SYNERGY GUIDES - MOUNTAINEERING INSTRUCTORS & MOUNTAIN GUIDES SCOTLAND
From the Highlands of Scotland to the remote mountains of the Himalaya, together with Synergy Guides ā 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.



- Brilliant guide. Need a Mountain guide then make sure you use Synergy Guides, Steve is a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable... read moreBrilliant guide. Need a Mountain guide then make sure you use Synergy Guides, Steve is a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable and he makes sure that you get the best experience possible, my wife and I used Steve to complete the Skye Munros. Steve gave us a couple of days we will never forget. Very friendly, expert climber. Very highly recommended. Book with Synergy Guides you will not regret it. read lessGraeme McPhee9/14/2023Excellent couple of days on the Cuillin, highly recommend Synergy Guides and Steve. Great knowledge and interesting routes, giving me... read moreExcellent couple of days on the Cuillin, highly recommend Synergy Guides and Steve. Great knowledge and interesting routes, giving me a good challenge. Achieved one of my goals of climbing the Inn Pinn. Thanks Steve. read lessEd Chinnock9/09/2023I did my first ever scramble with Steve last week, across the Aonach Eagach ridge, and it was an amazing... read moreI did my first ever scramble with Steve last week, across the Aonach Eagach ridge, and it was an amazing experience. I was quite apprehensive, mainly because I didn't know what to expect, but Steve put me at ease throughout the hike and gave me confidence in my own skill. He gave me clear instructions and explained why we were doing what we were doing as well. I felt like I was in good hands all the way and that I could 100% trust Steve's skill and experience. He's also really easy to talk to (which is a good thing when you're spending 8 hours together) and has lots of good recommendations and a wealth of knowledge; and despite his being far more experienced and fitter than me, it didn't feel like it was a big deal, in fact I'm grateful for the challenge. I highly recommend Synergy Guides and am already thinking about the next scrambling/mountaineering challenge I can get roped into š read lessJulia9/04/2023
- Zero regrets in booking with Steve for a day on Skye and the Inaccessible Pinnacle! Communication was great from the... read moreZero regrets in booking with Steve for a day on Skye and the Inaccessible Pinnacle! Communication was great from the initial enquiry email and all arrangements were clear. Really great day out, lots of interesting knowledge from Steve along the way and a successful climb and abseil of the pinnacle. Would not hesitate to book with Synergy Guides again! read lessMegan Baxter9/04/2023Just had the best two days completing the Skye ridge traverse with Steve! Could not recommend Steve and Synergy Guides... read moreJust had the best two days completing the Skye ridge traverse with Steve! Could not recommend Steve and Synergy Guides enough. Not only was Steve great company, he was extremely knowledgeable and encouraging! He really takes into consideration his clients as he chose a route he thought would be exciting for us and kept us up to date on weather / conditions / plans beforehand! We will absolutely be completing other hikes / climbs with Synergy Guides going forward! read lessBethan9/04/2023My partner and I were guided up Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe by Andy and we honestly could not have... read moreMy partner and I were guided up Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe by Andy and we honestly could not have had a better guided experience. Andy was super knowledgeable, a really friendly and interesting guy, we felt well looked after, and most importantly we had an awesome unforgettable adventure. Will definitely be booking with Synergy Guides again š read lessLegendaddy8/05/2023
- This was my first time using a mountain guide and what a fantastic and unforgettable experience it was! Synergy Guides... read moreThis was my first time using a mountain guide and what a fantastic and unforgettable experience it was! Synergy Guides listened carefully to what I hoped to achieve during my time on Skye and Steve used his fantastic mountaineering and meteorological expertise, plus his extensive and detailed knowledge of The Ridge, to work out a way in which it could happen safely during the less than favourable weather conditions of two āsummer daysā on the misty isle. I felt safe and secure throughout but the highest compliment I can pay is that despite the gulf in experience between us, it never once felt like anything other than a fun couple of days out in the mountains with a mate and that we were a team exploring together. I would 100% recommend Steve and Synergy Guides to help you make the most of your time in the mountains and I look forward to further adventures in the future. read lessJ Fletcher8/05/2023Done our last 3 Cuillin Munros today.Guided onces again by Steve Holmes.. Great company and expert knowledge of this range..... read moreDone our last 3 Cuillin Munros today.Guided