Great experience climbing Inn Pinn with Steve. He made us all feel immediately comfortable with the trek ahead of us... read moreGreat experience climbing Inn Pinn with Steve. He made us all feel immediately comfortable with the trek ahead of us and took us via a route which included some fantastic scrambling to help us get used to the rocks prior to attempting the Pinn. The highlight of the trek was Steve allowing me to climb back up Inn Pinn after the first abseil.... and do it all again. Brilliant! Very calm and encouraging throughout and wouldn't hesitate to book another climb with him. Thank you Steve. read less

Awesome ! We had Steve guiding us for the day tackling In Pinn . Steve was first class - informative,... read moreAwesome ! We had Steve guiding us for the day tackling In Pinn . Steve was first class - informative, helpful, attentive and on top of all that just a really nice guy. Made for a terrific day out. Would definitely recommend Synergy Guides. read less

If you want cracking day/days out then Steve is your man.His understanding and knowledge of the mountains is second to... read moreIf you want cracking day/days out then Steve is your man.His understanding and knowledge of the mountains is second to none and is always keen to teach many different aspects.The tick list is there to do but Steve will introduce you to something “off piste”and take you on that new journey!I’ll be back for more that’s for sure, testament to his great work. read less

We had a fantastic day on Skye! Steve was so helpful and everything was so well organised - we felt... read moreWe had a fantastic day on Skye! Steve was so helpful and everything was so well organised - we felt really safe on our trip, had lots of fun and our guide was very friendly and encouraging. Would highly recommend booking a trip with Steve! read less

Steve Holmes was our guide (3 hill climbers/munroists) for our attempt to summit the inaccessible pinnacle on Sgur Dearg Isle... read moreSteve Holmes was our guide (3 hill climbers/munroists) for our attempt to summit the inaccessible pinnacle on Sgur Dearg Isle of Skye. I can not commend Steve’s services enough. His professional approach and his manner in providing the required guidance and information without overloading us with technicalities instilled confidence and self belief. His mountaineering skills and knowledge of equipment and techniques were obvious. Pleasant and humorous chat all the way up and down. Truly fantastic experience all round. Many thanks to Steve. read less

Booked 2 days to traverse the Cuillin ridge. Iain was spot on with his plans and is also just an... read moreBooked 2 days to traverse the Cuillin ridge. Iain was spot on with his plans and is also just an all round good guy to climb with. We managed to get round in the two days despite the weather throwing a few curve balls. All in all a really good two days and will definitely use them in future. read less

Steve was very accommodating to provide mountain guiding to suit our request to climb the Inn Pinn. He took into... read moreSteve was very accommodating to provide mountain guiding to suit our request to climb the Inn Pinn. He took into account the weather conditions and as a result we rearranged the climb (fortunately he was still available later in the week). He was very calm and reassuring and didn’t make us feel under pressure at any time. We had a really enjoyable day in his company and would highly recommend his services. read less

Himalaya with Steve Travelling to the Himalaya with Steve was a truly awesome adventure that met and exceeded my expectations. Not only was... read moreTravelling to the Himalaya with Steve was a truly awesome adventure that met and exceeded my expectations. Not only was the trip amazing but I feel I have made some really good friends as well as opening my eyes up to new activities I will be frequenting more in the future – read less

Steve was great at teaching and showing us all we needed for getting through our climbs! Would highly recommend for... read moreSteve was great at teaching and showing us all we needed for getting through our climbs! Would highly recommend for anyone to check him out if needing a guide as he can do it all from showing you your equipment to how to traverse terrain and navigate. Would use for future climbs again! read less

Steve took us up Inn Pinn in Skye last week. Even though it's more technical than we are used to... read moreSteve took us up Inn Pinn in Skye last week. Even though it's more technical than we are used to and I am scared of heights, he made us feel at ease. He seems very knowledgable and was good company on the long walk. read less

We had a cracking experience with Synergy Guides in the Cuillins in September 2020. Great and detailed communication in advance... read moreWe had a cracking experience with Synergy Guides in the Cuillins in September 2020. Great and detailed communication in advance - full of expectation management, kit advice and route options. Once our guide was allocated, we had a thorough conversation with him the day before and agreed that a full traverse of the Cuillin ridge would not be possible given the wild weather (sad face). Nonetheless, we certainly made up for it with three amazing day trips on the ridge each with their own adventures. Our guide was an incredibly reassuring professional as well as a great character full of stories from a lifetime in the mountains. Can't wait to get back to have a second go. read less

Had an amazing day out with Tom traversing the Aonach Eagach ridge on what was a blistering hot day with... read moreHad an amazing day out with Tom traversing the Aonach Eagach ridge on what was a blistering hot day with stunning views. Having a guide who was experienced helped me dispel any nerves and apprehensions and enabled me to relax and enjoy the whole experience. I'd never have had the confidence to do this alone but now feel that I could manage should I want to do it again in the future.Thank you Synergy!! read less

Highly recommended. Five days being guided through the Cuillin Hills, safe and secure at all times. A great experience.

