WINTER Hiking and SKILLS ADVENTURE
A Scottish Winter Adventure awaits!
This Winter Retreat will take place in the stunning Scottish Highlands. Surrounded by the magnificent peaks of Glencoe on the wild West Coast.
January 30th, 31st & 1st February 2026
Get ready for an exhilarating weekend of adventure. This retreat is your perfect opportunity to explore the stunning Highland in winter.
What’s Included
Learn essential snow and ice techniques in a relaxed, social atmosphere that’s ideal for everyone, especially beginners.
Winter Skills Day
Mountain Journey and Munro Summits
Two Nights Lakeside Accommodation
Two Breakfasts and Packed Lunch
Home Cooked Meal on first night
Our expert guides will support you every step of the way, transforming you into a winter wizard in no time.
£349 per person
Pay now, in 30 days, or 3 interest-free payments.
Retreat Itinerary
This isn’t just a retreat, it’s an adventure into the heart of winter, where every step brings discovery and every moment sparks excitement.
Day One
16:00 – Kit rental pick up
For those who have rented equipment from Ellis Brigham in Fort William, it is time to pick up your kit.
17:00 – Welcome to the Highlands
Your host, Gemma, will be on-site to warmly welcome you with refreshments at Camus House in Onich.
18:30 – Let’s Talk Winter
We’ll gather for a friendly welcome session to share in the excitement of exploring the mountains in winter.
It will be a relaxed and supportive space to ask questions and chat about all things winter hiking. Topics will include winter clothing, equipment, bag packing, boots, and crampons, plus any other questions you might have. Please bring along your boots and crampons so we can look at them together.
19:30 – Dinner & Social
Unwind with a relaxed evening of socialising, complete with a home cooked meal to welcome you on your first evening.
Day Two
7:30 – Breakfast & Packed Lunch
Start your day with a delicious continental breakfast and prepare your own packed lunch for the day’s adventures.
8:30 – Morning Briefing
We’ll meet indoors to cover key topics: – Safety, first aid, and survival. Planning a safe route, weather and avalanche awareness.
10:30 – Mountain Journey
We’ll journey through the mountains, practicing essential winter skills such as proper boot and crampon use, ice axe techniques, and self-arrests.
16:30 – Warm Drink & Wind Down
After returning from the mountains, we’ll gather with a warm drink to reflect on today’s journey.
19:00 – Evening Meal
We’ll head out this evening and find a cosy place nearby for a lovely meal.
Day Three
7:30 – Breakfast & Packed Lunch
Start your day with a delicious continental breakfast and prepare your own packed lunch for the day’s adventures.
8:00 – Morning Briefing
An update on weather, avalanche conditions and plan for the day.
9:00 – Mountain Journey
Our goal is to reach a summit while honing the following skills: Applying skills based on current conditions, and assessing mountain and snow conditions.
16:00 – Warm Drink & Farewell
To close the weekend, we’ll come together with a warm drink and take time to reflect on our journey as a group.
17:00 Kit rental return
For those who have rented equipment from Ellis Brigham in Fort William, it is time to return your kit.
Get ready for your Winter Adventure
The next step …
Winter Clothing
On the first day, I’ll personally make sure you have everything you need.
Please don’t feel like you need to rush out and buy new winter gear, all you need is plenty of layers.
Please have a look at the Winter Kit List
Winter Equipment
You are required to have appropriate winter equipment to take part in this adventure.
You will need: B2 Mountaineering Boots, C1 or C2 Crampons, Walking Axe and Helmet.
We’ll happily provide a helmet for you if you don’t have one.
Rental Equipment
Renting winter equipment has never been easier.
You can hire crampons and a walking axe directly from us.
If you need B2 mountaineering boots, these can be hired along with crampons and a walking axe from the Ellis Brigham store in Fort William.
Accommodation
Camus House, Onich ***
A five star rated Victorian Guest House dating back to 1892, it offers guests a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views across the sparkling waters of Loch Linnhe and the dramatic peaks of Glencoe.
The rooms are cosy and intimate, designed for relaxation and comfort. The rooms have En-suite facilities and are provided with Towels, Hand/Hair/Body Wash & Lotion, Hairdryer, Heated Blanket, TV with DVD player, Information Folder, and Hospitality Tray with bottled water, biscuits, teas and coffees.
- Ensuite Twin Rooms are shared
- Communal areas
FAQs
What’s not-included?
Transport, rental equipment, evening meal on the second night.
How fit do I need to be?
We’ll be walking at a relaxed, sociable pace, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended, as the winter conditions in Scotland can be a bit challenging at times.
Do I need transport?
You’ll need transport during your stay, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To keep things simple (and eco-friendly) we’ll be offering car sharing to help reduce both costs and emissions. On your first day, a friendly pick-up from Fort William will also be available to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
Can I have my own room or do I need to share?
Accommodation at Camus House is provided with shared twin rooms. Guests who prefer private accommodation can request a single room at a nearby hotel at an additional cost and subject to availability.
Where is the Accommodation and how do I get to it?
The accommodation is situated in the Lochside Village of Onich, just 11 miles from Fort William. There are regular buses from Fort William to Onich that take 20 minutes. Fort William has both train and bus stations. The over night train is a popular choice. The nearest airports are in Glasgow and Inverness, you’ll find more reliable public transport connections from Glasgow.
What food is offered at the retreat?
Drink facilities are available throughout your stay. Breakfast is continental and you make your own packed lunch each day with a variety of fillings and snacks. We’ll serve a delicious vegetarian meal on the first night of your stay. If you have any allergies or dietary preferences, just let us know, we’re happy to accommodate your needs.
Is full payment required to book?
You don’t have to pay in full upfront. You can secure your place with a deposit payment. We also offer invoices, BACS transfers and Klarna. Please get in touch to arrange what works best for you.