Testimonials

Rachel (Edinburgh)

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Descending from Devil’s Point with Cairn Toul in the background

 I got in touch with Jasmin after being off the mountains for a good while   during the COVID lockdowns, restrictions and family commitments.  I was   lacking in confidence about my fitness levels and mountain skills after so   long not hiking.  Jasmin is a friend of one of my hiking pals and he put us   in touch.  My first day in out in the Cairngorms with Jasmin was fantastic.   Mid-June, great weather, climbing my first peak since lockdown, feeling   relaxed and finding I had maintained my fitness enough to enjoy getting  to the summit with great views and a nice steady pace.  Jasmin added new  navigation skills in to the mix which also helped build my mountain confidence and opened up possibilities for future trips when I might not have company.  Jasmin is very encouraging and reassuring if you are doubting your abilities for whatever reason, her approach is one encouragement while at the same time allowing you to feel safe.  She has a wealth of experience and formal training and combines this with a relaxed and friendly manner.  We had great chats all day!

Doug (Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA)

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Overlooking Loch Avon (Cairngorms)

I live in America and first became acquainted with Jasmin’s guided treks through my sister, who happened to be a friend of Jasmin’s. I was planning my first visit to Scotland and wanted to have a true outdoor experience while visiting. The maternal side of my family has Scottish roots and I felt there would be no better way to take in the outdoors than a trek in the Scottish Highlands.

As soon as I’d made email contact with Jasmin, I could tell this would be an unforgettable experience. She provided detailed descriptions of suitable treks given my time availability. She also provided some beautiful photos to begin familiarizing me with what we’d experience on the various trekking options.

Jasmin was very thorough in covering health and fitness issues, safety issues, gear and equipment needs, etc. I felt as though all I needed to do was show up and enjoy each step of our day long trek. At regular intervals along the way, she made sure to point out on the map where we were located at that moment, and where we were going. This added a real sense of being part of the trek, not just going “along for the ride” so to speak. She also provided plenty of time to stop for pictures, taking in the wonderful views, regular snack breaks, and was able to provide the names of various plants and flowers encountered along the way. However, she was always cognizant of the time, keeping us on pace to get the most out of our day, but also to return at a safe hour (we did finish just after darkness set in, but like any good guide, she brought two head torches to see us safely back to the parking area).

I can honestly say, Jasmin made our trek the highlight of my first visit to Scotland. I would most definitely seek her guiding services again.

Antje (Lüneburg, Germany)

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAI have never had a more competent guide than Jasmin. Taking my fitness level and lack of familiarity with the mountains into account, she proposed a trip which was well-suited to me and lots of fun. We crossed the Cairngorms – which sounds like a lot but I experienced it as very safe and comfortable with Jasmin. I learned so much about the mountains and about being in them from talking to her. I had a fabulous time out with Jasmin!

Cameron (Aberdeen, Scotland)

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Practising navigation skills: overlooking Loch Muick        (Lochnagar area)

I’ve been on several hikes with Jasmin over the past year. Jasmin takes into account your experience level and creates a plan based around ability and what you’d like to gain. For me I wanted to learn the basics and progress from there and I can assure you that Jasmin goes at your pace and makes days out really enjoyable whilst instructing in navigation and much, much more. Highly recommended if you’re wanting to go from point A to B safely and gain loads of new skills. Plus being in Scotland the views themselves aren’t too bad….

Roo (South East England) 

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Studying the map at the summit of Plynlimon

Wanting to explore a forgotten corner of Wales, I contacted Jasmin to guide me through the remote Cambrian mountains bagging Plynlimon and surrounding hills. This was a trip which really took us off the beaten track, however Jasmin did an incredible job of planning the route and then navigating us through some very difficult terrain (and encouraging me to learn some navigation techniques too). It was the first time for me going completely off piste in boggy conditions but Jasmin made sure we were completely safe. Definitely an adventure that will stay with me for a long time thanks to Jasmin’s knowledge not just of the mountains but also the flora and fauna along the way.

Yasmeen (South Coast of England) 

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Ascending Meall Garbh in the Lawers Range

I first met Jasmin in May 2015 and since then we have done almost 25 Munros together. On each trip Jasmin was an amazing leader and teacher, teaching me navigational skills, map reading and really increased my confidence on the hills. I used to be terrified of hiking off path, but with Jasmin’s teachings am much more comfortable in being more comfortable in being able to navigate myself on the mountains. She was extremely patient and encouraging in a gentle manner, and always believed in me even when I felt I could not do it. Loved every minute we spent in the hills together. She is a great Mountain Leader and coach and with her you will always know you are in safe, confident hands.

 

Soraya (Surrey)

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The Rough Bounds of Knoydart: wild camping

Jasmin introduced me to the Highlands of Scotland and the joy of wild camping in the remote peninsular of Knoydart, a place I had always dreamed of going. I’ve always loved being in the mountains but have not had the confidence to go it alone. With Jasmin as my guide I was taught how to navigate safely in tricky weather conditions and at night I came away from the trip not only with the amazing experience of spending several days close to nature but also feeling confident in stepping out by myself. A week later I went on my first solo mountain adventure  – something that would not have been possible without Jasmin’s thorough tuition and patience. I would happily recommend her to anyone who wants to experience the wild side of Scotland whilst learning how to be safe in the mountains.

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Featured photo: View from the summit of A’Mhaighdean, Fisherfield