SYNERGY GUIDES - MOUNTAINEERING INSTRUCTORS & MOUNTAIN GUIDES SCOTLAND
From the Highlands of Scotland to the remote mountains of the Himalaya, together with Synergy Guides – your adventure starts here.
DARE TO EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE
Here at Synergy Guides, our goal is to deliver a memorable and rewarding adventure in the mountains and to fulfil our guarantee of providing a valuable experience for our customers. Our aim is to make the most of each day and the prevailing conditions to give our participants an experience to remember.
By working together with our experienced team, Synergy Guides will help you create a tailored training course or adventure. This allows us to build our service around you, offering any amount of days over any time period.
All our climbing instructors and mountain guides hold the highest qualifications in the UK, all of them are either qualified Mountaineering Instructors or British Mountain Guides. Highly experienced, we specialise in Winter Climbing, the Cuillin Ridge and Summer Climbing. We are also one of the few British companies to offer Himalayan Expeditions to unclimbed peaks in Nepal and for a few weeks each year, we run mountaineering and climbing courses in the Costa Blanca region of Spain.
Synergy Guides are all active and enthusiastic; some say obsessive, about the outdoors. Amongst our compact team, we have connoisseurs of classic rock climbing, strong winter climbers and mountaineers as well as competitive mountain and fell runners. By joining us for your adventures you can be sure you will be instructed by friendly passionate people who want to be part of YOUR experience.



- The perfect guide 🙂Hero Douglas5/10/2020We 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 lessColette Hinckley10/18/2019What 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 lessLarry Mann9/10/2020
- 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 lessMartin Renfrew7/07/2021Had 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 lessSarah Christen7/22/2021Steve 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 lessPauline Henderson6/30/2016 - 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 lessChristina D11/01/2011So 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 lessMalcolm Smith6/23/2020Over 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 lessJoanne C3/09/2015
- 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 lessJohn Adams6/15/2015I 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 lessBeth Norman5/21/2019Had 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 lessDamo G12/12/2019 - 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 lessKathryn Gaffney6/21/2019Awesome ! We had Steve guiding us for the day tackling In Pinn . Steve was first class - informative,... read moreAwesome ! We had Steve guiding us for the day tackling In Pinn . Steve was first class - informative, helpful, attentive and on top of all that just a really nice guy. Made for a terrific day out. Would definitely recommend Synergy Guides. read lessAllan Sumner9/05/2022WOW, 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 lessVal's life official1/31/2020
- 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 lessm h8/22/2021have 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 lessAndy6/01/2017What an awesome day (despite the weather) doing my final 2 Skye munros with Steve!! Very enjoyable with great chat... read moreWhat an awesome day (despite the weather) doing my final 2 Skye munros with Steve!! Very enjoyable with great chat 😃 Highly recommend! read lesskatie wilson7/05/2022
- 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 lessEmma McCahill8/30/2020As 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 lessTony Spencer9/01/2020Great experience climbing Inn Pinn with Steve. He made us all feel immediately comfortable with the trek ahead of us... read moreGreat experience climbing Inn Pinn with Steve. He made us all feel immediately comfortable with the trek ahead of us and took us via a route which included some fantastic scrambling to help us get used to the rocks prior to attempting the Pinn. The highlight of the trek was Steve allowing me to climb back up Inn Pinn after the first abseil.... and do it all again. Brilliant! Very calm and encouraging throughout and wouldn't hesitate to book another climb with him. Thank you Steve. read lessDaljit9/05/2022
- 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 lessChris Godfrey2/05/2020I 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 lessMarie Skinner5/24/2015We were guided expertly by Tom. A great lad, with a wicked sense of humour, fantastic knowledge and really good... read moreWe were guided expertly by Tom. A great lad, with a wicked sense of humour, fantastic knowledge and really good coach. Lis and I got up the dark side of Ben Nevis and even the sun came out for us. We even managed an eventful decent, but that’s another story. The second day was just as much fun covering trad climbing and ice wall climbing. Great stuff. Thoroughly recommended. read lessJames Dempster4/05/2022 - 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 lessJenny Henderson1/19/2016We 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 lessEleanor Ingman9/21/2019Steve was a fantastic! All the 5.0 star reviews speak for themselves. He was an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, while... read moreSteve was a fantastic! All the 5.0 star reviews speak for themselves. He was an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, while still being accommodating to our slightly “unfit” needs. We’ll be back for sure! read lessMark Atkinson4/05/2022
- 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 lessJohn McKay10/26/2019Another 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 lessJenny Henderson6/01/2016Steve 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 lessPaul Bartlett3/27/2020
- 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 lessJoanne Connolly7/25/2021Well 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 lessDavid Welch5/04/2021Synergy 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 lessGrace OKeeffe8/07/2020
- Had an amazing time with Steve & Synergy Guides climbing some classic Scottish Winter Routes. Steve was an excellent guide... read moreHad an amazing time with Steve & Synergy Guides climbing some classic Scottish Winter Routes. Steve was an excellent guide — imparting wisdom and skills while also making sure we had a lot of fun getting classic routes done. His flexibility around rest days (and photography skills!) were also much appreciated. read lessRyan Kennedy4/05/2022We 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 lessdanny mitchell7/26/2021Steve 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 lessStuart Flannigan6/21/2019
- 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 lessChris H5/21/2019WOW!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 lessScott Jeffrey9/21/2019Steve was great at teaching and showing us all we needed for getting through our climbs! Would highly recommend for... read moreSteve was great at teaching and showing us all we needed for getting through our climbs! Would highly recommend for anyone to check him out if needing a guide as he can do it all from showing you your equipment to how to traverse terrain and navigate. Would use for future climbs again! read lessmarkforsythhh9/05/2022
- 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 lessJohn Adams5/21/2019Outstanding 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 lessAlan Murray6/22/2021I 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 lessHeather Nicoll1/19/2016
- 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 lessCatherine McCutcheon4/21/2019I recently completed the Cuillin ridge traverse with Steve from Synergy Guides as my guide. Absolutely fantastic experience! From beginning... read moreI recently completed the Cuillin ridge traverse with Steve from Synergy Guides as my guide. Absolutely fantastic experience! From beginning to end, Steve looked after me and did a great job keeping me safe. Throughout the trip I was regularly updated with useful information, and given helpful tips and tricks to maximise the journey experience. Steve is about as sound as it gets, and has a wealth of experience to draw on. Would 100% use Synergy again. Thanks for a great traverse! read lessAlex Stamford8/05/2022Steve 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 lessFinn Millard3/26/2020