City Mountaineering – Guided Mountain Trips from Manchester

A winter weekend away from London to the beautiful and wild Cairngorms National Park

We will spend the weekend in cosy accommodation within the heart of The Cairngorms National Park and explore the local mountains in their cosy (or cold) winter jackets...
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This trip will include a winter ascent of Ben Macdui - The second highest mountain in The UK!
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To fully appreciate and enjoy a winter ascent, it is best to be properly prepared for the winter environment - with an early start, good crampon technique and the right equipment all helping to give a truly memorable mountain day.
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This trip is suitable for anyone, regardless of winter hiking experience - A Full day of winter skills tuition will be provided prior to attempting the hike to the summit of this fantastic mountain!
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ITINERARY
Saturday (7:30am)
Meet your guide in Aviemore at 7:30am before heading out for a day of journeying through the winter wilderness, learning appropriate techniques in order to stay safe.

At the end of the day you will check-in to your cost hostel/hotel accommodation before heading out for dinner at a local pub

Sunday
An early start in order to give us the best opportunity to reach the summit of Ben Macdui - the second highest peak in The UK!
At the end of the day you will be transported to Aviemore for your departure home.

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ACCOMMODATION
Chalet/Hostel/Hotel in single-sex rooms
Your minimum kit list should be:

• Base Layers
• Fleece
• Warm/Insulated Jacket
• Hiking Trousers
• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof Trousers/Salopettes
• Hat or Balaclava
• Warm Ski Type Gloves/Mittens (A spare pair is also recommended in case one gets wet)
• Warm Socks
• Sturdy Hiking Boots
• Ski Goggles
• Sunglasses
• Back Pack suitable for day hikes (30-35 litres)
• Waterbottle and / or thermos flask
• Headtorch
• Personal medication

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Cost: The price for this weekend is £345

Included in the base price will be:

• Road transport and logistical support in The Scottish Highlands
• 1-night chalet/hotel/hostel accommodation
• Technical equipment required for winter hiking (ice axe, crampons and helmet) and lessons in how to use them
• Tuition and 2-days of guided hikes by a highly experienced and qualified Winter Mountain Leader including the ascent of Ben Macdui

Excluded from the base price:

• Your personal hiking kit
• All food throughout the weekend
• Use of gondola/funicular railway if required
• Personal travel insurance

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To join this trip, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We will then be in contact with further trip information, kit list and request for final payment
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Note: The weather and ground conditions will not be known until closer to the date and full winter conditions, whilst expected at this time of year, cannot be guaranteed. The trip will go ahead regardless of conditions (The only exception being if the prevailing weather is too dangerous e.g. Thunderstorms)
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All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

**Just 3 spaces available**
*Current Group: 2 male, 3 female*

You may have climbed it in the summer, but an ascent of Ben Nevis in winter provides a unique and very different mountain experience, with snow and ice transforming it into one of the UK's most majestic mountains.
Please note that this is a tough trip involving a very long day out on the hills. A good level of fitness is a must, although no experience of hiking in winter conditions is necessary.

To fully appreciate and enjoy a winter ascent, it is best to be properly prepared for the winter environment - with an early start, good crampon technique and the right equipment all helping to give a truly memorable mountain day.

This trip is suitable for anyone with summer hiking experience, but you don't need winter hiking experience - A Full day of winter skills tuition will be provided prior to attempting the hike to the highest point in The UK
If you already have winter hiking experience, this day of tuition will be great to hone your skills and reacquaint yourself with the skills you've already learnt
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No prior winter mountaineering experience is required (although experience of hiking in The UK mountains outside of winter is expected) and full instruction will be provided on the use of the equipment and the skills required to keep safe in the winter environment
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The Itinerary
Saturday: Meet your guide in Fort William at 10am for a trip briefing before journeying in the local area to the snow line for an introduction to the winter environment, an introduction/revision of ice axe/cramponing skills and the style of mountaineering required for a winter ascent.

Sunday: An early start, to make the most of the day, we will make our way to the summit of Ben Nevis. The specific route we take will depend on experience, ability and weather conditions.

At the end of the day you will be transported to Fort William for your departure home.
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Accommodation:
We will be staying in a local hotel/hostel (single-sex rooms) to ensure we are warm and comfortable in the evening.

Your minimum kit list should be:

• Base Layers
• Fleece
• Warm/Insulated Jacket
• Hiking Trousers
• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof Trousers/Salopettes
• Hat or Balaclava
• Warm Ski Type Gloves/Mittens (A spare pair is also recommended in case one gets wet)
• Warm Socks
• Sturdy Hiking Boots
• Ski Goggles
• Sunglasses
• Back Pack suitable for day hikes (30-35 litres)
• Waterbottle and / or thermos flask
• Head torch
• Personal medication

***
Cost: The price for this weekend is £345
Included in the base price will be:

• Transport and logistical support in Fort William/Ben Nevis region
• 1-night hotel/hostel accommodation
• Technical equipment required for winter hiking (ice axe, crampons and helmet) and lessons in how to use them.
• Tuition and 2-days of guided hikes by a highly experienced and qualified Winter Mountain Leader including the ascent of Ben Nevis

Excluded from the base price:

• Your personal hiking kit
• All food throughout the weekend
• Personal travel insurance

***
To join this trip, simply RSVP and pay the £100 non-refundable deposit. We will then be in contact with further trip information, kit list and request for final payment (amount depends on whether you elect to use the Sleeper train, or not)
***
Note: The weather and ground conditions will not be known until closer to the date and full winter conditions, whilst expected at this time of year, cannot be guaranteed. The trip will go ahead regardless of conditions (The only exception being if the prevailing weather is too dangerous e.g. Thunderstorms)
***
All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

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: All road transfers throughout the challenge.
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.
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ITINERARY
Friday: Conquering Ben Nevis

• 9:30 AM: Meet your guide for a trip briefing in Fort William
• 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 for your departure home.

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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: Minibus transfers between the mountains.
ACCOMMODATION: Single-sex, twin rooms in a warm and comfy hostels/bunkhouses
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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: £495. To join, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We'll then be in contact with more details
Included in the price:

• 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

*multiple 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
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ITINERARY
Friday PM
Meet at Manchester Piccadilly 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 Manchester

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ACCOMMODATION
We have exclusive use of a bunkhouse (single-sex bedrooms)

Cost: The price of this all-inclusive weekend is just £345

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

The Price excludes:

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

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To join us, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We will then be in contact with more information, including a detailed itinerary and kit list.
***
All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)