Overview
A two day mountaineering expedition into wilderness. With several exceptional approach options and three classic scrambles on two separate Munros over two days.
Route Length
Lancet Edge- 350m
North Buttress- 200m
Long Leachas- 200m
Max Ratio
1:2
Experience Grade
Lancet Edge- Moderate - Grade 2 Scramble
North Buttress- Hard - Grade 3 Scramble
Long Leachas- Easy - Grade 1 Scramble
Approach Length (Approximate)
2.5 hrs Bike or 4 hrs Hike
Total Trip Length
56km
Meeting location
Dalwhinnie
Experience Duration
2 Days
Pre-requisites
Very strong summer hillwalking experience or Good summer hillwalking experience and access to an off-road bicycle. Some experience of scrambling at Grade 1 or above. Some experience of off-road cycling.
Is it for me?
This is a really special guided scrambling experience and one of the finest wild trips we offer. There are several approach options available to us, if you prefer to hike in, we can choose one of three different start locations and routes, if you choose to utilise bicycles for the approach (recommended) we still have two excellent options available. We can assist with bike hire if required. Whichever option you choose, all roads lead to Loch Pattack and eventually Culra lodge, which is where we will wild camp for the night. After stowing our overnight equipment and bikes there, we continue on foot along the Allt a' Chaoil Reidhe, branching off after an hour or so to start our first climb, Lancet Edge.
Beautifully airy in its upper half and with several optional sections of harder scrambling lower down this route leads us in terrific style to the centre of a ridge of Munros. From the top of this fine route we can choose several optional detours to summit Geal-Charn and Carn Dearg, both extremely remote Munros, before heading back down open fell and easy path to our wild-camp stop for the night.
The next morning we cross the Allt a' Chaoil Reidhe bright and early and start our climb on the North Buttress of Ben Alder. This is an intimidating route on a wild and unfrequented part of the mountain, overlooking tumbling waterfalls for much of its length and with some interesting and technical sections. You will enjoy attacking all the fine, exposed parts of the route head on, making easy climbing moves in complete security with a qualified and experienced instructor guiding you. The top of the route touches the plateau and gives an easy 15 min walk to the summit of Ben Alder. Given good conditions the panoramic view from the summit is spectacular. Heading North from the summit, we soon encounter The Long Leachas, an optional easy and classic scrambling descent route.
All that follows is a return to Culra to collect our equipment and a scenic cycle retreat, with plenty of opportunity to reflect on your experience.
Mountains included in route
Ben Alder 1148m
Geal-Charn 1132m
Sgor Lutharn 1006m
Carn Dearg 1034m (optional)
Aonach Beag 1116m (optional)
Additional information
This is a two day expedition to a remote venue. Camping equipment is not provided. You will climb several routes during this experience.
Multi-day experiences typically start at 8am on day one and finish at 6pm on day two. Please note that very remote crags or long routes require the experience to start earlier and finish later than this. You will be guided on the routes by an independently qualified, fully insured and competent Rock Climbing and Mountaineering Instructor. The instructor will choose routes based on your experience, fitness and preferences and will aways try to give you several options. All climbing equipment required for the route and instruction on its use is included. Clients may use their own equipment following an inspection by the Instructor. Clients must ensure they bring appropriate clothing and equipment as listed on our kit list page. In case of dangerous weather conditions an alternative activity or a full refund will be offered. Please read our Terms and Conditions for further information.