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 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

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

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

The perfect guide 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

We booked in for a Cuillin traverse. Steve talked us through the expedition, what we'd need, and was sure to... read moreWe booked in for a Cuillin traverse. Steve talked us through the expedition, what we'd need, and was sure to answer any question we had. Our guide for the trip was excellent and very experienced. We both throughly enjoyed the traverse. Highly recommended. 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 were fortunate enough to have Steve take my novice family of four (mum, dad, boys 9 &13) out for... read moreWe were fortunate enough to have Steve take my novice family of four (mum, dad, boys 9 &13) out for a days climbing. Any nerves I had previous to the day were swiftly eased due to Steves professional and calming guidance. The day ran seamlessly from kit being provided to Steves meticulously organised activities for the day. After the days climb it was rounded off with some cliff jumping into a local river, which was the perfect way to cool down after an exhilarating day. Really can not recommend Steve from Synergy Guides enough, due to his extensive knowledge and experience he has managed to create a memorable experience for my family which will be reminisced for years to come! 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

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 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

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

Spent 3 days in the Cullins with Andy from Synergy Guides, awesome time and was certainly put through my paces.... read moreSpent 3 days in the Cullins with Andy from Synergy Guides, awesome time and was certainly put through my paces. They went the extra mile to provide pertinent training on bad weather days and am looking forward to getting back out with them for some winter progression. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yesterday 6 of us tackled the Inn Pinn on Skye with Steve and Casper from Synergy guides. They were totally... read moreYesterday 6 of us tackled the Inn Pinn on Skye with Steve and Casper from Synergy guides. They were totally brilliant and kept us in good humour the whole way. Steve roped me up the Inn Pinn, I was so terrified beforehand but he was so nice and chilled out it really kept me calm(er). Really pleased to have managed it, it was a fantastic day. Steve and Casper are a great laugh too. The Skye munros are tough, we went over another after the Inn Pinn and even with the amazing weather, I was really glad we had the guides for that too as it was tough terrain and it would have been hard to find a safe path without them. I'd really recommend hiring Synergy to guide you in the Cuillins. Thanks guys! 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

We had the most amazing three days on Skye with Steve. He is incredibly knowledgeable and really nice to... read moreWe had the most amazing three days on Skye with Steve. He is incredibly knowledgeable and really nice to spend time with. We highly recommend him. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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