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

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

We managed to get a last minute booking for a novice day learning to rock climb in Glen Nevis and... read moreWe managed to get a last minute booking for a novice day learning to rock climb in Glen Nevis and what a day we had! After all the horrible weather we were lucky enough to have the sun shine on us and our guide Steve was exceptional, not only was he patient but we learned so much and have to say, I cannot wait to book another course with him in the near future. Highly recommended. 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a keen hiker and scrambler, the Cuillin Ridge traverse presented an irresistible challenge for me but one which could... read moreAs a keen hiker and scrambler, the Cuillin Ridge traverse presented an irresistible challenge for me but one which could not be taken lightly or tackled solo without a lot more prep. Booking with Synergy guides made the adventure accessible and I had a superb experience. Steve pitched the route perfectly for my ability, and guided us expertly and safely through difficult terrain with few clear paths. I'm already looking forward to my next trip with Steve because I see this as the best way to enjoy more technical treks which are beyond my normal limits. 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

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

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

I attended the winter skills weekend in the Cairngorm with fellow members of my group. Steve was simply fabulous. He... read moreI attended the winter skills weekend in the Cairngorm with fellow members of my group. Steve was simply fabulous. He was very attentative, friendly and explained everything in an understanding way that I never felt unsure of what was being asked of me. I felt safe and secure under his leading skills. This weekend was also so much fun even in the challenging winter conditions that faced us. read less

Totally rad couple of days with Steve and Dave.... climbed Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge route, and the In Pin... read moreTotally rad couple of days with Steve and Dave.... climbed Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge route, and the In Pin in Skye... we had various levels of climbing ability in our team, and Steve made us all feel very 'at home' on the mountain. Keen to up the game with Synergy, and hit some bigger peaks! Send it! 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

Steve Holmes of Synergy Guides is quite a bit more than just your average mountain guide. We had had... read moreSteve Holmes of Synergy Guides is quite a bit more than just your average mountain guide. We had had an amazing winter week climbing varied, interesting and challenging ice, and mixed routes - sometimes in wild conditions! It was like climbing with a friend - who happens to be a badass climber and is also very fun to hang out with! 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

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

Just had an amazing few days scrambling on Am Basteir, Sgurr nan Gillean and Sgurr nan Eag with Steve. If... read moreJust had an amazing few days scrambling on Am Basteir, Sgurr nan Gillean and Sgurr nan Eag with Steve. If you want fun and adventure with a professional, caring and confidence installing guide then Steve is your man only thing to let you down will be the weather and Steve even managed to smile his way through that. read less

So far, had 1 superb day out winter climbing on Ben Nevis with Steve as subsequent days were postponed due... read moreSo far, had 1 superb day out winter climbing on Ben Nevis with Steve as subsequent days were postponed due to poor weather / conditions - he's been very flexible and accomodating. Steve is very strong, highly skilled and very good at looking after clients. Highly recommended. read less

I had a really good day despite the poor weather. We made it up the inaccessible pinnacle and had time... read moreI had a really good day despite the poor weather. We made it up the inaccessible pinnacle and had time for a second munro, getting down before the worst of the rain. Iain gave me lots of tips throughout the day and kept me focused on the task in hand 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

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 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 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 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

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

Had an amazing time bagging the Innaccessible Pinnacle and Sgurr Na Banachdaich a couple of weeks ago with Steve and... read moreHad an amazing time bagging the Innaccessible Pinnacle and Sgurr Na Banachdaich a couple of weeks ago with Steve and Caspar. We had an amazing day for it and they managed to get all 6 of us up and over in one piece (despite a few of us being nervous). I would 100% recommend getting a guide for the Cuillins as they are a completely different beast from the majority of Munros. We'll be back to tick a few more of the list and will definitely be booking with Synergy Guides again! read less

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

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

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

Trekking in Nepal The trek to Lunag Base Camp in a remote corner of the Khumbu set new aspirations for me. I would... read moreThe trek to Lunag Base Camp in a remote corner of the Khumbu set new aspirations for me. I would do it again in a heartbeat; this is the stuff I live for! Thank you for keeping us safe and to the mountains and limitless adventure. 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

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

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

Just one week before we started our trip to Scotland (my wife, our 17 years old son and myself) I... read moreJust one week before we started our trip to Scotland (my wife, our 17 years old son and myself) I tried to get some guides for scrambling / climbing tours on Skye and around Ben Nevis by writing emails. Steve answered nearly immediately with recommendations and possibilities for us (having described our experience so far - climbing yes, scrambling no). That was the first positive point with Steve: extremely easy to communicate - anwers always on the same day giving the needed information etc. So booking procedure & communication before and after to organise the trips: excellent! Trips: for the first day we booked the InPin (Inaccessible Pinaccle Cuillin). At the end of a wonderful day we were able to do An Stac, the Inn Pinn, Sgurr na Banachdaich and Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh there. That was our first scrambling adventure and it was really a great day with Steve. We always felt very safe enjoying his competence, tranquility and joy. It was a wonderful full day of adventure, effort, and fun, so we wanted more scrambling! Being around Ben Nevis (Ballachulish) on the following week we did the Tower Ridge with Rich and we just can say the same again: brilliant communication before for the organisation of the trip, feeling very safe with the competence and tranquility of Rich, having a lot of fun as a group together with Rich and: yes, the Tower Ridge is a great adventure! 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

Have achieved several bucket-list adventures booking with Steve and hope to continue doing so for more. Privileged to have great... read moreHave achieved several bucket-list adventures booking with Steve and hope to continue doing so for more. Privileged to have great friends to experience these with and having Steve feels very similar - reassuring, encouraging, patient and his positive energy is infectious. Would strongly recommend. read less