Just completed the Cuillin ridge over two days (& one nights bad bivvy sleep!) with Andy and Casper, with my... read moreJust completed the Cuillin ridge over two days (& one nights bad bivvy sleep!) with Andy and Casper, with my brother in law and our two seventeen year old boys (now men after that). As a familiar visitor to the ‘easy, hillwalking bits’ of the Cuillins, I admit to having underestimated the true mountaineering nature of the full ridge, which needs full respect. Steve prep’d us well (no nonsense, thanks!), Andy and Casper were fabulous and importantly risk assessed superbly, guided confidently and utterly professionally, and were also great company. Synergy are top notch, and I advise you to not cut corners up on those crags! read less

Booked with Synergy Guides again, we’ve been using Steve Holmes for 3 years now and highly recommend him. This year... read moreBooked with Synergy Guides again, we’ve been using Steve Holmes for 3 years now and highly recommend him. This year we booked late so Steve arranged two days winter climbing with Niels, a superb guide and great bloke! We had two fantastic days out with Niels who was great fun and we felt totally safe at all times. Niels took us on Western Rib , Aonach Mor and Ordinary route on SCNL. We just wish we’d booked another day !Will continue to use Synergy Guides for our next Scottish winter experience. read less

Really couldn't have hoped for a better experience and Tom was a complete legend. Feel very lucky to have had... read moreReally couldn't have hoped for a better experience and Tom was a complete legend. Feel very lucky to have had the conditions on our side also which made for the perfect day.The whole trip has been an eye opener read less

Had an awesome couple of days crossing a section of the Cullin Ridge including the Inaccessible Pinacle. Slept a night... read moreHad an awesome couple of days crossing a section of the Cullin Ridge including the Inaccessible Pinacle. Slept a night out on the hills in a bivy bag to ensure early start the next day.The guides were great company, had a wealth of experience and kept us safe throughout the trip. The weather could not have been better. A great time had by all. read less

WOW, what a trip!!! I've had a couple of days to reflect on what was a fantastic weekend of winter... read moreWOW, what a trip!!! I've had a couple of days to reflect on what was a fantastic weekend of winter climbing with Steve. I made the journey with a good mate, both of us having similar experience and technical ability. Whilst we wanted to go climbing we had specific objectives of learning on the move and Steve didn't disappoint. I now have a bunch of new skills i can't wait to put into practice. The whole process was very professional and we had a great laugh along the way. I would have no hesitation what-so-ever in recommending Synergy Guides to climbers of any level. read less

We had a great day with Steve of Synergy Guides scrambling on Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and then climbing the In... read moreWe had a great day with Steve of Synergy Guides scrambling on Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and then climbing the In Pinn on Sgurr Dearg. Having done most of the Munros I was getting anxious about how I was going to tackle these 2 peaks. Steve made it all possible. He struck the perfect balance between letting us do what we were able to and guiding where necessary. His confidence and capabilities just seem to get transferred to us. Once we had started up the mountain all apprehension seemed to disappear. Steve clearly loves being in the mountains and was good company throughout the day. read less

Just had a totally brilliant climbing weekend with Steve from Synergy Guides. Steve is really easy to get along... read moreJust had a totally brilliant climbing weekend with Steve from Synergy Guides. Steve is really easy to get along with and his mountaineering and climbing knowledge is absolutely top level. He is patient when he is instructing and has a great ability of reading people and pushing them in a really good way. I have used Steve a number of times before and he has taken me from keen hill walker to mountaineer and climber. Highly recommended and I will be back out with Steve in the future. read less

