So far, had 1 superb day out winter climbing on Ben Nevis with Steve as subsequent days were postponed due... read moreSo far, had 1 superb day out winter climbing on Ben Nevis with Steve as subsequent days were postponed due to poor weather / conditions - he's been very flexible and accomodating. Steve is very strong, highly skilled and very good at looking after clients. Highly recommended. read less

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

Trekking in Nepal The trek to Lunag Base Camp in a remote corner of the Khumbu set new aspirations for me. I would... read moreThe trek to Lunag Base Camp in a remote corner of the Khumbu set new aspirations for me. I would do it again in a heartbeat; this is the stuff I live for! Thank you for keeping us safe and to the mountains and limitless adventure. read less

Steve was very accommodating to provide mountain guiding to suit our request to climb the Inn Pinn. He took into... read moreSteve was very accommodating to provide mountain guiding to suit our request to climb the Inn Pinn. He took into account the weather conditions and as a result we rearranged the climb (fortunately he was still available later in the week). He was very calm and reassuring and didn’t make us feel under pressure at any time. We had a really enjoyable day in his company and would highly recommend his services. read less

Over the years I've had the pleasure of Steve's guidance covering most areas in the Highlands. Starting from basic scrambling,... read moreOver the years I've had the pleasure of Steve's guidance covering most areas in the Highlands. Starting from basic scrambling, then finding myself climbing more challenging routes such as Hard Severe and Very Severe in a short period of time. His professionalism and tuition techniques are outstanding, with everything explained and shown in a way that is easily taken on board. I can honestly say without Steve's get go attitude, determination and enthusiasm for his job, I would not have reached the standards I met read less

Had a fantastic 2 days climbing with Steve. I chose to keep my booking despite the poor weather and didn’t... read moreHad a fantastic 2 days climbing with Steve. I chose to keep my booking despite the poor weather and didn’t regret it. What I was looking for was to focus more on learning skills and techniques and Steve catered the 2 days to exactly that. Anyone who is serious about learning mountaineering/climbing I highly recommend this place! read less

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

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

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

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 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

l cannot recommend Steve, from Synergy guides highly enough. It was with Steve’s vast experience of Skye that I realised... read morel cannot recommend Steve, from Synergy guides highly enough. It was with Steve’s vast experience of Skye that I realised my goal of completing the Cuillin traverse and he has given me help and confidence in Scottish winter conditions which have been invaluable in enabling me to make the most of various trips to the alps.Steve is understated, clearly very able and experienced in a mountain environment but his aim appears to be to make it possible for his clients to achieve their goals rather than to impress them with his own achievements. He is realistic, grounded and encouraging in helping clients to achieve their dreams and fills you with confidence, enabling you to fullfill your potential. He is very flexible with regard to conditions and offers various alternatives if the weather is not favourable. We have used Steve’s guiding skills on 4 occasions and would now consider him a friend. Very 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

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

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

Our guide Dave was fantastic. From the minute we met he was full of energy and enthusiasm whilst at the... read moreOur guide Dave was fantastic. From the minute we met he was full of energy and enthusiasm whilst at the same time making sure that we were aware of the risks of the walks and that he would be constantly assessing us and the weather.
We did the walk & scramble which for me was a big stretch and Dave was just brilliant with his enthusiasm and constant alertness for our safety.
Cannot recommend him highly enough if you are walking in Glencoe. read less

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 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

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

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

I booked Steve to climb Ben Nevis by the Tower Ridge route & what a day!
I have never been challenged... read moreI booked Steve to climb Ben Nevis by the Tower Ridge route & what a day!
I have never been challenged as much as I was that day & Steve made it all possible.
It was suppose to be a climb under summer conditions but winter was clinging on & Steve found himself instructing a novice in the use of crampons & an axe whilst also guiding me along the route.
He did an impressive job & instilled confidence in myself which allowed me to climb rock in crampons, walk across icy ridges & even climb ice to reach the summit.
Steve is a friendly, calm, positive & encouraging person who is very skilled in mountain arena & I cannot rate Steve enough.

I would highly recommend him for your adventure in the mountains. read less

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

Steve Holmes of Synergy Guides is quite a bit more than just your average mountain guide. We had had... read moreSteve Holmes of Synergy Guides is quite a bit more than just your average mountain guide. We had had an amazing winter week climbing varied, interesting and challenging ice, and mixed routes - sometimes in wild conditions! It was like climbing with a friend - who happens to be a badass climber and is also very fun to hang out with! read less

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

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

The perfect guide 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

Steve 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 less

Had an awesome couple of days crossing a section of the Cullin Ridge including the Inaccessible Pinacle. Slept a night... read moreHad an awesome couple of days crossing a section of the Cullin Ridge including the Inaccessible Pinacle. Slept a night out on the hills in a bivy bag to ensure early start the next day.The guides were great company, had a wealth of experience and kept us safe throughout the trip. The weather could not have been better. A great time had by all. 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

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

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

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

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

Had a fantastic 2 days climbing with Steve. I chose to keep my booking despite the poor weather and didn’t... read moreHad a fantastic 2 days climbing with Steve. I chose to keep my booking despite the poor weather and didn’t regret it. What I was looking for was to focus more on learning skills and techniques and Steve catered the 2 days to exactly that. Anyone who is serious about learning mountaineering/climbing I highly recommend this place! read less

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

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

We had a great day with Steve of Synergy Guides scrambling on Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and then climbing the In... read moreWe had a great day with Steve of Synergy Guides scrambling on Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and then climbing the In Pinn on Sgurr Dearg. Having done most of the Munros I was getting anxious about how I was going to tackle these 2 peaks. Steve made it all possible. He struck the perfect balance between letting us do what we were able to and guiding where necessary. His confidence and capabilities just seem to get transferred to us. Once we had started up the mountain all apprehension seemed to disappear. Steve clearly loves being in the mountains and was good company throughout the day. read less

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

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

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