*February 2025 STOP PRESS: I am presently out of action due to injury. This page will be updated as soon as I know when I am able to resume outdoors guiding duties once again. However, from May 2025 I will be able to run my ‘indoors’ navigation lectures once again (Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray – further afield is possible with negotiation) There are three levels – Introduction, Intermediate and Advanced and require a group of people for these to run. If you are interested, please do contact me.
Mountains and wild places hold an appeal and fascination for many of us that is deeply ingrained. These landscapes are far removed from everyday life. They offer space, freedom, solitude, and an opportunity to connect with the natural world. Mountains can mean different things to different individuals: they can offer peace and tranquillity, but they can also challenge those who choose to go in search of more extreme adventure. Places Wild and High understand that each client can have quite diverse expectations of a mountain day: whether you are wanting to test your stamina and fitness or to bag that elusive Munro; to admire, photograph or paint the majesty of the landscape; or perhaps to gain a greater understanding of the rich history and legends of these places, we will tailor a bespoke and flexible package for you according to your ability, level of fitness, wishes and ambitions. Our aim, through initial dialogue with you, is to understand what it is that you wish to experience and then to plan a day in accordance with this. Our knowledge, love and understanding of the landscapes and their heritage will help you to connect with these amazing spaces, in whichever way is personal to you.
Our guiding season for 2023 extends from mid-May to end of October for the high mountains, while lower level guided days and navigation sessions will continue throughout the winter season, (provided the ground in question is clear of ice and deeper snow). If you are considering booking a hill day for the late Autumn/Winter/Spring months, please do contact us to discuss as the weather and ground conditions through the winter months can – and do – vary widely and may have a bearing on what is possible.
A day in the mountains – or wild country – may be based around any of the following:
- A day to simply ‘experience’ what the Scottish Highlands have to offer. Various mountains/routes can be suggested which ‘fit the bill’ and from there you can choose whichever appeals. It is always possible to alter or adapt a route on the day in response to how you are feeling or what the weather might be doing.
- A taster session (these may be half days).
- Attaining the summit of a particular mountain (perhaps a particularly remote Munro in the Cairngorms for example).
- Learning navigation skills – can also be included as part of a hill day.
- For those who have basic navigation skills, developing micronavigation techniques.
- With some prior logistic organisation, ‘cross country’ routes such as the Lairig Ghru or Glen Feshie, or crossing from one side of the Cairngorms to the other via the tops.
- A day that specifically addresses skills such as: leadership, organisation, time management, decision making and teamwork, while promoting confidence, stamina and endurance (mental and physical); ability to tackle a challenge and overcome obstacles.
NEW: Indoors Navigation Courses are also available at Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced Levels. Taught indoors (good for the winter months!) and including various practical activities to reinforce navigation concepts. These courses are appropriate for horse riders (those involved with TREC and SERC may find such courses helpful) and trail/fell runners too. Please contact us to discuss possible location, venue and number of attendees.
Places Wild and High can also organise wild camping expeditions (a good option for more remote hills) and can offer route advice/guidance via correspondence. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Featured photo: Gearr Aonach, Stob Coire nan Lochan and Aonach Dubh, Glen Coe
Places Wild and High 