Guided Rock Climbing

Our guided rock climbing days are designed for climbers who want to explore bigger, more adventurous routes across Scotland. This session goes beyond introductory climbing, taking you into remote mountain corries, long multipitch routes, and spectacular sea cliffs — all under the guidance of a qualified instructor.

You might be aiming for:

  • Your first multipitch climb
  • A sea‑cliff adventure
  • A classic mountain rock route
  • A specific climb from the inspriational books Classic Rock, Hard Rock, or The Great Mountain Crags of Scotland

Popular objectives include Eagle Ridge (Lochnagar), Square Face (Beinn a’ Bhùird), Savage Slit (Coire an Lochain) and Ardverikie Wall (Binnein Shuas) — but the list is almost endless. We’ll tailor the day to your experience, fitness, and ambitions.

ABOUT

Price: This course costs £250 per day and can have up to two participants.

Bookings: See booking form here

What does guiding climbing involve?

Every guided climbing day is built around what you want to achieve, so the plan can vary a lot. When you book, we’ll chat through your goals and shape the day to match, making sure you know exactly what to expect.

We’ll normally meet in a car park, check our kit, and talk through the plan before heading off. The walk‑in to the climb might be a quick 10‑minute stroll or a longer hike of up to 3 hours — it all depends on the adventure you’ve chosen. The climb could be anywhere from 20 meters or 300 meters long!

Liam will lead the route so you can relax and enjoy the climbing. You’ll also have plenty of chances to learn along the way, whether that’s improving your movement, understanding rope systems, or building confidence on bigger terrain.

Guided rock climbing
Guided rock climbing on Lochnagar

Who is it for?

Guided climbing is ideal for anyone regardless of climbing experience level. We can adjust the routes and difficulties to match your experience. It has been particularly popular with: 

  • Beginners looking to have an adventure.
  • Experienced climbers with a particular routes in mind.
  • Climbers looking for an introduction to multi pitch climbing
  • Visiting climbers on holiday looking to have an adventurous day out climbing.

Under 18’s are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent throughout.

Where is it?

We have guided climbs all over Scotland. From the Old man of Hoy on Orkney to Buachaille Etive Mor in the West and Aberdeen Sea Cliffs in the East.

The main areas we guide in are;

  • Sea cliffs near Aberdeen
  • Lochnagar and crags in the glens nearby
  • The Cairngorms – a huge area with lots of climbing
  • Glen Coe
  • Ben Nevis – and Glen Nevis.

Often routes on mountain crags will tend to be “Classic Rock Routes” – climbs which can be found all over scotland.

Let us know if you have any routes or locations in mind for climbing, or let us guide you with some suggestions for where you are staying. For areas far from Aberdeen, we have a minimum booking of 2 days.

What kit do I need?

  • Warm clothes to climb in with spare layers to keep warm and a waterproof jacket if it might rain.
  • Sturdy shoes for walking and climbing shoes for the climbing – We have some rock climbing shoes available you can use.
  • Food and water.
  • A rucksack to carry it all in and some of the climbing kit
  • Personal climbing kit – Harness, helmet, belay device*

* All climbing equipment is provided – You are also welcome to use your own.

Why Choose Cove Climbing?

Liam has been climbing for over twelve years and has been professionally qualified and teaching for more than eight. During that time, he has worked with a wide range of clients — from complete beginners to experienced climbers looking to refine their skills — always with a focus on building confident, safe and independent climbers.

With extensive local knowledge and years of personal climbing experience, Liam knows how to get the very best out of each session, choosing the right venues and tailoring instruction to suit your goals and ability.

During busier periods, Cove Climbing is supported by a small team of equally experienced freelance instructors. All are members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI), guaranteeing the highest standards of professionalism, safety and coaching at all times.

You can read our excellent reviews on TripAdvisor here: TripAdvisor.

How do I book or find out more?


If you have any general enquires about our Guided Rock Climbing then get in touch with Liam@coveclimbing.co.uk. If you have already decided this is the session for you then great!

Get in touch using the form below. The cost for a half day is £140 and £250. Half day sessions can also be in the evening during the Summer months when there is enough day light.

Guided Rock Climbing Booking Form