INGLISTON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Day of Scottish Winter Mountaineering with Mollie Hughes: Learning to Move Confidently on Snow and Ice
A one-day, expert-led winter mountaineering course in Ingliston and surrounding ranges that pairs professional guiding with world-record-holder Mollie Hughes to teach ice-axe, crampon and decision-making skills in classic Scottish terrain.
A Day of Scottish Winter Mountaineering with Mollie Hughes: Learning to Move Confidently on Snow and Ice.
Winter in the Scottish mountains is a compact, intense lesson in wild conditions: shortened daylight, shifting snow and remote, rugged ridges. On this guided day with Mollie Hughes and an Ocean Vertical guide you will move through iconic landscapes—from Glen Coe to the Bridge of Orchy region or Black Mount—while focusing on the fundamentals of winter travel and route choice under real mountain conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Learn from Mollie Hughes and an experienced guide
The day is led by Mollie Hughes, Ocean Vertical Director and world-record-holding mountaineer, alongside a qualified professional guide who will concentrate on core winter skills, avalanche awareness and building confident decision-making in the mountains.
Classic Scottish summits and ridge lines
Routes run in some of Britain’s most dramatic winter country, with common objectives including Glen Coe and its summits such as Bidean nam Bian, Stob Coire nan Lochan, and the Buachaille Etive massif—terrain that rewards technique and judgment.
Practical winter technique and mountain sense
Expect focused, practical instruction in ice-axe and crampon use, winter navigation, reading mountain weather and avalanche awareness so you leave with the skills to become a more independent winter mountaineer.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
Over roughly a 12-hour day in small groups (maximum six participants) you’ll be transported into winter mountain terrain, spend 5–8 hours on mountaineering sections covering 8–10 km and ascent to summits ranging roughly 900–1,345 m, and move between practical skill sessions and on-route application in real conditions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day works best for — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a single-day winter mountaineering experience of approximately 12 hours with groups of up to six people.
Included: experienced & qualified guide plus Mollie Hughes, ice axe, crampons, helmet, a 25L rucksack, and transport to and from the mountains.
Not included and required from participants: winter mountaineering boots (crampon compatible), waterproof jacket and trousers, warm clothing, hat and gloves, and lunch. The operator asks that participants avoid cotton and bring wool/synthetic layers, spare gloves and hat, and food and drink.
Expect 8–10 km of travel and 5–8 hours of mountaineering time, with summit elevations typically in the 900–1,345 m range depending on the objective chosen for the day.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the day?
The experience is a full day of approximately 12 hours.
What is the maximum group size?
Groups are restricted to a maximum of six participants.
Is there a minimum age to take part?
Yes — the minimum age is 16.
What equipment is supplied and what must I bring?
The operator supplies ice axe, crampons, helmet and a 25L rucksack; participants must bring winter mountaineering boots (crampon-compatible), waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, hat and gloves, and lunch—avoid cotton clothing.
How difficult is the outing and what distances/elevations are involved?
The outing is rated challenging; expect 8–10 km of travel, 5–8 hours of mountaineering time and summits typically between about 900 m and 1,345 m.
What skills will I learn on this day?
Instruction focuses on crampon and ice-axe technique, winter navigation, avalanche awareness, mountain weather and decision-making to build confidence in winter conditions.