onces again by Steve Holmes.. Great company and expert knowledge of this range.. Can highly recommend Synergy Guides Ltd to anyone needing a guided service.. Thanks again Steve.. Craig & Karen read lessCRAIG BALMBRA8/05/2023My best day on the hills. I used Steve to help guide me across skyes cuillin ridge on a... read moreMy best day on the hills. I used Steve to help guide me across skyes cuillin ridge on a single day traverse. What to say, well for starters Steve his highly accommodating in regards to finding a date and time that works for you, as the date approaches he keeps you informed of how the weather is looking and provides numerous different options for you to get the best experience out of the days you have available and the weather situation. While on the hills itself I felt totally safe at all times but it was also good that he encouraged me to push my comfort levels and complete certain parts of the route I never thought I'd be capable of even though this would make his day longer it didn't seem to matter and he was happy to just make sure you got the best experience possible. This just added to the sense of accomplishment. His knowledge of the cuillin ridge is superb, whether it be how the mountains are formed, where to find water or what rocks to trust and what ones to avoid. I would definitely use Steve again and if you want a safe and exciting day on the ridge I cant recommend him enough. read lessdavid hutchison7/28/2023
- Steve is an exceptionally knowledgeable guide. He knows every inch of the Cuillins and that gave me great reassurance. He... read moreSteve is an exceptionally knowledgeable guide. He knows every inch of the Cuillins and that gave me great reassurance. He takes safety extremely seriously so you never feel at risk, and yet has an easy calm manner and always puts his clients interests first. I would highly recommend him. read lessCharles W6/30/2023Synergy Guides are outstanding. Iāve used them twice now and theyāre really professional, friendly and excellent guides. Andy and Steve... read moreSynergy Guides are outstanding. Iāve used them twice now and theyāre really professional, friendly and excellent guides. Andy and Steve in particular are superb. They go at your pace, make sure youāre doing ok with the technical aspects of climbing and give constant reassurance and encouragement. My recent complete Cuillin ridge traverse was a success because of these guys. I strongly recommend using them. Thanks guys for the great adventure! read lessDave Rice6/30/2023What an absolutely brilliant experience climbing the Inn Pinn. Steve was a tremendous guide and you could tell right away... read moreWhat an absolutely brilliant experience climbing the Inn Pinn. Steve was a tremendous guide and you could tell right away a complete professional. From the communication and organization before hand to the safety and practical side of the climb itself I always felt safe and confident. As well as his climbing experience Steve also has a wealth of knowledge about the Cuillins and Skye itself advising on other walks and climbs. It's not just his experience that is so good he is just a really nice guy. If you are looking for a guide give Steve a message. I hope to return for some more Cuillin adventures with Steve in the future. read lessBilly Craig6/30/2023
- Steve was the perfect guide for us. He was efficient before our Cuillin ridge traverse, professional and his technical ability... read moreSteve was the perfect guide for us. He was efficient before our Cuillin ridge traverse, professional and his technical ability meant we were able to move with no fuss but completely safely. He was a good companion, good to spend time with but also interersted in us. I would genuinely reccomend him to anyone. read lessRichard Sadler5/31/2023Hi Steve, Hope all is well! Just a quick email to say thanks so much for setting up my B.Nevis... read moreHi Steve, Hope all is well! Just a quick email to say thanks so much for setting up my B.Nevis birthday ascent yesterday! Iain is a superb guide - very relaxed, knowledgeable & of course with great experience too! Iād have never been able to do Ledge Route without such a guide! Many thanks againš Matt. read lessMatthew Dickie5/31/2023Had an epic 3 days ticking off the Cuillin Munros with Steve. Would highly recommend Synergy guides for anyone looking... read moreHad an epic 3 days ticking off the Cuillin Munros with Steve. Would highly recommend Synergy guides for anyone looking to get out and experience Climbing and mountaineering in the highlands. read lessscott clarence5/31/2023
