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

Just used Steve from Synergy Guides to complete a winter route on Ben Nevis. We climbed No.3 Gully Buttress Direct,... read moreJust used Steve from Synergy Guides to complete a winter route on Ben Nevis. We climbed No.3 Gully Buttress Direct, was a fantastic experience and one I'll remember forever.I have used Steve as a guide before on a few occasions now and his knowledge is second to none. He is very professional, enthusiastic climber and knows how to give you a memorable outing. Everything is planned out very well, directions on the climb are clear and easily understood. Awesome experience and will definitely use Synergy again.........already booked another climb in June! 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

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

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

We completed the Cuillins with Steve, and had an amazing time. He is a great friendly guide, and knows... read moreWe completed the Cuillins with Steve, and had an amazing time. He is a great friendly guide, and knows the mountains and his craft so well, that we felt really comfortable up in the mountains. I'd definitely book further climbing days with Synergy, and cannot recommend them highly enough. 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

Our guide Dave was fantastic. From the minute we met he was full of energy and enthusiasm whilst at the... read moreOur guide Dave was fantastic. From the minute we met he was full of energy and enthusiasm whilst at the same time making sure that we were aware of the risks of the walks and that he would be constantly assessing us and the weather.
We did the walk & scramble which for me was a big stretch and Dave was just brilliant with his enthusiasm and constant alertness for our safety.
Cannot recommend him highly enough if you are walking in Glencoe. 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

I booked Steve to guide me on some walking / scrambling in the Cuillins and couldn't have asked for a... read moreI booked Steve to guide me on some walking / scrambling in the Cuillins and couldn't have asked for a better guide. I would thoroughly recommend him from anything for an introduction to scrambling to completion of the full Cuillin Traverse. He is extremely competent, very experienced and great company. An awesome couple of days 🙂 read less

I have done a couple of trips with Steve now. Last year was a weeks scrambling in Glen Coe culminating... read moreI have done a couple of trips with Steve now. Last year was a weeks scrambling in Glen Coe culminating in ascending the north face of Ben Nevis. Earlier this year we did a 2 day traverse of the Black Cuillins in Skye. Both trips were amazing experiences that took me beyond what I thought I could do. Steve's experience, guidance and calmness gave me the confidence to complete these adventures. Not only that he is great company and very easy to spend time with. Very highly recommended. 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

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

have worked with a number of guides in the area and Dave was definitely one of the best. He assessed... read morehave worked with a number of guides in the area and Dave was definitely one of the best. He assessed our team very effectively during the ascent and made sure that we all had an enjoyable and safe traverse of this spectacular ridge. The weather was not ideal but having seen the team on the hill for a couple of hours Dave made the right call and we were rewarded with a memorable day. His leadership and mountain skills were excellent and he went over and above the call of duty by chatting with us for 1/2 hour after the route was completed about other routes we might like to do on this and subsequent trips. read less

Excellent guide (Tom) highly recommend them imparted lots of mountain techniques & knowledge. Extremely knowledgeable in the Cuillin helped me... read moreExcellent guide (Tom) highly recommend them imparted lots of mountain techniques & knowledge. Extremely knowledgeable in the Cuillin helped me complete all Munro's on Skye had 3 excellent days scrambling (climbing Inn Pin) especially on Clach glad & Bla Bheinn . Excellent Thanks Tom and Steve GREAT A1111111. read less

Initially we booked Steve for a friend's 40th to do a climb in Skye. We enjoyed the experience so much... read moreInitially we booked Steve for a friend's 40th to do a climb in Skye. We enjoyed the experience so much it's become an annual outting.No matter what we want to do Steve will guide us through it. He has helped progress our skills and not only is the general experience great , he will take the time to teach us and build up our abilities while out there. Skills that we can use on our own.Highly recommend synergy guides! read less

We had a fantastic day out with Steve. My husband and I are both beginners and wanted a route that... read moreWe had a fantastic day out with Steve. My husband and I are both beginners and wanted a route that was challenging but enjoyable. Steve chose a fantastic route (curved ridge) which suited our ability and he taught us lots along the way.
We 100% recommend Steve! 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

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

I booked Steve to climb Ben Nevis by the Tower Ridge route & what a day!
I have never been challenged... read moreI booked Steve to climb Ben Nevis by the Tower Ridge route & what a day!
I have never been challenged as much as I was that day & Steve made it all possible.
It was suppose to be a climb under summer conditions but winter was clinging on & Steve found himself instructing a novice in the use of crampons & an axe whilst also guiding me along the route.
He did an impressive job & instilled confidence in myself which allowed me to climb rock in crampons, walk across icy ridges & even climb ice to reach the summit.
Steve is a friendly, calm, positive & encouraging person who is very skilled in mountain arena & I cannot rate Steve enough.

