So I've had this idea..

One good starting point is to join one of the local BMC affiliated climbing or mountaineering clubs. Lots of opportunities for getting experience in this country with experienced climbers and join one of the club trips. Since it is informally organised it can be cheap, often you can share and borrow equipment, make some good friendships and make use of the reciprocal agreements with other international mountaineering organisations.

Commercial companies such as Exodus, KE, Mountain Kingdoms aall offer varying degrees of trekking and climbing holidays but of course at a price.

R

£2000 should be plenty enough to go to Mont Blanc, spend some days to pre-acclimatize (helps immensely), rent basic gear and hire a guide, or join a guided group. The Himalayas are basically out of the question during the summer and might be just too expensive.

Kilimanjaro could be possible, it is higher than anything in Europe, but it is hiking, not climbing.

Toubkal (highest in Morroco), Mt Teide (highest in Spain), Galdhopiggen (highest in Norway) , Kebnekaise (highest in Sweden) could all be done by oneself with change from £2000.However most people start with easy climbs and gain experience rather than jumping in at the deep end. Make sure your mountain rescue insurance is up to date!

Hi,

You concern me. You give the impression that you would tackle anything that you could afford. Please be advised that to climb the biggies needs some experience. If you are talking a non technical climb that just requires commitment and stamina fine. However you seem to indicate that anything will be considered and that you may go alone i.e without guide.

Personally in your shoes I would go for a hard trek with a few decent possible climbs/summits on route. You could assess as you trek and make up your mind as you go regarding higher reaches. You also have to consider that Summer in the UK may mean impassable places in other countries. I feel the advice given by No1 is sound and should be followed prior to you making a decision. Sorry to sound dismal, but it is a serious pastime you wish to enter into.

Have you considered South America? If you can find a decent airfare to Quito, you could get up some big mountains on your budget. Local guides and outfitters are used to equipping and taking climbers with little experience up Cotopaxi, especially, but others including Chimborazo as well. There are package deals available from some companies that are very well priced that include acclimatization peaks, transportation, etc.

Worth looking into.

I haven't been there for a while, but Peru is another choice. Flying into Lima might be cheaper and the bus ride up to Huaraz is cheap. Keep in mind that except for getting there, all other costs are much less expensive than Europe.

Cheers,
JimS

Edited by: mtnjim

As Brax said, climbing mountains is a serious business. You can't just go for the Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, if you have no experience. Just check how many people die in the Mont Blanc. Probably most of them were expert climbers. Start with something much, much easier.

Take note here buddy. They make some good points about not jumping in at the deep end.

I'm in a similar situation to yourself; I'm off to the Alps in May and would love to tackle some of the biggies. The reality is that you can't just wander up Mont Blanc with a waterproof and some strong shoes! If its something you are serious about long term, then take it gradually. Why not go to the Alps anyway and do some hiking around some of the smaller peaks? That will still be amazing with some great views and a good challenge...

Actually hundreds of first timers climb Mont Blanc every year. If you have your wits with you, you are fit, athletic and lucky, you can do it. Then there are also plenty of casualties also annually, some just because they are stupid first timers.

Hi,

Petrus, bad advice - yes obviously you have to be a first timer when you climb for the first time. However the OP seems to suggest that he is just going to go off and do it. No problem if he is fit etc but alone? I implore here, if you are going to do that splendid mountain OP- a good guide and good equipment.