- Amazing 2 days with Steve on Black Cuillin. I was meant to do the traverse, but because of the weather... read moreAmazing 2 days with Steve on Black Cuillin. I was meant to do the traverse, but because of the weather we decided to split it into 2 days, 8 + 3, which we did. Can't recommend enough. Steve knows every rock, every route, every path, every hold. I felt very safe and sound and every my question was answered. Honestly, wonderful time on Skye. read lesspaweÅ powszek5/08/2023Massive thanks to Steve and Synergy Guides for the wonderful winter climb adventure on Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis. It was... read moreMassive thanks to Steve and Synergy Guides for the wonderful winter climb adventure on Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis. It was an unforgettable experience and I felt in very safe hands from start to finish. Steve is a superb guide and has all the right human qualities to make sure you get the very best out of the day. It was challenging, fun, action packed and rewarding. Looking forward to the next adventure with Synergy Guides. read lessLucy Gilchrist4/09/2023Great day with Steve on Ben Nevis Ledge Route. Steve inspires confidence with his quiet methodical approach and friendly manner.... read moreGreat day with Steve on Ben Nevis Ledge Route. Steve inspires confidence with his quiet methodical approach and friendly manner. One of the best days Iāve had on a mountain, did the route I wanted to do with no fuss or bother in good time. Steve is very attentive and will pick you up on any mistakes in a friendly way so I had absolute confidence in him, I havenāt climbed like this for over 20 years so having that confidence was very important to me. He also gave me great advice about my next days route when I would be climbing solo. read lessJohn Savage3/31/2023
- Amazing 4 days with Tom, who was unbelievably patient, professional, encouraging and great fun to be with. Whilst the weather... read moreAmazing 4 days with Tom, who was unbelievably patient, professional, encouraging and great fun to be with. Whilst the weather could have been better, I thoroughly enjoyed my first ever winter mountain adventures. Would recommend Synergy Guides to anyone who fancies a tough but exhilarating challenge. read lessKaren Galvin3/09/2023Fantastic experience. We booked 3 days with synergy guides and both guides were fantastic. They were well experienced and got... read moreFantastic experience. We booked 3 days with synergy guides and both guides were fantastic. They were well experienced and got us out onto some great routes in a safe and fun way. They knew which routes were in condition and were able to quickly switch options to suit the weather and avalanche risks. we will be booking with them again! read lessClaire Bear2/09/2023Myself and my friend had our first proper winter climbing experience with Steve and this has given us the confidence... read moreMyself and my friend had our first proper winter climbing experience with Steve and this has given us the confidence to climb the mountains in the winter safely. He was fantastic and full of knowledge, we learned everything About the basics of winter climbing into every fine detail. We were made aware about the seriousness of avalanche risk and what to look out for and how to check the condition of the snow and also how to decide beforehand what mountains are safest. We then got roped up and climbed the Dorsal arĆŖte and Iāve never had such a buzz from the mountains so far. We were also provided with every piece of equipment required! On top of everything, heās a class guy which obviously made the 6-7 hours trip even better that we were able to enjoy every moment of the day. read lessJack Allan2/09/2023
- Went on a winter climbing trip in januari 2023. Communication on where to go and when and where to meet... read moreWent on a winter climbing trip in januari 2023. Communication on where to go and when and where to meet was verry clear. With verry tricky, avalance prone conditions we were still able to do some great technical routes that were in good condition. The guides have extensive knowledge on the routes and the conditions so even if weather was quite bad we still had great days of climbing. I would highly recomend hireing a guide for winter alpinism as weather is tricky with changing conditions on routes and verry bad visibility most of the time. I would defenatly book with synergy guides again when i have the possibility to go climbing in Schotland. read lessBart S2/09/2023We had a great day climbing Sgurr Dearg and The In Pinn with Steve on a wet and windy day.... read moreWe had a great day climbing Sgurr Dearg and The In Pinn with Steve on a wet and windy day. Communication and information before the trip was excellent. Steve has a quiet calmness about him which makes you feel safe at all times. It was like walking with a good friend. He was friendly and chatty and has years of experience in the hills. He inspired confidence in us and was very patient with 2 climbing novices. We are already planning future trips and hope Steve will be available to guide us. read lessFiona Dickson9/28/2022Steve 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
- Highly recommend Synergy Guides for anyone needing a guide. Steve was very accommodating and allowed us to pick another date... read moreHighly recommend Synergy Guides for anyone needing a guide. Steve was very accommodating and allowed us to pick another date when our original date was really wet. On the day, Iain was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot along the way. read lessSelina Jia9/05/2022Awesome ! 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 Sumner9/05/2022Andy was a fantastic guide and allowed us to make the most of the day despite the weather! Would recommend šHayaat Karim9/05/2022