I would highly recommend him for your adventure in the mountains. 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

Great experience with Steve & Ian doing Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh. They were very patient with us in testing conditions. Would... read moreGreat experience with Steve & Ian doing Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh. They were very patient with us in testing conditions. Would highly recommend. 😊 read less

What a great weekend with a great instructor. Thanks Steve! Steve went out of his way to accommodate everyone in... read moreWhat a great weekend with a great instructor. Thanks Steve! Steve went out of his way to accommodate everyone in the group and make sure their needs were met so we could all get the most out of the weekend. I for one took a great deal away from it and look forward to putting my new found skills into practice! read less

I have been out with Steve from synergy guides a few times now and there is a reason I keep... read moreI have been out with Steve from synergy guides a few times now and there is a reason I keep going back. Steve's knowledge and experience means that you feel completely comfortable and safe for your entire journey. Steve is very patient and easy to get along with. Steve recently pushed me a little out my comfort zone which is exactly what I needed to grow and develop as a climber and I am definitely now feeling a lot more confident when it comes to trad climbing thanks to him. That being said there is never any pressure to do something you don't want to and Steve always takes the aspirations of the individuals/groups on board to ensure he provides you with the best experience possible and help you to reach your goals or just have fun!! I will definitely be using synergy guides again in the future. 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

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

I've just returned from 3 days performance climbing with Synergy Guides and the experience was just sensational. The guides... read moreI've just returned from 3 days performance climbing with Synergy Guides and the experience was just sensational. The guides are so knowledgeable and always seem to get you to the best routes on the mountain. Steve Holmes was my guide over the 3 days and he was not only great company, but he introduce me to some superb terrain and developed my skills that will benefit me for years to come.I'm looking forward to planning my next trip later this season and will definitely be rebooking with Synergy Guides. 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

Expedition to Nepal I thought the whole pre-expedition planning was excellent. The food was better than expected and none of us got any... read moreI thought the whole pre-expedition planning was excellent. The food was better than expected and none of us got any kind of stomach bug or illness much to the credit of the in-country staff. The whole Expedition was extremely well organised from start to finish, it went way beyond my expectations. read less

Had an absolutely incredible time climbing Tower Ridge with Synergy Guides. Steve is an extremely knowledgeable guide and a truly... read moreHad an absolutely incredible time climbing Tower Ridge with Synergy Guides. Steve is an extremely knowledgeable guide and a truly accomplished climber. Tower Ridge itself was a stunning and fun route on the iconic Ben Nevis. Steve made it easy to achieve a real adventure in Scotland just a day after arriving from the U.S. without needing to bring any gear. I'd absolutely recommend Synergy if you're interested in getting into the mountains in Scotland and I look forward to some more climbing with Steve and Synergy in the future! read less

Had a brilliant day in Glencoe, was a great introduction to some proper rock climbing and would definitely come back... read moreHad a brilliant day in Glencoe, was a great introduction to some proper rock climbing and would definitely come back again for more. 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

A massive thank you to Steve. We had a great day on Skye doing the Lagan round and with the... read moreA massive thank you to Steve. We had a great day on Skye doing the Lagan round and with the added bonus of completing my final Munros on the Cuillin. We'd planned this round with Steve, as it's a 'tricky trio' to say the least. Although the weather was making the going quite tricky, Steve guided us perfectly and kept us well within our comfort zones. We achieved all our goals with ease, despite the weather's best attempts. I have total confidence in recommending Steve as a guide and look forward to working with him again in the future. Thanks again. read less

A great day on the Aaonach Eagach with Rich. Expert guiding throughout-it made what could be intimidating ridge a great... read moreA great day on the Aaonach Eagach with Rich. Expert guiding throughout-it made what could be intimidating ridge a great fun day out. Thanks! 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

This was my first adventure with Steve. He was absolutely amazing start to finish. I was mainly learning to lead... read moreThis was my first adventure with Steve. He was absolutely amazing start to finish. I was mainly learning to lead trad climbing with some other useful climbing techniques and tips thrown in. He was very patient and was by my side the entire route while leading, answering questions and suggesting places to place gear. Look forward to the next adventure. Thanks Steve. 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

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

Over the years I've had the pleasure of Steve's guidance covering most areas in the Highlands. Starting from basic scrambling,... read moreOver the years I've had the pleasure of Steve's guidance covering most areas in the Highlands. Starting from basic scrambling, then finding myself climbing more challenging routes such as Hard Severe and Very Severe in a short period of time. His professionalism and tuition techniques are outstanding, with everything explained and shown in a way that is easily taken on board. I can honestly say without Steve's get go attitude, determination and enthusiasm for his job, I would not have reached the standards I met read less

What a great day out this was in the company of a really good guide, From the initial booking to... read moreWhat a great day out this was in the company of a really good guide, From the initial booking to coming off the mountain at the end of the day, everything went so well. Highly recommended 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

I had a couple of days of private guiding last week with Steve from Synergy Guides. Ice climbing conditions were... read moreI had a couple of days of private guiding last week with Steve from Synergy Guides. Ice climbing conditions were not great so we had a day at Polldubh rock climbing and an indoor instruction session at the Ice Factor. At Polldubh the crags were just drying and Steve was able to choose a selection of routes to suit my level which were in condition. The highlight was Secretaries Direct, superb slab climbing. I have climbed with Steve several times before and always found him to be a safe and reliable guide who helps me get the best out of my climbing. Highly recommended. read less

I spent two fantastic days with Steve and enjoyed every minute. The weather wasn’t on our side but Steve made... read moreI spent two fantastic days with Steve and enjoyed every minute. The weather wasn’t on our side but Steve made sure we made the most of it and tailored our experience to suit the conditions. Clearly a professional in his field and a genuinely nice guy. If you’re a budding or experienced climber, I would highly recommend Synergy guides for a fantastic experience whatever the weather. read less

The perfect guide 🙂

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