About North West Mountaineering
What?
Northwest Mountaineering offers a diverse range of courses and guided experiences tailored to all skill levels. Our signature offerings include the Skye Munros Course and Cuillin Ridge Traverse where individuals can tackle the iconic summits of the Isle of Skye in either the course of a week or perhaps the challenge of attempting the ridge over two days. We also offer guided climbing and mountaineering in either summer or winter in some of the best landscapes the United Kingdom has to offer. We also provide essential skills courses designed to enhance your mountaineering or climbing abilities, from navigation and climbing techniques to essential winter skills training. With a focus on safety and personal growth, our experienced instructors ensure that each adventure is not only challenging but also deeply rewarding, helping you build confidence and competence in the mountains.
Where?
We operate across some of the UK's most breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic Highlands of Scotland, the stunning Fells of the Lake District and the rugged terrain of the Welsh Mountains. Each location offers something different and unique to tailor to what aspirations or ambitions you may have. The Northwest Highlands offers some of the best mountaineering terrains, with areas such as the rugged Cuillin Ridge on Isle of Skye or the incredibly old and rugged terrain of Torridon, this place has it all. The western highlands including Ben Nevis and Glen Coe offer again some fantastic climbing and mountaineering, along with the Cairngorms, particularly in winter, with easy access to the mountains. The Lake District and the Welsh Mountains equally offer some classic scrambles and climbing routes.
Who?
Northwest Mountaineering was established by James Gibson in 2025. With over a decade of experience working in the outdoors and a huge passion for climbing and mountaineering in both summer and winter, James now holds the Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (WMCI), which is the highest U.K.-based qualification that can be awarded. He has worked extensively around the United Kingdom, but his favourite place has always been Scotland, with its incredible mountaineering and climbing terrain, there are endless adventures to be had. It's these experiences and skills that James wants to pass on. James has a team of highly qualified and experienced guides who all equally share this passion for adventure.