OUTDOOR CLIMBING

Rock climbing in Scotland includes the following range of disciplines:

Bouldering
Climbing short crags (usually no more than 8m high) or large boulders. No need for ropes or climbing ‘gear’ other than a pair of rock shoes, a chalk bag and a bouldering mat.

Traditional Climbing
The predominant style of climbing in Scotland which usually entails the use of ropes and ‘gear’ that is placed in natural fissures in the rock to provide protection as you ascend (specialist gear termed ‘running belays’; called ‘rocks’ or ‘nuts’ and camming devices).

Sport Climbing
The protection is already placed in the rock in the form of ‘bolts’ which you have to clip into for protection as you ascend.

To find out more look on:
Rock Climbing in Scotland: A Visitors Guide

For Updated information about the use of bolts for developing sport climbs see:

Mountaineering & Climbing Ethics

Pitch-in debate

For help to increase your skills see:

REALrock: MCofS Sessions for young climbers (7yr – 17yr) who have already been climbing indoors and wish to start climbing outdoors

Coaching: Where to go to get coached to be a fitter, stronger climber. What to look out for

The NICAS scheme for young climbers

Links (Climbing related websites)
Scottishclimbs.com
UKC.com