Before Your Course

Your EverydayClimbing instructor will be in touch one to two days before your course commences.  This pre-course contact serves to introduce your instructor, confirm meeting details, and provide insight into the expected weather conditions. Our instructor are readily available to address any queries you may have, ensuring you're well-prepared for your upcoming adventure.

On The Day

On the morning of your course, you'll meet your instructor at Stoer lighthouse. This picturesque and popular location serves as a photogenic backdrop for much of our clifftop approach to the stack, which remains hidden for most of the hour-long approach walk. As we ascend a small headland, the stack reveals itself, a magnificent diamond of sandstone overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The top of the stack is roughly the same height as the mainland cliff, and once we are directly opposite it, we'll need to scramble down extremely steep terrain to reach sea level. Typically, our instructors will rope you down this section for your safety.

Once on the sea level platform, there's a channel of approximately 10 meters that needs to be crossed. Your instructor will tension a rope to use for crossing this channel, typically by swimming to the stack on your behalf. Once this rope is in place, you'll be able to swing across the rope and access the start of the climbing.

The route to the summit offers both easier and more challenging variations, the exact line taken depending on your experience and ability. Your instructor will typically break the climb into five or six rope lengths, keeping you in sight and providing assistance when needed. Eventually, all routes lead to the top for congratulations and photo opportunities.

Descent is made by completing one long abseil right back to the base of the stack. From there, it's another trip across the rope to the mainland. If you're feeling adventurous, this is a great time to offer to disconnect the tensioned rope and make the swim back!

Regaining the top of the mainland cliff is relatively easy in comparison, and from there, it's a simple and scenic walk back to the lighthouse and our waiting vehicles.

A Word On Fulmars

It's important to note that the stack serves as a crucial breeding site for various seabird species, such as Razorbills, Puffins, and Fulmars. The standard climbers' route is typically free of breeding birds, but there may be instances where deviations are necessary to avoid disturbing them. If an ascent is booked during the breeding season, we will seek advice on the current situation to ensure a successful climb without disrupting the birds. The nesting season generally occurs from May to July, but the exact timing may vary annually.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the Fulmar is highly territorial and can protect itself by projecting fish oil onto climbers who approach too closely. This serves as an extra incentive to avoid the birds during the breeding season!

Not quite what you're seeking? No problem! We specialise in organising climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering guides for any route in the Scottish Highlands or islands. From the dramatic sea-stacks to the legendary Skye Cuillin, we've got your adventure covered. Feel free to drop us a line with your specific requirements, and we'll promptly respond to your inquiry.

Dates

This course is available year-round and can be scheduled on any day that suits your plans. Reach out to discuss your specific requirements or contact us using the form below.

Prices

Our prices are comprehensive and cover the following:

• Information and support prior to the course
• An AMI accredited, insured, and fully qualified guide
• Professional-grade climbing equipment for each participant
• Mountain safety gear
• Memorable photos of your adventure

One person - £325

Two people - £400 (£200 per person)

There is a substantial amount of information available online about the difficulty of this route and its various sections. Having guided it many times, we've found that if clients are confident in following on Severe (S) ground, they are generally capable of climbing the stack. Most of the climbing is straightforward, its the location and skills required to access this route that make it such an adventurous challenge to climb.

Our skilled instructors prioritise your safety throughout the climb. We guide you as we access the route, lead pitches, manage belay stances, and ensure your protection during abseils or descents. We offer coaching and instruction based on your specific needs. Furthermore, if necessary, we can provide physical assistance during the most challenging sections. When you book, we'll have a conversation with you to discuss your background and aspirations, ensuring that your chosen route aligns with your abilities. If required, we can suggest an appropriate route that provides the right level of challenge for you or offer training to help you meet the necessary requirements.

Required

• 25-35l backpack

• Walking boots or approach shoes

• Walking pole

• Water bottle (around 1 litre)

• Lunch

• Thick socks

• Waterproof jacket and trousers 

• Thin fleece or light insulated jacket

• Thick fleece or mid insulated jacket

• Warm hat

• Gloves

• Hiking trousers

• Synthetic/merino base layers

• Personal medication

• Waterproof stuff sacks

 Provided

• Harness

• Climbing helmet

• Belay device and karabiner

• Climbing shoes

To guarantee your comfort and security throughout our activities, we strongly advise all participants to come prepared with the complete equipment listed. While our activities may proceed even if participants do not have the entire kit list, please be aware that EverydayClimbing and our instructors retain the right to modify the itinerary or conclude the activity early should the absence of essential equipment pose an elevated risk to the group, exceeding acceptable safety standards.

As part of our unwavering commitment to eliminating barriers to outdoor adventures, we offer a selection of equipment available for use by anyone, with no questions asked. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Just drop us a line to let us know what you require.