Skye High Big thanks to West Coast Mountain Guides for getting my Canadian visitors and myself up the Cuillins and up, over and back down the inaccessible pinnacle. Our guide Josh inspired confidence every step of the way. Getting us out of our comfort zones whilst taking in some of the most jaw dropping scenery made for a fantastic adventure!

Very reassuring guide We spent two days with Ken on Skye including Sgurr nan Gillian and Am Basteir together. It was challenging at times not helped by very wet weather at the start of both days but Ken made sure the group were kept confident and safe. Highly recommended.

So much more than simply showing us the way. Twice I've now been on the Cuillin ridge & used Ken & the guys from West Coast. Their knowledge of the ridge is excellent & they make sure routes chosen are suitable for the group. Their attention to everyone's safety is a priority & although on some pretty exposed areas, I never felt unsafe. They also considered each days weather & chose our days route accordingly.
I would have no hesitation... read moreTwice I've now been on the Cuillin ridge & used Ken & the guys from West Coast. Their knowledge of the ridge is excellent & they make sure routes chosen are suitable for the group. Their attention to everyone's safety is a priority & although on some pretty exposed areas, I never felt unsafe. They also considered each days weather & chose our days route accordingly.
I would have no hesitation in recommending these guys & shall use them again next time I'm on the ridge. read less

Traversing the Cuillin ridge My husband and I were thinking about the Cuillin ridge traverse for a year and decided to finally give it a go. We looked into it and quickly realised that it might be quiet tricky so to increase our chances of success we booked it with West cost Mountain guides. And we were absolutely delighted when Ken contacted us to let us know that he found a guide for us.... read moreMy husband and I were thinking about the Cuillin ridge traverse for a year and decided to finally give it a go. We looked into it and quickly realised that it might be quiet tricky so to increase our chances of success we booked it with West cost Mountain guides. And we were absolutely delighted when Ken contacted us to let us know that he found a guide for us. The contact with Ken and Andy, our guide, was absolutely brilliant. So well prepared we started the ridge with Andy in the morning with a windy but dry weather forecast. Andy was absolutely amazing and we couldn't have asked for anything more. We moved together on a short route when it was exposed or technically more tricky. That helped us so much to maintain a steady good pace and kept us safe. Unfortunately by the time we reached our bivi spot we had lots of rain with really strong winds and we decided to drop down at An Dhorus. After 15 hours hiking we were back down. We had the greatest mountain adventure in the Cuillins and loved every minute. And we definitely will come back and try it again with Andy and West cost mountain guides next year. More read less

The Cuillins in early June Excellent and exciting trip completing the main Cuillin ridge over 4 challenging days led by Ken Applegate and Jamie. We experienced mixed weather - heavy rain, sunshine and mist.
Ken and Jamie are excellent leaders with the ability to always adopt a calm and methodical approach to the more difficult sections which inspires confidence and keeps things moving at a safe and sensible pace. Their knowledge of the mountains and the... read moreExcellent and exciting trip completing the main Cuillin ridge over 4 challenging days led by Ken Applegate and Jamie. We experienced mixed weather - heavy rain, sunshine and mist.
Ken and Jamie are excellent leaders with the ability to always adopt a calm and methodical approach to the more difficult sections which inspires confidence and keeps things moving at a safe and sensible pace. Their knowledge of the mountains and the routes is first rate. They also have good knowledge of the fauna, flora and geology of the area.
This is easily the most safe and sensible way to complete the ridge - and enjoyable too. I would strongly recommend West Coast Mountain Guides. More read less

The Cuillins in Mist and Some Rain My first trip to the Cuillins was in mixed weather four years ago so I had always intended to return in the hope of some better views. Sadly the weather was worse this time but Ken Applegate and Jamie Bankhead from West Coast took my group of 5 clients to the top of the 11 munros despite the wind and rain and mist. There may have been few... read moreMy first trip to the Cuillins was in mixed weather four years ago so I had always intended to return in the hope of some better views. Sadly the weather was worse this time but Ken Applegate and Jamie Bankhead from West Coast took my group of 5 clients to the top of the 11 munros despite the wind and rain and mist. There may have been few fine views but the experience was none the worse for it with four days good walking and scrambling.
Ken and Jamie are obviously very experienced and knowledgeable. In their company I felt safe and confident at all times even when in exposed places and on slippery wet rock. The climb and abseil from the In Pinn and similarly Sgurr nan Gillean were highlights of the four days but every day had its great moments.
I would heartily recommend West Coast Mountain Guides to anyone who is considering ticking off the Skye munros. read less

