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

The Aonach Eagach; conquered My friend Nicola and I had a fantastic time with Josh of Westcoast Mountain Guides. He had to factor in that both of us had very varying degrees of experience and fitness. He got Nic to her 5th and 6th Munros and to my 182 and 183. He was very calm and measured and it was clear he was assessing our abilities but didn’t make either of feel inadequate or... read moreMy friend Nicola and I had a fantastic time with Josh of Westcoast Mountain Guides. He had to factor in that both of us had very varying degrees of experience and fitness. He got Nic to her 5th and 6th Munros and to my 182 and 183. He was very calm and measured and it was clear he was assessing our abilities but didn’t make either of feel inadequate or incompetent. He was also cheerful and is clearly smart and engaging. He was very good at distracting us (where appropriate!) at the prospects of difficult, exposed areas which were to come to pass. He was very professional all around and I am sure he could put anyone at ease. A thoroughly enjoyable day. 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

Ben Nevis We first thought of an Idea to climb the Ben as it’s referred too back last year, living in Cornwall we don’t have many big hills, so my wife said she would only trust me if we hired a guide. So I did and the contact has been great, including the call the day before to firm up our hopes and worries if any and a meeting place, with Andy.... read moreWe first thought of an Idea to climb the Ben as it’s referred too back last year, living in Cornwall we don’t have many big hills, so my wife said she would only trust me if we hired a guide. So I did and the contact has been great, including the call the day before to firm up our hopes and worries if any and a meeting place, with Andy. Once we started, it seemed quite straight forward and we both wondered why we had enlisted the help of a guide, who we needed to pay. But as the day went on it became clear why we had Andy, his knowledge was great about the Ben and surrounding areas plus some interesting tips and general chit chat, my wife and I both agreed it was a fantastic day and having a guide made it a real nice experience. So thankyou very much Ken for organising this and thanks Andy, we will definitely be ringing again when we return. Thanks
Nik and Chris More read less

Another year, another trip, another great experience with WCMG! What else can I say about WCMG! I’ve been climbing with them for the last 3 years and every year is a fantastic experience! We’ve been building up but this year we went for Tower Ridge, definitely a step up from previous years. Ken as usual was calm, measured, professional and gives much needed confidence. Always a great experience climbing with these guys. Can’t wait until next year already! Stevie... read moreWhat else can I say about WCMG! I’ve been climbing with them for the last 3 years and every year is a fantastic experience! We’ve been building up but this year we went for Tower Ridge, definitely a step up from previous years. Ken as usual was calm, measured, professional and gives much needed confidence. Always a great experience climbing with these guys. Can’t wait until next year already! Stevie and Jardine read less

Awesome climbing in Lochaber with Westcoast Mountain Guides. Back from two great days of private guiding with Caspar with Westcoast Mountain Guides. The weather and conditions weren't great but then it wouldn't be Scottish Winter if they were. Can't expect blue sky and sunshine every trip as that would reduce the challenge of the experience. First day we were at the Nevis Range Gondola for 8am uplift to the top station and then the walk through... read moreBack from two great days of private guiding with Caspar with Westcoast Mountain Guides. The weather and conditions weren't great but then it wouldn't be Scottish Winter if they were. Can't expect blue sky and sunshine every trip as that would reduce the challenge of the experience. First day we were at the Nevis Range Gondola for 8am uplift to the top station and then the walk through soft wet snow to reach Western Rib our route for the day. The climb was mixed with a good helping of soggy snow breaking through under our feet to add to the fun and some good axe torquing helping us make progress. As we gained height the snow became a little more solid and more what you would like. A few drizzly showers to add to the atmosphere and even an occasional brief spell of sun and blue sky to add to the experience. Gale force winds on the summit of Aonach Mor and an interesting descent back to the gondola on a compass bearing to finish the day. On the second day we were fortunate to be able to drive to the guides car park as Caspar had a key. This takes about an hour off the walk in. Two hours later we arrived at the foot of Castle Ridge after a crossing the in spate Allt a'Mhuilinn below the CIC Hut and then a traverse across the bottom of No.5... Back from two great days of private guiding with Caspar with Westcoast Mountain Guides. The weather and conditions weren't great but then it wouldn't be Scottish Winter if they were. Can't expect blue sky and sunshine every trip as that would reduce the challenge of the experience.