- Superb guidance and leadership from Steve on the Inaccessible Pinnacle in Skye. Clear and concise instructions provided. Really helped to... read moreSuperb guidance and leadership from Steve on the Inaccessible Pinnacle in Skye. Clear and concise instructions provided. Really helped to allay any anxiety that I did have beforehand. An all round epic day. read lessH Phull9/05/2022Great 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 lessDaljit9/05/2022Canāt thank Steve enough for taking me and my friend out to complete the 11 Munroās along the Cuillin Ridge... read moreCanāt thank Steve enough for taking me and my friend out to complete the 11 Munroās along the Cuillin Ridge last week. Had an amazing experience and it was a very educative experience as well! Iāll definitely use synergy again in the future 𤩠read lessEmma Franks9/05/2022
- I 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 was an excellent guide for our group of three. All of us experienced hill walkers but no rope... read moreSteve Holmes was an excellent guide for our group of three. All of us experienced hill walkers but no rope and harness training. Steve is hands off, letting us find our own pace and lines, but at the same time a reassuring, expert presence. Above all good fun to be with and happy to talk about football and food! Four more Munros ticked. All amazing. We'll be booking again for next year if he can stand us! read lessJosephine Irwin7/05/2022We have just had an amazing 2 days with Steve on the Cuillin ridge in rain and cloud. Discrete leadership,... read moreWe have just had an amazing 2 days with Steve on the Cuillin ridge in rain and cloud. Discrete leadership, encouraging and lots of great conversation. I feel inspired for more challenges and building fitness, and look forward to working with Steve again. read lessDelyth Richards7/05/2022
- We booked a guided tour up the InPinn and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich in the Black Cuillins on the Isle of... read moreWe booked a guided tour up the InPinn and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich in the Black Cuillins on the Isle of Skye with Steve. It was a fantastic experience and we enjoyed ourselves tremendously. Steve is a very competent guide and an engaging and pleasant person. We both had no prior climbing experience and he supported us according to our different abilities, providing both encouragement and challenge at the right level. We can only recommend Synergy Guides to anyone seeking a great day out and would certainly book with them again. read lessNils Kronenberg7/05/2022What 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 š Highly recommend! read lesskatie wilson7/05/2022To Andy and Steve, a massive thank you for an excellent scramble up my first Skye munro. With lots of... read moreTo Andy and Steve, a massive thank you for an excellent scramble up my first Skye munro. With lots of encouragement and professionalism I felt safe and enjoyed the jaunt up Sgurr Mhic Choinnich despite rubbish weather. Look forward to some adventures with these great guides. read lessPat Baker6/05/2022
- My partner and I recently attended a two scrambling course with Andy. We had an absolutely incredible couple of days.... read moreMy partner and I recently attended a two scrambling course with Andy. We had an absolutely incredible couple of days. Andy is extremely knowledgeable. He made us feel safe, yet pushed us to challenge our abilities. Communication with Steve and Andy was excellent and their guiding is great value for money. read lessNadine Meaklim6/05/2022Had 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 ā 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 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 thatās 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
- Steve 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 āunfitā needs. Weāll be back for sure! read lessMark Atkinson4/05/2022Just had 3 days in the Cuillin with Steve Holmes.Absolutely professional from first contact and throughout the 3 days. He... read moreJust had 3 days in the Cuillin with Steve Holmes.Absolutely professional from first contact and throughout the 3 days. He enabled me to get up 8 Munros in the time we had. Enough instruction as required for the situations we were in. Gave me the confidence to tackle the Inn Pin and made the whole experience memorable.Good conversation and company too. read lessSteve Bicknell9/17/2021Cracking 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 h8/22/2021
- 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 āeasy, hillwalking bitsā of the Cuillins, I admit to having underestimated the true mountaineering nature of the full ridge, which needs full respect. Steve prepād 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 lessJon Morrish8/22/2021We 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 lessPeter Vickers7/28/2021We 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 mitchell7/26/2021