A Day out on Skye's Inaccessible Pinnacle We spent the Day with Ken Applegate, getting myself and children (17 and 15) up Sgùrr Dearg and the Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn). We had a lucky weather day and lucky people day, no queues.
We've got some basic rock climbing skills and gear (brought our own helmets, harnesses, carabiners, and slings), but the gear wasn't necessary, Ken and his Transporter van can supply & carry gear for the party.
Ken was... read moreWe spent the Day with Ken Applegate, getting myself and children (17 and 15) up Sgùrr Dearg and the Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn). We had a lucky weather day and lucky people day, no queues.
We've got some basic rock climbing skills and gear (brought our own helmets, harnesses, carabiners, and slings), but the gear wasn't necessary, Ken and his Transporter van can supply & carry gear for the party.
Ken was great company and spent time explaining everything we were going to do, and when on the top of the In Pinn, a tour of the Cuillin ridge peaks.
I will be booking West Coast Mountain Guides again, for some Winter adventures, maybe without the teenagers 😉 More read less

west coast mountain guides - Skye Had a great couple of days on the Cuillin ridge on Skye with this company - finally completing some tricky routes that defeated me over 30 years ago. the guides were friendly, knowledgeable and utterly professional - and very patient with 3 middle aged blokes on the edge of their comfort zone. I wouldn't hesitate to book again with them.

Skye Munro’s Course 14 - 17 May 2019 Four brilliant days!
Booked this course for a guided climb of the eleven munro’s on the Cullin Ridge with West Coast Mountain Guides. The pre event information and communication provided by Ken Applegate, the owner, was excellent. Friendly emails providing information on the kit needed or supplied and on the intended plan for each day. I was on my own but knew there would be other participants.
We met the night before... read moreFour brilliant days!
Booked this course for a guided climb of the eleven munro’s on the Cullin Ridge with West Coast Mountain Guides. The pre event information and communication provided by Ken Applegate, the owner, was excellent. Friendly emails providing information on the kit needed or supplied and on the intended plan for each day. I was on my own but knew there would be other participants.
We met the night before the first day, in Carbost, where Ken introduced us all to each other. There were six of us from different areas, backgrounds and abilities, a great group of folk. He then went over the intended plans again for the four days.
The following morning we were all introduced to Steve, the other guide who was to be with us. Ken and Steve were superb, putting us at ease from the outset with a professional attitude but relaxed atmosphere. The walking and scrambling instruction was brilliant, punctuated by chats with a wealth of information and facts on the hills, their makeup, the visible scenery and loads more.
I hadn’t done much grade 3 scrambling or abseiling before
But never felt uncomfortable with anything. These guys really know their stuff. I would highly recommend this to anyone thinking of tackling the Skye Munros, especially if your apprehensive about some of the airy stuff. You feel completely safe in their hands. Great fun and wholly professional.
I’ll be booking other trips through West Coast Mountain Guides in the very near future read less

One of the best weeks I've ever had in the mountains I booked to do the 4 day Cuillin course with mixed feelings. I had high hopes for the week but quite a few concerns as well. Most of the concerns were based around the fact that I do virtually all of my walking alone. This is a choice as it allows me to go where I want at the pace I want and I was concerned that... read moreI booked to do the 4 day Cuillin course with mixed feelings. I had high hopes for the week but quite a few concerns as well. Most of the concerns were based around the fact that I do virtually all of my walking alone. This is a choice as it allows me to go where I want at the pace I want and I was concerned that I'd be forced to trundle along slowly and the days would be disjointed and frustrating as a result. I thought maybe the roped bits would be very restrictive and possibly patronising for those of us who scramble a bit without a rope. I've walked most of the other "Scrambly" munros (Aonach Eagach, Liathach, Forcan Ridge etc) with no concerns at all but the Inn Pinn, Sgurr Nan Gillean, and Am Basteir worried me to put it mildly. In fact I thought Ken and Steve manged the group really well so the day flowed nicely with sensible breaks but I could walk as fast as I wanted. The roped were used perfectly - I rarely felt restricted by being roped up and most of the time I was very glad of the security. Clearly I've not abseiled for a long time and I struggle to trust the system and let go of the rock with my hands, but Ken and Steve just re-assured and instructed in a drama free way. And finally the weather!... I booked to do the 4 day Cuillin course with mixed feelings. I had high hopes for the week but quite a few concerns as well. Most of the concerns were based around the fact that I do virtually all of my walking alone. This is a choice as it allows me to go where I want at the pace I want and I was concerned that I'd be forced to trundle along slowly and the days would be disjointed and frustrating as a result. I thought maybe the roped bits would be very restrictive and possibly patronising for those of us who scramble a bit without a rope. I've walked most of the other "Scrambly" munros (Aonach Eagach, Liathach, Forcan Ridge etc) with no concerns at all but the Inn Pinn, Sgurr Nan Gillean, and Am Basteir worried me to put it mildly.
In fact I thought Ken and Steve manged the group really well so the day flowed nicely with sensible breaks but I could walk as fast as I wanted. The roped were used perfectly - I rarely felt restricted by being roped up and most of the time I was very glad of the security. Clearly I've not abseiled for a long time and I struggle to trust the system and let go of the rock with my hands, but Ken and Steve just re-assured and instructed in a drama free way. And finally the weather! Could it have been any better!
I'm very pleased I went to the Cuillin with a guide as it really enhanced the experience, and I'm really pleased I chose West Coast Mountain guides.
So for me it's a very clear 10/10 for the week, I really can't thank you enough for helping me cross of the munros which had been concerning me for quite a while. More read less

