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

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 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

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

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

Another great trip with Steve from Synergy Guides. The weekend was tailored to suit our ambitions of getting some Skye... read moreAnother great trip with Steve from Synergy Guides. The weekend was tailored to suit our ambitions of getting some Skye hills under our belt, including the Inn Pinn. Climbing and abseiling thrown in too which made for an excellent weekend. Would highly recommend. 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

Steve is a very experienced guy and made our weekend very memorable. I gained valuable training along the way even... read moreSteve is a very experienced guy and made our weekend very memorable. I gained valuable training along the way even though the weather conditions were very challenging Steve made sure we got the training we went for. He is very patient and explains everything very well answering any question and making sure we understood anything explained to us. His knowledge in mountaineering is excellent and I felt very comfortable doing the different challenges he threw at us under his guidance over the weekend. I highly recommend Steve and look forward to using him myself in the future. 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

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

WOW!What a phenomenal experience and adventure with Steve.My cousin booked up with Synergy Guides for myself, him and a friend.... read moreWOW!What a phenomenal experience and adventure with Steve.My cousin booked up with Synergy Guides for myself, him and a friend. The 3 of us climbed Tower Ridge and the In Pinn. I had never climbed before (which I don't condone - put the preparation in!) but the confidence I took from Steve's competence really got me through it.A very calm, approachable, experienced and knowledgable person and guide.I have already recommended him to a few friends and definitely recommend him to anyone reading this. read less

Steve offers a very friendly and professional service. Scottish winters are notoriously fickle but Steve is flexible enough to identify... read moreSteve offers a very friendly and professional service. Scottish winters are notoriously fickle but Steve is flexible enough to identify routes which can challenge your skills and aspirations. He has bags of experience which he is happy to share with you so outings with him are always instructional as well as fun. I've climbed with a few guides and Steve is certainly one of the best. 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Casper, one of Synergy's guides, took me along the Cuillin Ridge traverse. He was excellent and if anyone is looking... read moreCasper, one of Synergy's guides, took me along the Cuillin Ridge traverse. He was excellent and if anyone is looking to do the traverse I'd highly recommend going with Casper if you can. Alongside being a skilled mountaineer, he was also an interesting and insightful person to spend time with, with a great amount of knowledge about the area and its history. I learnt a great deal, felt safe, and had a great trip. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Absolutely fantastic experience climbing with Synergy in Glen Coe for 3 days. Really well planned and executed by our brilliant... read moreAbsolutely fantastic experience climbing with Synergy in Glen Coe for 3 days. Really well planned and executed by our brilliant guide who showed us all the essentials before taking us up some pretty challenging routes, which is what we asked for. Our guide was very experienced and we never felt at risk, and great company. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a winter adventure. 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