Our 5 Star Reviews from Google, Trip Advisor and Facebook
We believe in delivering the best experience for you. Our professional guides go out of their way to ensure you have a great time and an unforgettable experience whether you’re climbing, hiking or walking.
Our Trip Advisor Reviews
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 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. - Roddy M. - 2/25/2023
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 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. - Sam P. - 2/14/2023
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! - Colum H. - 2/10/2023
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. - Johnny - 1/02/2023
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! - Jonathan A. - 12/01/2022
Wonderful day on Curved Ridge Contacted West Coast Highland Guides from Canada, got great help with my many questions from Sonia-nothing appeared to much trouble, on the day of hike, met their guide “Josh” and from start to finish we had a dream day, not only his climbing and coaching ability, but a real friendly guy. I would not of tried Curved Ridge without his knowledge, cannot thank Josh, Sonia & the team enough,
Thanks
Brian Madeley
(Canada) - brianmL2959HB - 10/27/2022
Wonderful day on Curved Ridge Contacted West Coast Highland Guides from Canada, got great help with my many questions from Sonia-nothing appeared to much trouble, on the day of hike, met their guide “Josh” and from start to finish we had a dream day, not only his climbing and coaching ability, but a real friendly guy. I would not of tried Curved Ridge without his knowledge, cannot thank Josh, Sonia & the team enough,ThanksBrian Madeley(Canada) - brian m. - 10/27/2022
Scrambling on the Skye Cuillin. I’m getting close to compleating the Munros, but these Cuillin Hills are a big step above anything I’d previously climbed. Went for a couple of visits in September. Despite my advancing years (70+) our guide, Dave Fowler, saw us over seven Munro summits, including Sgurr nan Gillean via the West Ridge (wow!), and the In Pinn. Couldn’t have even got near these without his encouragement, cajoling and humour (and his knowledge of suitable routes - absolutely essential). Very hard work, but I’ll be back to bag the final four next year. Thank you. - Martin H. - 9/29/2022
Our Google Reviews
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 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. - Jon E. - 2/25/2023
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 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. - Samuel P. - 2/15/2023
Day 1/2 was good overview of different winter walking skills, instructors have great expertise, and it was a great environment to make mistakes in safe conditions so you can correct yourself / equipment before winter walking solo. Day 2/2 had very bad weather conditions which meant that we could not do any winter walking. I appreciate WCMG cannot control the weather. However, I felt that: (1) We could have maximised daylight hours on day 1 further given we knew the forecast for day 2 was bad. (2) The theory teaching could have been pre-prepared presentations of avalanche risk factors and videos of winter skill techniques. Instead it was just improvised chat in a cafe. (3) If conditions are so bad that the course cannot continue then they should have cancelled the day and provide a partial refund. The guides were brilliant with the resources and authority they had. But because they were simply freelanced by WCMG they didn't have authority to cancel the second day. There was only so much they could do to improvise on the second day. Ultimately we didn't cover all the skills in the program outline because of a combination of weather and no real back up plan for a rainy day. - Josh B. - 2/01/2023
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! - Jonathan A. - 12/02/2022
Finally got round to climbing Aonach Eagach ridge and decided to use West Coast Mountain Guides. As a solo walker it's usually too expensive to hire a guide unless it's with others. I was delighted with the arrangement to be paired up with someone else making it affordable. WCM arranged the logistics of this and it wasnt a problem for them. The day itself was a fantastic experience. We went out with Mike and Ally. The group split into 2 and our guide was brilliant at safely getting us across the ridge. All in a very memorable day with a great guide and nice company. Will be using WCM again in the future and would recommend to anyone else. - andrew k. - 7/25/2022
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! - Merlin W. - 7/09/2022
We had such a fantastic two days traversing the Cuillin ridge with Alex from WCMG. Alex asked about our aims and got to know our level of experience really quickly. He chose a route that pushed us just enough so that the traverse felt challenging but made sure that we always felt totally safe, and provided encouragement when needed! He was great company and we are very grateful for his enthusiasm and expertise. The whole traverse was an incredible experience! 100% recommend WCMG. - Abi J. - 6/17/2022
My daughter and I enjoyed a fantastic day on the In Pinn with our guide Adam. He very quickly allayed any doubts that I had about being able to complete this climb with his professional, yet relaxed manner. His enthusiasm has definitely made us want to book more adventures with WCMG - Susan V. - 6/14/2022
Ken took my partner and I out for our first day of winter climbing. We ascended the Ben via number 2 gully. We were very impressed with the quality of guiding and tuition we received. Ken went above and beyond in understanding our aims, and providing us with relevant instruction. - Lauren L. - 4/12/2022
I joined West Coat Mountain Guides for their CIC winter climbing week on Ben Nevis. Ken and Mark our guides were professional, knowledgeable and good company. Always willing to support, answer questions and give advice where required.It is off note that during our stay, in conversation other groups and climbers would speak highly of West Coast and director Ken. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend West Coast to anyone looking for guide services. - Christopher P. - 3/31/2022
Had a fantastic day with Ken, tackling the Aonach Eagach. Conditions were superb and Ken did a good job of making me feel completely safe, without belittling my experience. The result was a day out which I found testing and exciting but never worrying. Worth every penny. - Matt H. - 2/28/2022
Our Facebook Reviews
All the good things:
Good course descriptions.
Good communication on booking and meeting up.
Competitive pricing.
Extremely knowledgeable guides regarding terrain
Guides are technically competent and skilled.
