You will then be rewarded with the spectacular 'Inversnaid Waterfall' befoire checking in to your accommodation for the night
Tuesday - Inverarnan to Tyndrum (19km)
Leaving Loch Lomond behind, you will follow the river Falloch through the glen. You have now reached the beginnings of The Scottish Highlands. Continuing up the valley, you will reach your hotel in Tyndrum, your next rest point on the trail.
Wednesday - Tyndrum to Kingshouse (30km)
Leaving relative civilisation for a couple of days, you will continue north up the valley. Following the West Highalnd Railway Line, the day is relatively flat (albeit, the longest day that still continues gradually uphill :)
Thursday - Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (14km)
Hiking over the top of the Glen Coe valley is the where the mountains really impress. You will get sight of probably the most photographed and most striking mountains in The UK: Buachaille Etive Mor.
This day includes the steepest section of the trip as you hike over the zig-zag track of The Devils Staircase and down in to Kinlochleven
Friday - Kinlochleven to Fort William (23km)
Leaving the town through Lairigmor (the great pass), you will soon be in an isolated valley, surrounded by huge mountains that, as the day unfolds, will include Ben Nevis - The highest mountain in The UK!
Optional: Friday (7pm) - board the sleeper train for your relaxing overnight journey back to London (arriving 8am on Saturday)
---------------------------------------------------------
Cost: A 7-day/7-night adventure from just £895!

To join us, simply RSVP and pay the £150 despot. We'll then be in contact with more trip information and details on how to pay the balancing amount.

Included in the cost:
- 7-nights accommodation
- Bag transfers each day, so you just carry a light day pack
- 7-days guided hiking
- Breakfast each morning
- All lunches when hiking (unless in a cafe/restaurant/pub)

Optional (£250 extra)
- Return train travel from London (evening train to Glasgow at the start of the trip and sleeper train back to London, from Fort William, at the end of the trip).
---------------------------------------------------------
All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

INCLUDES TRAVEL ON THE CALEDONIAN SLEEPER TRAIN!
Bed in single-sex, en suite twin room
***
Are you ready for an unforgettable challenge? Join us for an exhilarating 3-day adventure as we tackle the iconic National 3 Peaks during the winter months!

With a total ascent of over 3000m and a total distance hiked of nearly 45km over three days, experience the breathtaking beauty of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon while pushing your limits on the highest peaks in each of the British Nations

Arguably one of the UK’s most well-known challenge events, the National Three Peaks is understandably on a lot of people’s to do lists.

But this is City Mountaineering. We like to avod the crowds, so we're completing this challenge in Winter!!

What to Expect
Expert Guidance: Our experienced guides will ensure your safety and provide valuable insights about the peaks and local history.
Logistics Sorted: From getting to Scotland to start to getting between each mountain and then, finally, getting back home.
All Equipment Provided: We’ll provide essential gear, including crampons and ice axes, to navigate winter conditions.
Group Experience: Meet like-minded adventurers and build lasting friendships through this shared challenge.
Stunning Scenery: Experience the breathtaking winter landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and breathtaking views.
Why Winter?
Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a more serene experience as you navigate the peaks without the usual crowds of summer.
Spectacular Landscapes: Witness the stunning transformation of the peaks as they are blanketed in snow.
***
ITINERARY

Thursday Evening (from 8 PM):

• Meet outside London Euston train station with fellow adventurers.
• Board the Sleeper train for an overnight journey to Fort William

Friday: Conquering Ben Nevis

• 10 AM: Arrive in Fort William and meet your guide for a trip briefing.
• 11 AM: Begin the hike to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak (1,345m).
• Reach the summit, take in panoramic views, and capture memorable photos.
• Descend back to the minibus and transfer south to your first night's accommodation.
• Enjoy a hearty dinner and unwind with your group in the evening.

Saturday: The Challenge of Scafell Pike

• Start your day with breakfast to prepare for your hike.
• Transfer to the trailhead for Scafell Pike (978m)
• Embark on the hike, tackling rocky terrain and enjoying the winter landscape.
• Celebrate reaching the summit with your team and capture the moment.
• Transfer to your Snowdonia accommodation for dinner and relaxation.

Sunday: The Grand Finale – Snowdon

• Enjoy breakfast before heading to the trailhead for Snowdon (1,085m).
• Begin the final hike of your challenge.
• Reach the summit and celebrate your achievement with breathtaking views.
• Return to the minibus for the drive to the railway station.
• Relax on the train journey back to London, arriving around 9 PM filled with memories and new friendships.

***
DIFFICULTY: This trip is designed to be a tough 3-days of hiking. The routes are straight forward but the short days and snow covered trails brings additional challenges to the routes.
A good level of fitness is expected, but you don't need to be a super-athlete to join this trip.
Your qualified guide is highly experienced enough to keep the pace reasonable and everyone happy, safe and motivated throughout the trip

TRANSPORT: Overnight Sleeper Train train journey (bed in single-sex, twin cabins) from London to Scotland. Minibus transfers between the mountains. Train from Snowdonia back to London

ACCOMMODATION: Single-sex, twin rooms in a warm and comfy hostels/bunkhouses
***
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conquer the National 3 Peaks in winter! Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

Cost: £695. To join, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We'll then be in contact with more details

Included in the price:

• Sleeper train from London to Fort William (bed in single-sex, twin-share room) at the start of the challenge
• Train from Snowdonia to London at the end of the challenge
• Road transfers throughout the challenge
• 2-nights accommodation
• 3-days instruction and guidance by a highly experienced and qualified winter mountain leader
• Use of safety equipment (ice axe, crampons and helmet)

Not included in the price:

• All food/drink
• Personal hiking kit
• Personal travel insurance

***
All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

**KIT GIVEAWAY!!**
Join this trip and walk away with loads of free goodies as we will be giving away all our spare kit and unclaimed lost property!
From tents and campingg stoves, to boots, hats, mugs and gloves

*3 qualified and highly experienced leaders supporting the trip!*

Hike in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to see the Spring Equinox sun rising and falling as we make our way around this classic walking circuit
Begin the hike in the dark to ascend the first hill as the sun rises and aim to complete the circuit 12 hours later as the sun is setting
---------------------------
ITINERARY
Friday PM
Meet at Kings Cross train station on Friday evening for a relaxing journey north in the comfort of the train (train ticket included in the cost) where you will be met at the destination train station and driven to our accommodation in The Yorkshire Dales National Park

Saturday
Day 1 will involve hiking the Yorkshire 3-Peaks: A 26-mile hike over Pen-y-ghent (736m), Wearnside (723m) and Ingleborough (694m).
Please don't worry about your own fitness or ability. We will have several leaders on hand to cater to everyones pace/ability. We will also have a base camp manager supporting the trip to assist anyone that decides to drop out at any point in the day.
We will then retire to the warmth of a local hostelry to compare photos over a soft drink, or two.

Sunday
Day 2 will involve an easy walk to stretch your legs, visiting the fascinating rock formations offered by the Limestone synonymous with the area.

Departure - After the short walk we will make our way back to the buses for your transfer back to the train station and a relaxing journey back to London - arriving back in London around 9pm
---------------------
ACCOMMODATION
We have exclusive use of a bunkhouse (6 single-sex bedrooms)

Cost: The price of this all-inclusive weekend is just £365
To join, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We'll then be in contact with more details

The price includes:
• Return train travel from London
• Mountain transfers and logistical support
• 2-nights Accommodation
• 2-days guided hiking

The Price excludes:

• All food
• Personal hiking kit
• Personal travel insurance

***
All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)