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

Excellent technical and local knowledge to get the most out of your trip. Recently back from two fantastic winter days in the hills with Ken from West Coast Mountain Guides. First day, we tackled Stob Ban via its north ridge, before continuing to stay up high and reaching the summit of Sgurr Mhaim via the Devil's Ridge. On the second day, with strong winds, Ken suggested that we head east and head up the East Ridge of Beinn a'Chaorainn, which turned out to... read moreRecently back from two fantastic winter days in the hills with Ken from West Coast Mountain Guides. First day, we tackled Stob Ban via its north ridge, before continuing to stay up high and reaching the summit of Sgurr Mhaim via the Devil's Ridge. On the second day, with strong winds, Ken suggested that we head east and head up the East Ridge of Beinn a'Chaorainn, which turned out to be a great option as it was sheltered from the strong winds. This was my second time out with Ken and I have already booked a further couple of summer mountaineering trips with him for later this year in Lochaber and Skye. Would have no hesitation in recommending Ken. read less

Skye Scramble West Coast Mountain Guides took Sophie and I scrambling up into The Cuillin for a day at the very end of November, something Sophie and I would never have done on our own. We’re both experienced outdoors, but armchair mountaineers, so asked them to “take us out our comfort zone”. Ken definitely did that and, after discussing a few view various route options with us, settled on guiding us up... read moreWest Coast Mountain Guides took Sophie and I scrambling up into The Cuillin for a day at the very end of November, something Sophie and I would never have done on our own. We’re both experienced outdoors, but armchair mountaineers, so asked them to “take us out our comfort zone”. Ken definitely did that and, after discussing a few view various route options with us, settled on guiding us up Sgurr an Fheadain, along the ridge and back down some less-discovered scree routes with confidence - putting Sophie and I at ease despite the rain, river crossings and rope-work.
We loved our moody day out with Ken, and its definitely got us fired up for more scramble outings in future ✌ read less

Safe and professional We booked a private guide for two people for a week of scrambling on the Skye Cuillin. Our aim was to climb as many of the 11 Munros on the main Cuillin ridge as we could in five days.
Despite some pretty bad weather conditions, we managed to get out for some scrambling every day, and succeeded in climbing 8 of the 11.
We were very happy with our guide Andy Hogarth,... read moreWe booked a private guide for two people for a week of scrambling on the Skye Cuillin. Our aim was to climb as many of the 11 Munros on the main Cuillin ridge as we could in five days.
Despite some pretty bad weather conditions, we managed to get out for some scrambling every day, and succeeded in climbing 8 of the 11.
We were very happy with our guide Andy Hogarth, who was safe, attentive, knowledgeable and good company. I was a little apprehensive about climbing the Inaccessible Pinnacle, but with Andy's help and some practice on easier scrambles throughout the week, I ended up finding it quite straightforward.
Full marks. I would be happy to book both West Coast Mountain Guides and Andy again, and can recommend them to anyone else looking to climb in the Cuillin.
On a lighter note, I enjoyed answering some of TripAdvisor's questions:
"Is this a place or activity you would go to on a rainy day?"
"Is there a recommended dress code for this place or activity?"
Yes to both! read less

Skye Munros I spent for 4 memorable days up in the Black Cuillins in Skye guided by Ken and Adele. I never walked with a guide before so wasn’t sure what to except, but this trip exceeded any exceptions I could have had. Both guides were really knowledgeable which straight away made me feel safe and they both made the walks really enjoyable despite the poor weather.
I can’t recommend them enough... read moreI spent for 4 memorable days up in the Black Cuillins in Skye guided by Ken and Adele. I never walked with a guide before so wasn’t sure what to except, but this trip exceeded any exceptions I could have had. Both guides were really knowledgeable which straight away made me feel safe and they both made the walks really enjoyable despite the poor weather.
I can’t recommend them enough and will definitely get in touch with them for some more great challenges! read less

Skye Munros I have just come back from Skye having had 4 most amazing days up in the Cuillins guided by Ken Applegate and Adele Pennington. Ken & Adele were the best guides you could have asked for and looked after us all (all with different skill levels) in some interesting weather conditions !!! They inspired confidence and were always positive and encouraging. To anyone who is thinking of doing this trip... read moreI have just come back from Skye having had 4 most amazing days up in the Cuillins guided by Ken Applegate and Adele Pennington. Ken & Adele were the best guides you could have asked for and looked after us all (all with different skill levels) in some interesting weather conditions !!! They inspired confidence and were always positive and encouraging. To anyone who is thinking of doing this trip i would highly recommend it, and highly recommend both Ken and Adele. Thank you so much for such a memorable holiday 🙂 read less

Skye munros Guided by ken apple gate and Steve Holmes this has got to be my most precious memory on the Cuillins. From the first day the guides were exceptional. They informed us of the flora and fauna of this mighty landscape guiding us through rough terrain. A few airy moments in my head were reassured by positive mental stimulation which these guides have. They have patience and an unbelievable method of... read moreGuided by ken apple gate and Steve Holmes this has got to be my most precious memory on the Cuillins. From the first day the guides were exceptional. They informed us of the flora and fauna of this mighty landscape guiding us through rough terrain. A few airy moments in my head were reassured by positive mental stimulation which these guides have. They have patience and an unbelievable method of making you not only technically safe but also mentally. I am not long back from this 4 day trip to complete 11 Munro’s and missing the place already. Highly recommended trip. read less

Inn pin with a proposal Just back from a trip to Skye where I had an unbelievable time climbing the inn pin with the help of our guide Steve. I had planned to propose to my girlfriend from the top of the inn pin and due to the poor weather I thought this may not be possible. Steve did everything to get us up there and make sure the experience was one we would not... read moreJust back from a trip to Skye where I had an unbelievable time climbing the inn pin with the help of our guide Steve. I had planned to propose to my girlfriend from the top of the inn pin and due to the poor weather I thought this may not be possible. Steve did everything to get us up there and make sure the experience was one we would not quickly forget. Given the conditions we could not have done this without Steve and his expertise. read less