Steve was recommended to me by a fellow hillwalker who knew I was looking to finish the last of my... read moreSteve was recommended to me by a fellow hillwalker who knew I was looking to finish the last of my scary Munros on Skye.
Although it was short notice Steve was able to fit me in and I'm so glad that he did.
I met him at the Slig and was greeted with a huge beaming smile and a warm handshake. On the journey to the start, Steve reassured me that the route that we would take would be the most straightforward and safest and hopefully the most enjoyable for me.
On the ascent to the ridge and the dreaded An Stac screes, Steve constantly we went at my rather moderate pace. So once on a climb I was never out of breath or suffering from sweaty back syndrome. We had a couple of pitstops along the way and plenty of opportunities to look back at views when we got them.
The scary part of the climb up to the summit was made extremely safe because Steve used short roping and lots of encouragement to get me there. No I'm sure he has reached hundreds of summits but he made me feel as if I had done something very special and unique. I was so pleased with myself.
The descent was a reverse of our ascent route and it reassuring to spot familiar bits of rock and knowing what obstacles were to be overcome. By keeping my rope tight I was able to downclimb/ bumshuffle my way to safety. All too soon our day was over- I never thought I was say that about a dreich day on the Cuillin!
I would wholeheartedly recommend Steve to anyone, no matter what your abilities are. What he does in a very subtle way is encourage you, he breaks down the climb into stages so that you are aware that you are making progress and most importantly he gives you confidence and at no point do you feel that you are being a pathetic wimp! read less

We had a wonderful day out with Synergy Guides! Steve was a fantastic guide, and ensured we had a great... read moreWe had a wonderful day out with Synergy Guides! Steve was a fantastic guide, and ensured we had a great climb up Tower Ridge. He was knowledgable, kind, thoughtful, and cared a lot about our experience. We couldn't have asked for more. Highly recommend! read less

Just back from two days as one of 3 beginners with Steve from Synergy Guides going over basic winter mountaineering... read moreJust back from two days as one of 3 beginners with Steve from Synergy Guides going over basic winter mountaineering skills including completing winter routes on Stob Coire Nan Lochan and Ben Nevis. It was an amazingly fun and informative weekend that I'll not forget and I've walked away feeling confident that I could tackle more winter routes and continue to improve on the skills we developed over the last two days.Steve is incredibly knowledgeable, enthusiastic and also patient. He struck a perfect balance of teaching and challenge/excitement for a group of almost novices. Each route felt considered and safe and his directions were always clear and easily understood. I would definitely use Synergy again! read less

I’ve been out with Steve Holmes quite a few times and would strongly recommend him as your guide. His sole... read moreI’ve been out with Steve Holmes quite a few times and would strongly recommend him as your guide. His sole aim is to give you a great day out. He is an excellent judge of where to go for the conditions, weather and your ability. On the hill, he is ever alert to your safety and also offers good coaching tips. He is such a good climber that I always feel he is completely on top of everything. Importantly, too, he is great company and full of enthusiasm, whatever the weather.I am now in my early seventies, and prone to angina, so the qualities above are very important to me. Steve makes sure that associate guides working for Synergy meet the same standards. Through Synergy I’ve had wonderful days on winter routes at III to V in standard. read less

Had a great time, over two days! Very professional and very educational, truly makes me want to come back in... read moreHad a great time, over two days! Very professional and very educational, truly makes me want to come back in the future. read less

l cannot recommend Steve, from Synergy guides highly enough. It was with Steve’s vast experience of Skye that I realised... read morel cannot recommend Steve, from Synergy guides highly enough. It was with Steve’s vast experience of Skye that I realised my goal of completing the Cuillin traverse and he has given me help and confidence in Scottish winter conditions which have been invaluable in enabling me to make the most of various trips to the alps.Steve is understated, clearly very able and experienced in a mountain environment but his aim appears to be to make it possible for his clients to achieve their goals rather than to impress them with his own achievements. He is realistic, grounded and encouraging in helping clients to achieve their dreams and fills you with confidence, enabling you to fullfill your potential. He is very flexible with regard to conditions and offers various alternatives if the weather is not favourable. We have used Steve’s guiding skills on 4 occasions and would now consider him a friend. Very highly recommended. read less

Me and my dad had an incredible day climbing tower ridge with Steve. Although my dad was a bit nervous... read moreMe and my dad had an incredible day climbing tower ridge with Steve. Although my dad was a bit nervous at first, with Steve’s clam and clear guidance he was soon climbing with no fear at all and by the time we got to the summit we wanted to do it all over again. Thanks for an amazing day and we’ll definitely be back. read less

What an epic day! Casper (our guide for the day) was brilliant! Very knowledgeable and full of local mountain info.... read moreWhat an epic day! Casper (our guide for the day) was brilliant! Very knowledgeable and full of local mountain info. Day was able to be what we wanted it to be and more! Synergy even brought the sun out with them to make a perfect day!Easy booking and great comms!!Thanks so much guys! Definitely a returning customer! read less