First day we were at the Nevis Range Gondola for 8am uplift to the top station and then the walk through soft wet snow to reach Western Rib our route for the day. The climb was mixed with a good helping of soggy snow breaking through under our feet to add to the fun and some good axe torquing helping us make progress. As we gained height
the snow became a little more solid and more what you would like. A few drizzly showers to add to the atmosphere and even an occasional brief spell of sun and blue sky to add to the experience. Gale force winds on the summit of Aonach Mor and an interesting descent back to the gondola on a compass bearing to finish the day.
On the second day we were fortunate to be able to drive to the guides car park as Caspar had a key. This takes about an hour off the walk in. Two hours later we arrived at the foot of Castle Ridge after a crossing the in spate Allt a'Mhuilinn below the CIC Hut and then a traverse across the bottom of No.5 Gully and under the buttress to reach our ridge thus minimising our exposure to the avalanche prone Castle Gullies. The climbing today was again on wet rock with a good helping of soft wet snow and even a small amount of rotten ice in places - but they were hard to find. The rock crux was interesting with good juggy holds just when required adding to the fun climbing rock in crampon front points. Very alpine in character. From the top of the ridge climb we continued to Carn Dearg from which we made our descent down Ledge Route in some very deep snow thigh depth in places. Another careful crossing of No.5 Gully high up just below the narrows then took us to Coire na Ciste for the descent back towards the CIC Hut again and the crossing of the Allt a'Mhuilinn again followed by a rapid descent to the guides car park.
There ended two days of a real adventure in the vagaries of Scottish Winter. Yes the conditions could have been better and the snow more frozen with even some ice to play on and the wind on both days less strong but that is what it's all about sometimes and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Some might say type 2 fun but it was just brilliant character building stuff not to be missed.
A big thank you to Caspar and Westcoast Mountain Guides and yes I will be back next year for some more. So anyone out there considering such an adventure go for it and have fun - you wont regret it! More 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

Awesome day out! Great people. An awesome day out. Malcolm was really great and I appreciate both Ken and Malcolm taking the time to chat through the day in advance. Thank you!

September traverse of the Cuillin Ridge Overall, extremely impressive trip, superbly organised by Ken.
We undertook the traverse with Jamie with only 1 out of 4 days offering good weather conditions. Despite taking on the traverse in less than ideal conditions, Jamie made us feel confident about doing it, and was always on hand to reassure when taking on the tricky sections. He was first class - communication, mountaineering knowledge / skills, and also had some good... read moreOverall, extremely impressive trip, superbly organised by Ken.
We undertook the traverse with Jamie with only 1 out of 4 days offering good weather conditions. Despite taking on the traverse in less than ideal conditions, Jamie made us feel confident about doing it, and was always on hand to reassure when taking on the tricky sections. He was first class - communication, mountaineering knowledge / skills, and also had some good stories along the way.
Delighted to have ticked the 11 off the list. Many thanks to Ken, Jamie and West Coast Mountain Guides for making it possible. read less

Winter Ascent of Ben Nevis Easy to book with and very helpful organising our trip. Ben was easy to get hold of and gave us good advice in preparation for the trip.
We went up the tourist route in snowy conditions and a blizzard so a guide was essential.
We had an excellent guide called Hannah who was very safe, knowledgeable and fun. All in all a great day out...

Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis I had a wonderful experience climbing Tower Ridge with the expert guiding service provided by West Coast Mountain Guides. Ken is a skilled, competent and safe guide. He expertly navigated the route in challenging conditions. The booking process was seamless and Ken was very responsive to my many questions. West Coast Mountain Guides will be my guide service of choice for my next adventure into... read moreI had a wonderful experience climbing Tower Ridge with the expert guiding service provided by West Coast Mountain Guides. Ken is a skilled, competent and safe guide. He expertly navigated the route in challenging conditions. The booking process was seamless and Ken was very responsive to my many questions. West Coast Mountain Guides will be my guide service of choice for my next adventure into the Scottish Highlands. read less