Determination
It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves
- Edmund Hillary
Home to 282 Munros (a mountain over 3000’ in height) including the UK’s highest, Ben Nevis, Scotland is a paradise for those who enjoy the outdoors.
You might be a holiday maker looking to climb your first hill or a more experienced hiker looking for company or just lacking in confidence to walk solo. Whatever your reason, I will be delighted to guide you.
From my base in the picturesque highland village of Lochgoilhead, I offer guided walks of Scotlands mountains, specialising in the Arrochar Alps.
You can choose any of my walks listed or I would be happy to create a bespoke route. You decide.
Our Location
Lochgoilhead
Nestled within the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is the picturesque village of Lochgoilhead.
Access to this hidden gem is via a 6-mile single track road from the famous Rest and be thankful. As you make your way down Glen Mhor, you will be astonished at the amazing natural beauty that unfolds around you.
As you emerge from the glen, you are rewarded with breath-taking postcard views. Rugged mountains surround this pretty Sea Loch. With each summit providing stunning panoramic views of the west coast of Scotland. On a clear day you will see the islands to the west, Ailsa Craig and the Ayrshire coast to the south and the dramatic Munro’s to the North.
Most of these hills are pathless which means we are likely to have only wildlife for company. This area is a haven for wildlife with red squirrel, red deer, pine marten, otters and badgers common. In the water we have a Seal colony, a wide range of sea birds. Porpoise are often spotted with the random whale making the odd appearance. The open moorlands offer an ideal habitat for many birds of prey including the golden eagle and barn owl.
The best view
Comes after the hardest climb
- Anonymous
Your Guide
My name is Neil Patterson and I am ‘Mountain Guide Scotland’. I climbed my first Munro, Schiehallion on 19 April 2011 and loved every minute of it. I had always loved exploring Scotland. I appreciated the stunning scenery and enjoyed fishing and camping trips with my Dad or trips to Loch Lomond with my Mum and daughters. I knew something was missing. This was it. Everything changed that day and I knew I belonged on the hills. The worries and stress of daily life could be forgot. I wanted more.
I haven’t stopped since that day and I love nothing better than introducing new people to the mountains of Scotland. It’s a special place and we are incredibly lucky to have it on our doorstep.
My adventures include:
- Climbed in excess of 200 munros
- Completed several multi-day treks including wild summit camps
- Hiked to Mount Everest Base Camp, summiting Kala Patthar at 5644m
- Completed an Arctic Trek from Rovaniemi to the Arctic Circle, sleeping in a tent in -31c
- Created Glasgow East Walking Club
- Created ‘Sofa to Summit’ - a 12-week free programme beginning with a flat 1 mile walk and ending with a summit climb of Ben Nevis via Carn Mor Dearg and across the arete.
My working life began as a civil servant with the Land Registry. I didn’t get to talk enough so I left to become a Financial Advisor. I left this job to take on my local pub, despite having never poured a pint in my life. I still work in the hospitality industry to this day. I have the The Boatshed Cafe and Loch Goil Gin both based in this area. As friends will confirm I have many stories to tell, you will likely hear one or two on our adventure.
Send a message
Contact me
If you would like to make an enquiry about booking a hike, send me a message through the following form. I look forward to hearing from you.
Qualified and Insured Mountain Guide based in Lochgoilhead in the heart of the Arrochar Alps and within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park