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

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!

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

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 mountaineering course Fantastic course led by Dave and David. Some brilliant routes completed (Aonach Eagach, Dorsal Arête and Beinn a Chaorainn) and plenty learnt! The two guides were both super friendly, knowledgeable and able to tailor to the specific needs of each of the clients on the course. Would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to foray into winter mountaineering.

Great day out on Aonach Eagach, which I have wanted to do for years! Dave was very experienced, knowledgable and friendly and his guidance allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the day. Would thoroughly recommend and I will be back for some more adventures on my next winter visit to Scotland!

Great day on Aonach Eagach Great day out on Aonach Eagach, which I have wanted to do for years! Dave was very experienced, knowledgable and friendly and his guidance allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the day. Would thoroughly recommend and I will be back for some more adventures on my next winter visit to Scotland!

Dream Cuillin Ridge Traverse Earlier this week we did it - with the expert guidance of Dave Fowler we completed the Cuillin Ridge Traverse!!! The views, the scrambling, climbing and abseiling in such a spectacular location is mind blowing.A dream come true and a fantastic experience which I will always remember as two of the best days of my life. We had Dave booked for four days and were able to realise the ideal... read moreEarlier this week we did it - with the expert guidance of Dave Fowler we completed the Cuillin Ridge Traverse!!! The views, the scrambling, climbing and abseiling in such a spectacular location is mind blowing.A dream come true and a fantastic experience which I will always remember as two of the best days of my life. We had Dave booked for four days and were able to realise the ideal scenario of stashing our bivy gear and doing some rope practise on day one, resting on day two, then the traverse on days three and four in sublime conditions. Dave’s knowledge of the ridge is extensive, meaning that we were never short of water and the bivi was in just the perfect location when we were in need of a recharge and to enjoy the sunset over the outer Minch. With a calm and confident presence, as well as a number of good stories to share, Dave was the perfect guide to help realise our dream.Our mountaineering journey leading up to the traverse started three years ago when we made our first booking with West Coast Mountain Guides (WCMG) because I had heard that route finding on Skye was hard. At the time I had a lifelong fear of heights, never heard of scrambling, let alone attempted an abseil. We had a fantastic time, including summiting the In Pin. Since then we have had a number of brilliant days out with WCMG whenever we have been able to get up to Scotland, including both summer scrambling and winter climbing. With every trip out we have learnt something new from our guides and our confidence with mountaineering has grown. If you are looking for a mountain guide, look no further than WCMG. All of their guides that we have either used or met whilst out on the hill over the years are really solid, experienced and professional guides that work super hard to give their clients amazing days out! read less

Dream Cuillin Ridge Traverse Earlier this week we did it - with the expert guidance of Dave Fowler we completed the Cuillin Ridge Traverse!!! The views, the scrambling, climbing and abseiling in such a spectacular location is mind blowing.
A dream come true and a fantastic experience which I will always remember as two of the best days of my life.
We had Dave booked for four days and were able to realise the ideal... read moreEarlier this week we did it - with the expert guidance of Dave Fowler we completed the Cuillin Ridge Traverse!!! The views, the scrambling, climbing and abseiling in such a spectacular location is mind blowing.
A dream come true and a fantastic experience which I will always remember as two of the best days of my life.
We had Dave booked for four days and were able to realise the ideal scenario of stashing our bivy gear and doing some rope practise on day one, resting on day two, then the traverse on days three and four in sublime conditions. Dave’s knowledge of the ridge is extensive, meaning that we were never short of water and the bivi was in just the perfect location when we were in need of a recharge and to enjoy the sunset over the outer Minch. With a calm and confident presence, as well as a number of good stories to share, Dave was the perfect guide to help realise our dream.
Our mountaineering journey leading up to the traverse started three years ago when we made our first booking with West Coast Mountain Guides (WCMG) because I had heard that route finding on Skye was hard. At the time I had a lifelong fear of heights, never heard of scrambling, let alone attempted an abseil. We had a fantastic time, including summiting the In Pin. Since then we have had a number of brilliant days out with WCMG whenever we have been able to get up to Scotland, including both summer scrambling and winter climbing. With every trip out we have learnt something new from our guides and our confidence with mountaineering has grown. If you are looking for a mountain guide, look no further than WCMG. All of their guides that we have either used or met whilst out on the hill over the years are really solid, experienced and professional guides that work super hard to give their clients amazing days out! read less

I went on the introduction to winter mountaineering course with west coast mountain guides. It was a great week and Dave Fowler took us on some really good routes and taught us so much in the week. I’ll definitely be booking with west coast again

I did a winter mountaineering course with Dave Fowler from West Coast Mountain Guides back in march and it was awesome. We learnt SO much and had an amazing time.Specifically Dave was great. Easy to get on with, a great teacher, and really knows his stuff.Stop thinking about doing a course with these guys and book it. Stop reading this review, go book it now, you won't regret it!