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Challenger holidays
Lofty Summits. Exhilaration.
Scrambly ridges. Wow, look
at that view. Adrenalin
pumping. What a buzz.
Our harder, higher,
fast-paced routes for fit,
mountain walkers with a
sense of adventure. Come
and share your passion for
exhilaration.
This walking programme is dedicated to the harder, higher, tougher - and for all
ages. These are the most demanding holidays that we offer in the UK and around Europe. You need to be very
fit with a head for heights and exposure, enjoy scrambling and high trail walking.
On these holidays there is one leader and one walk during the day to allow
you to concentrate on the challenge. They generally run alongside Classic Walking,
so if the going gets tough there's usually an easier option for the day. On seven
night holidays there's usually a day where you can rest and relax or explore.
Please select a holiday from the left hand menu.
| Ridges & Scrambles |
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Enjoy superb narrow ridges and challenging scrambles in the company of an experienced mountain leader. A flexible programme can be adjusted to suit the group and the weather, but will include a selection of the best routes in the area. No previous scrambling experience is necessary, however you'll need to be a fit hillwalker with a good head for heights. 5 to 12 miles with up to 4,800ft of ascent.
Routes may include:
Snowdonia: the north ridge of Tryfan; Crib Goch and the Snowdon Horseshoe; Crib Lem; and Bristly Ridge.
Lake District: Sharp Edge on Blencathra; Helvellyn’s Striding and Swirral Edges; and the classic Jack’s Rake scramble on Pavey Ark.
Western Highlands: Dinnertime Buttress on Aonach Dubh; Ring of Steall; Curved Ridge; and the outstanding narrow ridge of the Aonach Eagach, a ‘must do’ for any keen scrambler.
Ridges & Scrambles for Families: an exhilarating high level week in the Lake District that’s specifically designed for active teenagers - click here for further details. |
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| Munro
Bagging |
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The mountains around Glen Coe contain many fine munros,
or summits over 3,000ft, far more than we can include in
our Classic Walking programme. On this holiday we set out
to 'bag' some of the others; perhaps the Ben Starav Horseshoe;
Stob Gabhar; and Sgor na h-Ulaidh. Whether you are attempting to
tick off all 284 Munros, or just want a week of superb mountain
walks, a memorable and challenging week is assured. 8 to 10 miles
with up to 4,800ft of ascent. |
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| High Routes - Britain
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For walkers who enjoy the challenge of the high mountains, the summits of the Lake District and Scotland offer endless opportunities for rewarding walks. On these holidays we’ll ascend a variety of peaks that are not included on our regular Classic Walking programmes. For keen mountain walkers this is a great way to try new routes amidst Britain’s best scenery. 8 to 14 miles with up to 5,000ft of ascent. Walks may include:
Isle of Arran: we’ll tackle some new routes on Arran’s superb granite mountains which could include Cir Mhor; the Castles; and Goatfell via the Cioch-na-h’Oighe.
Lake District: climb Pillar and part of the Ennerdale round; follow the fantastic ridges of Great Dodd, Helvellyn, Swirral Edge and Catstye Cam; and along the roof of England to Scafell Pike and Great End.
Western Highlands: there are a wealth of fine mountain summits to ascend on a holiday which could include the Mamores, the Grey Corries and Ben Starav. |
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| Via Ferrata NEW |
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Originally built to supply troops in the First World War, the
celebrated via ferrata of the Dolomites now offer an
exhilarating way to explore some of the most dramatic
mountains in Europe. Using ladders, steel cables and occasional
bridges you’ll tackle seemingly impossible obstacles in the
company of an experienced local guide. For experienced mountain
walkers with a good head for heights this is a truly awe-inspiring
experience. Specialist equipment, including helmets and harnesses
can be hired locally – allow €10 per day. |
| Sat 18 July 2009 (7nts) |
Selva |
£765 |
| Sat 29 Aug 2009 (7nts) |
Selva |
£765 |
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| High Routes - Europe |
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Relish the challenge of exhilarating high level walks that venture to high summits and cols that are normally ‘off-limits’ on our Classic Walking holidays. Using cable-cars and then rough and steep paths, that may be exposed or have fixed ropes, we’ll aim for some of the area’s best summits. Most holidays have opportunities to bag some 3,000m (10,000ft) peaks; a memorable achievement that you’ll want to savour. 8 to 13 miles with up to 4,500ft of ascent. Walks may include:
Adelboden: beyond Adelboden’s rolling alpine meadows are a fine selection of accessible mountain peaks including the Schwandfelspitze, Regensboldholm and Ammertenspitz.
Kranjska Gora: the Vrsic Pass above Kranjska Gora is our starting point for ascending the summits of Mojstrovka and Prisojnik whilst in the heart of the Julian Alps are the peaks or Vogel; and Dovrska Baba.
Les Contamines: the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc dominates the area and we’ll either walk high on its slopes or gaze across at the dramatic white glaciers from the Aiguille Rouge Massif or the Mont Joly ridge.
Mayrhofen: some of the commanding summits on our programme include the towering Ahorn Spitz directly above Mayrhofen; Torhelm; Rastkogel; and Hoher Riffler.
Selva: explore the awe-inspiring Dolomites scenery including an easy via ferrata to Sassongher; a walk across the Stevia massif; and the 3,000m summit of Piz Boe; some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery.
Sölden: NEW the spectacular mountains of the
Oetz Valley have many high-level traverses and
achieveable 3,000m summits, including the
Gaisachkogel and Nederkogel. |
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| High Routes & Hutting - Europe NEW |
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This natural extension to our popular
High Routes holidays allows you to
discover more of the spectacular
mountains of Austria and Slovenia. On these
holidays we combine splendid high-level walks
with overnight stays in two different huts each
week. From these vantage points, high in the
mountains, we can stride out on stunning walks
towards lofty summits and bag some 2,500
metre peaks – a truly unforgettable experience.
The mountain huts around Mayrhofen and
Kranjska Gora have a justifiably reputation for
hospitality and offer simple, but comfortable
accommodation, usually in multi-bedded rooms. |
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| The Cambrian Way |
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Follow the high-level Cambrian Way through the mountains of
Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons - click here for further details. |
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| The Complete Cleveland Way |
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Tackle this fascinating 109 mile route in a challenging but
rewarding week - click here for further details. |
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Guest Feedback |
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These holidays are amongst the most challenging that we
offer. You will need to be extremely fit, experienced walker
with a good head for heights. Walking will be over rough ground, may involve scrambling
(a cross between hill walking and climbing) and can be at a demanding pace. Party
sizes are restricted to between 6 and 14. Because staying fit on holiday is never
guaranteed, all these holidays run alongside easier alternatives, which you can
usually join at any stage during your holiday.
Safety first - These holidays will involve potentially dangerous conditions.
On Ridges and Scrambles holidays helmets will be provided.
All our Leaders carry appropriate equipment including group survival shelters
but you should have, and be prepared to carry, personal clothing and equipment
of a reasonable standard. A personal equipment list is available on request. |
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