Am Buachaille Guided Climb

Overview of a guided climb up Am Buachaille

We will meet in the car park at 10:00 (be aware this might need to be earlier or later depending on the tide times and if it changes we will get in touch with you). From here we will have a kit check and a safety briefing before heading out along the track towards sandalwood bay – if you have a bike in the area we can cycle this instead of walk just get in touch to let us know if this is something you want to do. 

We will scramble our way down the side of the coast and along towards the point where we can walk no further! From here we must don the swim shorts and set off for a minimum 10m swim across to the sea stack. The Scottish water is normally cold up this far north so please bring a towel to dry off on the other side! We will supply dry bags so we can put all the kit in them and it will stay dry and secure for getting changed back into normal clothes on the other side of the channel and starting our climb. 

The climb we will tackle is the classic landward face which is three pitches long before abseiling off once we are done and swimming back to the shore and working our way back to the car park.

Climbing the landward face of Am Buachaille is a challenging and rewarding experience that is much safer with an experienced guide. Here is an itinerary for the climb:

• Meet your guide at the car park at 10:00 and receive a briefing on safety and equipment.
• After walking in to the climb and swimming across the channel. Begin the ascent, following your guide’s instructions as you navigate the challenging terrain of the landward face.
• As you climb, take in the stunning views of the Scottish coastline and the natural beauty of the area.
• After reaching the summit, take some time to rest, enjoy the view and take pictures (if you advent already) to remember this iconic location.
• Abseil under the guidance of your guide, making sure to follow their instructions for a safe descent.
• Return to the starting point via a swim back across the channel, feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself for completing this challenging climb.

We are proud to recommend local accommodation options within the area for people when you are up for your Am Buachaille Course:

Aviemore:

Youth Hostel A budget friendly option for people.

Coylumbridge Hotel Aviemroe – good for groups and families alike.

Premier Inn – always a good shout.

Rothiemurchus Campsite – situated in the stunning forest, this is a beautiful budget friendly option.

Glenmore Campsite – situated at Scotland’s highest beach, Loch Morlich has phenomenal views across to Cairngorm Mountain.

Newtonmore & Surrounding Areas:

https://www.wherestagsroar.co.uk/ award winning accommodation in the Highlands – perfect to stay at while up on an outdoor adventure.

Invernahavon Caravan Park – a bit quieter than the others as it is a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Aviemore.

Dalraddy Holiday Park – a family and dog friendly campsite.

Booking a guided climb up Am Buachaille, one of Scotland’s classic sea stack climbs, can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are some reasons why:

1. Safety: A guided climb ensures that you have an experienced and knowledgeable professional who will prioritize your safety during the climb. They will provide you with the necessary equipment and instruction to keep you secure throughout the climb. Not everyone is able to lead the route themselves so booking a guided climb ensures you will get to the top as the guide will lead.

2. Expertise: Am Buachaille is a challenging climb, and having an expert guide with you can help you navigate the route and avoid potential hazards. Your guide will be able to offer insights and tips that can help you make the most of your climb.

3. Adventure: Climbing Am Buachaille is an adventure like no other. You will get to experience breathtaking views of the Scottish coast, feel the thrill of ascending the rock face, and push yourself to new limits.

4. Unique experience: Climbing Am Buachaille is a unique experience that will give you a deep appreciation for Scotland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is a challenging climb that is only accessible to experienced climbers willing to swim to it.

5. Sense of accomplishment: Climbing Am Buachaille is not an easy feat, but it is achievable with the help of a guide. When you reach the summit, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget.

We pride ourselves on providing as much kit as possible for you.  However, the list below is what we recommend you should bring to your guided climb up Am Buachaille:

• Travel insurance. (We are insured for all our trips, but we recommend everyone has their own travel insurance as well.)
• Lunch, water.
• Personal medication
• Sun cream, midge net
• Waterproofs (it is Scotland after all)
• Sturdy footwear.
• climbing shoes.
• Swim shorts and a towel.

Here at Highland Outdoor Adventures, we pride ourselves on providing as much as we can but you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you do prefer. The list below is what we provide you with on the day.

• All instruction.
• Helmets
• Ropes
• Harness
• Helmets
• All Technical Climbing Gear
• All first aid and safety equipment.
• Dry Bags to get the kit across securely.
• Transportation for 2 people. Pickup can be arranged from elsewhere if needed.
• Photographs of the day provided for you at no extra cost! If the weather is good we will have a DSLR professional camera  so we can take photos and videos of your adventure and you can look back at the day for years to come. If the weather is less favourable we will bring a GoPro (as it is waterproof) so we will still be able to take photos for you.