Winter Cimb of Ben Nevis Great experience with a great guide (Will). I appreciated his skill, patience, kindness, knowledge, flexibility, and passion for the hills. Would highly recommend this guide and company for Ben Nevis.

It was an awesome two days with Simon. We did Curved Ridge on Tuesday and Right Twin on Wednesday. I first did Curved Ridge in Feb 2006 on an Alan Kimber weekend. On that trip it was more wintry but not by so much. Many time I have thought about repeating it as a rock climb so in that respect it was perfect even though it should have been under... read moreIt was an awesome two days with Simon. We did Curved Ridge on Tuesday and Right Twin on Wednesday. I first did Curved Ridge in Feb 2006 on an Alan Kimber weekend. On that trip it was more wintry but not by so much. Many time I have thought about repeating it as a rock climb so in that respect it was perfect even though it should have been under snow and ice again. Likewise with Aonach Mor East Face, for a good number of years I have aspired to climb a route on it. More than once I have been on the west face but due to avalanche potential never made the east side until this week. Simon was excellent on both days and we had good banter going on both days. On the first day especially we discovered both of us had studied chemistry at Uni so good discussion on that was had as we climbed. Also the other teams following us made for a good time too with Scott Kirkhope and his clients just behind us on Curved Ridge. So very sociable. On Wednesday we abseiled down Left Twin alongside Neil and his clients and also Luca and others whose names I didn't quite get but I think Simon mentioned Ali Rose as one of them. Simon was very patient with me fumbling the abseils in my winter gloves, making what in summer would be an easy task into crossing ropes and twisting ropes and belays upside down. Not sure what he must have though of me after that and I felt quite irritated for messing it up. Simon dropped one of his hexes down a slot but between us we retrieved it ok with the use of an axe. Then in bright sunshine and blue sky we ascended Right Twin with no ice at the start where there should have been so that was interesting and the rest was more as you might expect but only Simon would really know if that was the case. With my limited experience I guess I was none the wiser. But it was great fun climbing even if my calves were burning. To finish we had a nice cornice to get over and then a descent in the mist again back to the gondola followed by tea and cakes again in the cafe at Nevis Range. So, yes it was a fantastic two days especially after four years since my last trip with WCMG. I think I can safely say I will be back for more before my ageing body says it can't do it anymore. Thank you again for a great trip and please can you let Simon now how much I appreciated his time, expert guidance and great company. See you again, Jon. read less

Great winter climbing course with Sally We had an amazing day with Sally from West Coast on the winter climbing course. From initial contact to finals plans the night before we felt like we were in good hands. She provided the gear and took three of us up the hill and had great patter. Once we reached the snow we were led through the training with the ice axes and crampons before tackling the climb full... read moreWe had an amazing day with Sally from West Coast on the winter climbing course. From initial contact to finals plans the night before we felt like we were in good hands. She provided the gear and took three of us up the hill and had great patter. Once we reached the snow we were led through the training with the ice axes and crampons before tackling the climb full of confidence. We felt really safe with Sally and had an amazing day out. Her knowledge went way beyond the technical with great info on the history of Glen Coe and kept us chatting all day. read less

First rate experience. Simon and Henry worked around difficult conditions to give us the experience of a lifetime. Amazing knowledge and professionalism combined with great teaching skills. Highly recommended.

Great Mountain Guides - Recommended Fantastic experience with West Coast, from the initial booking and correspondence through to the guiding from Simon. Everything was brilliant. Highly recommended.

Alex is genuinely the best instructor I've had the pleasure of learning from. I wasn't sure what to expect from the 5 days, but would have been happy coming away from it feeling I'd learnt something and having ticked off a few routes. I ended up having the most enjoyable and educational experience I've had since getting back into climbing. I feel Alex perfectly balanced getting us up the routes... read moreAlex is genuinely the best instructor I've had the pleasure of learning from. I wasn't sure what to expect from the 5 days, but would have been happy coming away from it feeling I'd learnt something and having ticked off a few routes. I ended up having the most enjoyable and educational experience I've had since getting back into climbing. I feel Alex perfectly balanced getting us up the routes for time/enjoyments sake with teaching and progressively allowing us to make our own decisions - something I can imagine is a very difficult thing to get right in such an environment. I cannot recommend Alex and West Coast Mountain Guides enough. Just get your cardio up for the walk ins and walk outs, they can be a bit harsh. read less

5 day intro winter climbing Alex is genuinely the best instructor I've had the pleasure of learning from. I wasn't sure what to expect from the 5 days, but would have been happy coming away from it feeling I'd learnt something and having ticked off a few routes. I ended up having the most enjoyable and educational experience I've had since getting back into climbing. I feel Alex perfectly balanced getting us up the routes... read moreAlex is genuinely the best instructor I've had the pleasure of learning from. I wasn't sure what to expect from the 5 days, but would have been happy coming away from it feeling I'd learnt something and having ticked off a few routes. I ended up having the most enjoyable and educational experience I've had since getting back into climbing. I feel Alex perfectly balanced getting us up the routes for time/enjoyments sake with teaching and progressively allowing us to make our own decisions - something I can imagine is a very difficult thing to get right in such an environment.I cannot recommend Alex and West Coast Mountain Guides enough. Just get your cardio up for the walk ins and walk outs, they can be a bit harsh. read less

Introductory winter climbing course I completed the 5 day intro to winter climbing course with west coast mountain guides Our guide Alex Kay did a great job, he tailored each day to suit the groups aims and we learnt a lot in the short space of time whilst still keeping it really enjoyable. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who's thinking about it, just get it booked in, you won't regret it!

Winterising climbing skills Our guide David Whiteley was fantastic, fantastic teacher and made a great effort to find good routes in less than ideal ground conditions.

Awesome intro to winter climbing over three days with David and Dave. Learnt the basic safety and technical skills and managed to do some challenging climbs as early as the second day

Winter summit of Ben Nevis Awesome day with guide Craig who was knowledgeable, friendly and good fun. In great conditions we made it to the summit with some expert nav from our guide!

Awesome intro to winter climbing Awesome intro to winter climbing over three days with David and Dave. Learnt the basic safety and technical skills and managed to do some challenging climbs as early as the second day