Another amazing day with Steve Holmes & Synergy guides.With the weather forecast not looking good we changed our plans having... read moreAnother amazing day with Steve Holmes & Synergy guides.With the weather forecast not looking good we changed our plans having originally hoped to head to Skye. But Glencoe looked better & in fact was the correct decision as although showery we had some views & even glimpses of the sun at the end of the day.We scrambled up Sron Na Lairig onto Stob Coire Sgreamhach then onto Bidean nam Bian finishing on the top Stob Coire nan Lochan. Steve Holmes was fantastic - really knowledgable, great company, and very reassuring. He even produced a ‘cake’ at the top to celebrate my 13 year old daughters 50th Munro. I can highly recommend Synergy Guides - this was my 4th outing for myself & my daughter with Steve & have already booked again for September. read less

Synergy guides guided my friends and I up Sgurr Dearg to climb the Inaccessible Pinnacle and were absolutely fantastic. Steve... read moreSynergy guides guided my friends and I up Sgurr Dearg to climb the Inaccessible Pinnacle and were absolutely fantastic. Steve and Casper were so relaxed with us all and really helped us enjoy our day out. They explained all parts of what we needed to do and I felt safe the whole time on the trip without ever feeling worried, as they were so encouraging and reassuring. Highly recommend and will definitely use again for the other Munros I still need to tackle in Skye! read less

Utterly exciting, memorable, safe and faultless three days with Tom from Synergy Guides among the Black Cuillin on Skye. Also... read moreUtterly exciting, memorable, safe and faultless three days with Tom from Synergy Guides among the Black Cuillin on Skye. Also a great company to deal with for quick, clear, concise and friendly exchange of information. read less

My partner and I recently attended a two scrambling course with Andy. We had an absolutely incredible couple of days.... read moreMy partner and I recently attended a two scrambling course with Andy. We had an absolutely incredible couple of days. Andy is extremely knowledgeable. He made us feel safe, yet pushed us to challenge our abilities. Communication with Steve and Andy was excellent and their guiding is great value for money. read less

We had a great day climbing Sgurr Dearg and The In Pinn with Steve on a wet and windy day.... read moreWe had a great day climbing Sgurr Dearg and The In Pinn with Steve on a wet and windy day. Communication and information before the trip was excellent. Steve has a quiet calmness about him which makes you feel safe at all times. It was like walking with a good friend. He was friendly and chatty and has years of experience in the hills. He inspired confidence in us and was very patient with 2 climbing novices. We are already planning future trips and hope Steve will be available to guide us. read less

Booked the Cuillin Ridge traverse with synergy guides end of May 2019, this was booked late however we were pleased... read moreBooked the Cuillin Ridge traverse with synergy guides end of May 2019, this was booked late however we were pleased Steve managed to organise this for us. Our guide, Ben, was very professional and competent, he made us feel safe at all times and was very knowledgeable. All in all a cracking coupe of days! Highly recommended ! read less

Great day out I have met Steve a few times for instruction courses in mountaineering. I am always impressed with his calm and... read moreI have met Steve a few times for instruction courses in mountaineering. I am always impressed with his calm and collected tuition whilst feeling very safe. Every time I have had an awesome experience learning new skills and getting out into stunning locations. Cheers Steve. read less

Last year Steve Holmes skilfully guided me up the Inn Pinn. I was very apprehensive but found him to be... read moreLast year Steve Holmes skilfully guided me up the Inn Pinn. I was very apprehensive but found him to be a calm supportive professional who instilled in me lots of confidence. I had the most amazing day. This year I returned to Steve to scramble on Skye and do Am Bastair, Sgurr nan Gillian and Shurr nan Eag. Again, it was a fantastic weekend despite the weather.
I would highly recommend Steve for any outdoor adventure and will be returning for more challenges and fun in the future. read less

I’ve been waiting to go winter climbing on the Ben for three years. I live in Brighton and have a... read moreI’ve been waiting to go winter climbing on the Ben for three years. I live in Brighton and have a family so my trips north tend to be planned weeks in advance - irrespective of the weather.

I was lucky to get a recommendation from another mountain guide to contact Steve. A gent, a scholar, a great climber and fantastic company.

While I know I can climb ... on warm, south facing, picturesque Italian multi pitch routes I had never climbed in Scotland on a proper winters day.

No messing, went for Gully Number 3 Buttress Direct III 4. Steve gave me the confidence - I knew I could do it.

Six pitches and and piece of p***. The climbing didn’t scare me and nor did the exposure - in fact I loved it - the weather did. As I belayed Steve on the last pitch it started to hail/ spindrift. On my own, Steve 25m above me, out of sight and no verbal contact. My axes, rope and legs up to my thighs covered in deep fresh snow. Did I say I had to climb without my glasses; funnily enough I had perfect vision that day. Felt the 5 nudges in the rope, set off and stormed the last pitch.

