Climbing and Mountaineering

Scotland has a long standing affection with the mountains. Scotland has produced some of the world’s best climbers, many of whom have made their mark across the globe. Ben Nevis towers above all other mountains in Britain and the crags of Scotland offer some of the most challenging routes in the world.

Scottish Universities are also heavily involved in the sport, with most having a mountaineering or climbing Club. The most active are those found in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Popular destinations include the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis and Glen Coe, which are all excellent venues for Winter Mountaineering and Ice Climbing. The North West, Aberdeen and the Southern Highlands provide great rock climbing opportunities. The standard of climbing in Scotland is very high with Britain’s hardest route, Rhapsody, located at Dumbarton Rocks. Rhapsody has only been successfully climbed once – by Dave McLeod, formerly of Glasgow University.

SUS offers a Bouldering Championship, which tests the technical side of climbing. New bouldering facilities are springing up all around Scotland, and the event will make the most of these to offer new challenges to competitors each year. Traditionally, Glasgow University has been the dominant force, but the competition is always tough and looks set to be closely fought again.

SUS will also introduce students at Scottish Universities to the great potential that can be found in Scotland for Climbing and Mountaineering and to educate them in making the most of that potential.