Guides merge into group and are really friendly, no them and us.
When required to be the guides were clear and decisive.
If it safe to do so they go out in rain, hail and shine.
They provided a really challenging and enjoyable experience
All the negative things:
Absolutely NONE - Colin J. - 5/08/2022
Ken took my partner and I out for our first day of winter climbing. We ascended the Ben via number 2 gully. We were very impressed with the quality of guiding and tuition we received. Ken went above and beyond in understanding our aims, and providing us with relevant instruction. - Lauren L. - 4/11/2022
From stsrt to finish myself and 2 friends had a great experiance. It was easy to book and all our questions were answered which gave us confidence that these guys know what the were doing. We booked the ledge climb on Ben Nevis. Dave our guide was a really friendly guy and explained what we would be doing. When we reached the snow he gave us goodn instructions and ensured all oyr equipment was secure. I had never done anything like this before but with Dave as our guide he gave me alot of confidence and it made the day an awesome experiance. We would highly recommend West Coast Mountain Guides and we are thinking of another trip and would book these guys again - Robert D. - 4/09/2022
My two day winter skills course was bookended by two named storms but my guide Mehmet knew exactly where to go to avoid the worst conditions whilst teaching me all the skills required for winter walking. His local knowledge was second to none. His knowledge was vast when covering avalanches, navigation, and weather. Mehmet adapted what we did throughout the two days to ensure I got the most from my trip. I was over the moon to go up one of the gullies on the north face of Ben Nevis.
This is an excellent company who will ensure you have a brilliant time. I would go on others trips with them. - David C. - 2/04/2022
The three days one-on-one guiding from Dave at West Coast Mountain Guides was an excellent experience from booking, to planning, to the days out themselves. The weather was against us, but Dave managed to get us on some beautiful ice climbs, ridge scrambles, and into some beautiful Corries. Dave was a great guide to spend time with and shared a wealth of knowledge while we were climbing on snow, weather, avalanche, climbing and mountaineering techniques and more. I'd highly recommend West Coast Mountain Guides and can't wait to get out with them again. - Dave K. - 1/12/2022
I would like to thank west coast mountain guides for a fantastic 4 days on skye even with the horrendous weather conditions.
Mark, Mike and Sam were great. They were very patient and friendly and there knowledge was 1st class. I definitely would not have managed without them.
Would also like to thank Sam and Mike who took time out of there free time to show 3 of us around the Portree climbing wall and give us some climbing lessons.
Great experience I will definitely be using you in the future. - Scott C. - 10/09/2021
I've just completed 4 days on the Cuillin of Skye. Our Skye mountain guides Mark Sam and Mike were excellent - very knowledgeable, approachable, skilled and reassuring. I’m an experienced Munro’er but a climbing novice and Mark led me over Grades 1-3 scrambles on the Cuillin Ridge Munros including the InPin and Sgurr nan Gillean via the west ridge. No way could I have done that without West Coast Mountain Guides and their calm, reassuring professionalism. A brilliant experience. Thank you - Steve L. - 10/05/2021
Recently did Aonach Eagach Ridge with these guys and it was a fantastic experience ?
Easy to book , great communication !
Everything went like clockwork on the day ,our guide Mike was very patient and encouraging with us all and helped make the adventure a brilliant experience?? ?
Will be booking more adventures with them next year !
I highly recommend West Coast Mountain Guides ☺️ - Karen K. - 9/27/2021
We booked the four day Skye Cuillin Munros course to celebrate our 30 year wedding anniversary. With 155 Munros under our belt, what better way to up the ante than to tackle the Cuillin?
Seriously the best decision we ever made booking a guide with this excellent company.
Our guide was Mark and the word "guide" is woefully insufficent to capture the level of care, intelligence, skill, knowledge and insane levels of fitness that Mark consistently demonstrated throughout. Not to mention Mark's first class sense of humour.
Our group comprised of four; Mark, us two and (more experienced than us) climber Giulio who was also fantastic company.
You are not a passenger on this course and what Mark does is enable and empower. His extensive knowledge of the Cuillin area was instantly reassuring and at absolutely no point did we feel that we were in any danger. The lengths that a mountain guide goes to, to ensure everything is as safe as can be for their group is staggering.
We have learned so much from Mark's steady, gentle encouragement but that also served to highlight how much we still have to learn.
If Mark is reading this, know that several "Markisms" have become part of our lexicon: "...slow and smooth and smooth is fast..." "..need to be switched on.." "...we will bosh on down... " "...everything in the rucksack has purpose..." "...take the rope for a walk..."
We've been out on the Munros since our Cuillin course and have taken on board Mark's advice regarding our rucksack content choices not least because Mark said "he'd throw my spare socks down the hill". Thank goodness I never told him about my tiny bottle of Body Shop Coconut perfume.
This was one of the highlights of our life and we cannot recommend West Coast Mountain Guides enough. Even with some of the heaviest rainfall that the Cuillin could throw at us we still had the most exhilarating and satisfying experience.
Our Cuillin course ended on Friday after four tough days and we were buzzing all the way home to our Airbnb. To top off our epic achievement, we witnessed our first ever sighting of the Aurora Borealis too. Two bucket list ticks in one single day. Not many people get to say that.
Our next biggie is the Aonach Eagach and we will absolutely be booking a guide with West Coast Mountain Guides.
Can't thank Mark enough- our Cuillin course experience was nothing short of perfect. - Sarah R. - 9/21/2021
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