Can’t recommend Synergy and Steve enough. My best climbing day so far in 35 years. Looking forward to doing it all again; fingers crossed Green Gully next.

Cheers fella!!! read less

WOW, what a trip!!! I've had a couple of days to reflect on what was a fantastic weekend of winter... read moreWOW, what a trip!!! I've had a couple of days to reflect on what was a fantastic weekend of winter climbing with Steve. I made the journey with a good mate, both of us having similar experience and technical ability. Whilst we wanted to go climbing we had specific objectives of learning on the move and Steve didn't disappoint. I now have a bunch of new skills i can't wait to put into practice. The whole process was very professional and we had a great laugh along the way. I would have no hesitation what-so-ever in recommending Synergy Guides to climbers of any level. read less

Simply Outstanding In short, Steve has taken me from being a keen hill walker to leading Graded scrambles and climbs and doing... read moreIn short, Steve has taken me from being a keen hill walker to leading Graded scrambles and climbs and doing my first Graded Scottish winter routes - something I never thought I would achieve.

Steve is really easy to get on with which is, in my opinion, really important when you are a nervous climber and being introduced to the technical aspects of scrambling and climbing. He is calm and instills confidence in you as you learn the skills and knowledge. Steve took me out of my comfort zone (by agreement) but I never, ever, felt anything but safe. Thanks to Steve I have had some superb adventures including all but one of the Ben Nevis ridges (getting the last one this year), summits on Skye, some great scrambles in Glencoe and climbs in Glen Nevis and I have managed to bag at least two Grade 3 Scottish Winter routes and now have the confidence to lead other folk on routes.

I can't rate Steve highly enough and highly recommend him to anyone wanting to enjoy the great outdoors in Scotland read less

Steve was incredibly knowledgeable and knew just how far to push us within safe limits. We had two wonderful days... read moreSteve was incredibly knowledgeable and knew just how far to push us within safe limits. We had two wonderful days in the mountains and now have a lot more confidence tackling Winter climbs. We also received excellent guidance on kit / diet / route-planning which will be taken forward on future expeditions. I could not recommend Synergy Guides any more highly! read less

If you want cracking day/days out then Steve is your man.His understanding and knowledge of the mountains is second to... read moreIf you want cracking day/days out then Steve is your man.His understanding and knowledge of the mountains is second to none and is always keen to teach many different aspects.
The tick list is there to do but Steve will introduce you to something “off piste”
and take you on that new journey!
I’ll be back for more that’s for sure, testament to his great work. read less

Had a fantastic 2 days climbing with Steve. I chose to keep my booking despite the poor weather and didn’t... read moreHad a fantastic 2 days climbing with Steve. I chose to keep my booking despite the poor weather and didn’t regret it. What I was looking for was to focus more on learning skills and techniques and Steve catered the 2 days to exactly that. Anyone who is serious about learning mountaineering/climbing I highly recommend this place! read less

Well what can I say, everything it says on the tin and more!!!!Two days with Steve on the top 6... read moreWell what can I say, everything it says on the tin and more!!!!Two days with Steve on the top 6 Cuillins in really good weather. Ive had UK guides in the past, climbed with guides in South America, Asia, Africa etc but I must admit this one to one with Synergy was the best Ive experienced. Steve has the ability to quickly pick up your strenghts and weaknesses and then suggest the best routes which were just right to push the envelope without being over demanding or super scary. His knowledge of all things Skye was just vast which led to some stimulating and informative conversation from the local geology to how fast you can get between them all!!I would highly recommend to anybody with what ever experience they may or may not have!! read less

What an awesome day (despite the weather) doing my final 2 Skye munros with Steve!! Very enjoyable with great chat... read moreWhat an awesome day (despite the weather) doing my final 2 Skye munros with Steve!! Very enjoyable with great chat 😃 Highly recommend! read less

We booked a guided tour up the InPinn and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich in the Black Cuillins on the Isle of... read moreWe booked a guided tour up the InPinn and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich in the Black Cuillins on the Isle of Skye with Steve. It was a fantastic experience and we enjoyed ourselves tremendously. Steve is a very competent guide and an engaging and pleasant person. We both had no prior climbing experience and he supported us according to our different abilities, providing both encouragement and challenge at the right level. We can only recommend Synergy Guides to anyone seeking a great day out and would certainly book with them again. read less