Excellent 4 days on the Black Cuillin Having had plenty of hill walking, alpine summer, sport climbing and winter off-piste experience I wanted something that was publicly open, and that would bridge the gap between different terrains, exposures and techniques. With no experience of 'mountaineering' or exposed scrambling and without the budget to go the 'full Alpine', West Coast Mountain Guides offered exactly what I wanted on home shores. I liaised with Ken well in advance as... read moreHaving had plenty of hill walking, alpine summer, sport climbing and winter off-piste experience I wanted something that was publicly open, and that would bridge the gap between different terrains, exposures and techniques. With no experience of 'mountaineering' or exposed scrambling and without the budget to go the 'full Alpine', West Coast Mountain Guides offered exactly what I wanted on home shores. I liaised with Ken well in advance as to what to expect and kit needs and he stepped up his comms as the time drew nearer, meeting us at a pub the day before for a full briefing. On the week in Skye, we were a group of 5 with relatively similar levels of experience and fitness in mountains/climbing/hill walking and were joined by Steve Holmes from Synergy Guides. Ken & Steve were a great pair - adjusting pace, experience and energy with knowledge of the Cuillin, the ridge, movement and technique. When I expressed concern about the recurrence of a previous knee injury on the second day, safety and comfort were top of mind for them, and Ken insisted I consider my capability for the third day with no judgement if I couldn't make it. I always felt safe, reassured and confident on mixed terrain, abseils and the fanstatically airy exposed sections on the In-Pinn and ridge between Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Basteir and Bruach na Frithe. Ken is friendly, chatty and through the week was great... Having had plenty of hill walking, alpine summer, sport climbing and winter off-piste experience I wanted something that was publicly open, and that would bridge the gap between different terrains, exposures and techniques. With no experience of 'mountaineering' or exposed scrambling and without the budget to go the 'full Alpine', West Coast Mountain Guides offered exactly what I wanted on home shores. I liaised with Ken well in advance as to what to expect and kit needs and he stepped up his comms as the time drew nearer, meeting us at a pub the day before for a full briefing. On the week in Skye, we were a group of 5 with relatively similar levels of experience and fitness in mountains/climbing/hill walking and were joined by Steve Holmes from Synergy Guides. Ken & Steve were a great pair - adjusting pace, experience and energy with knowledge of the Cuillin, the ridge, movement and technique. When I expressed concern about the recurrence of a previous knee injury on the second day, safety and comfort were top of mind for them, and Ken insisted I consider my capability for the third day with no judgement if I couldn't make it. I always felt safe, reassured and confident on mixed terrain, abseils and the fanstatically airy exposed sections on the In-Pinn and ridge between Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Basteir and Bruach na Frithe. Ken is friendly, chatty and through the week was great company. I would definitely recommend him and wouldn't hestitate to book with WCMG in the future. All round a fabulous experience! More read less

Great day on Blaven-Clach Glas traverse I booked with WCMG to do this as a warm up for a possible attempt at the Cuillin ridge in June. Organisation and communication was excellent and the day itself with guide Dave (Fowler) was a great experience despite the less than perfect weather (cold with the odd snow shower). Dave was great company, knowledgeable and professional. Most importantly I felt totally safe on something I... read moreI booked with WCMG to do this as a warm up for a possible attempt at the Cuillin ridge in June. Organisation and communication was excellent and the day itself with guide Dave (Fowler) was a great experience despite the less than perfect weather (cold with the odd snow shower). Dave was great company, knowledgeable and professional. Most importantly I felt totally safe on something I would never attempt on my own! Totally recommended. read less