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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brilliant few days with Synergy Guides! Booked 2 days to try and tackle some of the harder Cuillins during my... read moreBrilliant few days with Synergy Guides! Booked 2 days to try and tackle some of the harder Cuillins during my Munro Round. Iain was great and quickly adapted the days to suit my skill level resulting in my best two Scottish mountain days. Excellent experience and will definitely use them in future! 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

Outstanding day on the Cuillin ridge with Tom, who was very professional, friendly and instructive. We could not have done... read moreOutstanding day on the Cuillin ridge with Tom, who was very professional, friendly and instructive. We could not have done anything close to the trip we did with Tom on our own! Learned a ton of new things and picked up some really good tips, including the "lazy mountaineer" concept of setting a slow, steady but continuous pace. The climbing gear provided was excellent and Tom's knowledge of the ridge was very good. Excellent comms through the whole booking process with Steve, who squeezed us in at short notice. We'll definitely be using Synergy Guides on our next trip to Skye. 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

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

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

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

Excellent guiding company. I have done Curved Ridge and some Skye stuff with Synergy and always felt really safe... read moreExcellent guiding company. I have done Curved Ridge and some Skye stuff with Synergy and always felt really safe and comfortable with them. Thanks Steve and team. 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 climbed the Cuillin Traverse. Our guide Iain Murray was a friendly experienced hand, who lead us safely through a... read moreWe climbed the Cuillin Traverse. Our guide Iain Murray was a friendly experienced hand, who lead us safely through a fantastic experience. Steve Holmes prepared us perfectly for the expedition, providing advice and guidance before we set off. Highly recommended. 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Did the Innaccessible Pinnacle and Sgurr Na Banachdaich yesterday with Steve and Casper. We had an amazing day for it,... read moreDid the Innaccessible Pinnacle and Sgurr Na Banachdaich yesterday with Steve and Casper. We had an amazing day for it, they managed to get all 6 of us up and over in one piece (despite a few of us being a little nervous) and I'm so glad that we decided to book Synergy as guides. I was probably a little guilty of thinking the exposure and need for a guide on the Skye Munros was a little exaggerated having done a few other exposed Munros. But I would 100% recommend getting a guide for Inn Pinnn and some of the other Cullins. We'll be back to tick a few more of the list and will definitely be booking with Synergy 🙌 read less

The perfect guide 🙂

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

Cracking day out with on Skye with Steve. Very knowledgeable about the area and geology etc. Made me feel comfortable... read moreCracking day out with on Skye with Steve. Very knowledgeable about the area and geology etc. Made me feel comfortable and confidant even tho I was a little nervous about down climbing etc. Will 100% book again when next in the area. Definatly recommend. Thanks 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

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