A campfire cooks a pan of food beside a lake at dusk.
Guided Highlands & Islands Expeditions

Where Journeys Begin
And Memories Last.

World-class scrambling, open canoe expeditions, and Scottish winter mountaineering. Expert instruction in small Highland groups.

Explore All TripsPrivate Guiding
5.0 / 5.0•Over 211+ Five-Star Reviews
Wild Terrains

Where We Guide

From the jagged volcanic gabbro of Skye to the ancient pine forests of the River Spey.

Assynt
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Assynt

Canoe Journey Through Scotland’s Wild Heart

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Ben Nevis
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Ben Nevis

The Ultimate Mountain Challenge

Explore Ben Nevis
Cairngorms
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Cairngorms

Scotland’s Year-Round Adventure Playground

Explore Cairngorms
Glencoe
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Glencoe

A Dramatic Landscape of Adventure

Explore Glencoe
Isle of Skye
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Isle of Skye

Guided Skye Munros & Mountain Adventures

Explore Skye
Moray
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Moray

Mountain to the Seaside

Explore Moray
Perthshire
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Perthshire

A Playground for Paddlers and Climbers

Explore Perthshire
Sweden
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Sweden

A Playground for Paddlers and Climbers

Explore Sweden
Torridon
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Torridon

Scotland’s Wild and Untamed Peaks

Explore Torridon
Wester Ross
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Wester Ross

Paddle on Loch Maree & Climb Iconic Peaks

Explore Wester Ross
Disciplines & Skills

Choose Your Adventure

hillwalking
HIGHLAND EXPEDITION
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hillwalking

Explore Scotland’s wild landscapes, one step at a time.

Explore hillwalking
scrambling
HIGHLAND EXPEDITION
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scrambling

Discover Scotland’s Most Breathtaking Ridges and Routes

Explore scrambling
rock climbing
HIGHLAND EXPEDITION
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rock climbing

Discover the adventure of rock climbing with expert guidance.

Explore rock climbing
FLAGSHIP EXPEDITION • ISLE OF SKYE

THE SKYE CUILLIN RIDGE TRAVERSE

Over 13,000ft of ascent across Britain’s most iconic and technical alpine ridge.

A person in an orange jacket sits in a sleeping bag on a rocky summit, watching the sun set over a sea of cloud.
Our Catalog

Find Your Perfect Adventure

Every itinerary run directly by qualified instructors. Transparent pricing and small group ratios.

★ Most Popular

skye cuillin munros guiding

4 or 5 daysCuillin Ridge, Isle of Skye
skye cuillin munros guiding
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Scottish Rock & Water
Challenging - 7
From£760.00/ person
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★ Most Popular

2 day winter skills course

2 daysAviemore, Cairngorms
2 day winter skills course
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Scottish Rock & Water
Moderate - 4
From£220.00/ person
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★ Most Popular

river spey guided canoe trip

4 daysAviemore, Cairngorms
river spey guided canoe trip
Discipline icon
Scottish Rock & Water
Moderate - 4
From£590.00/ person
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★ Most Popular

aonach eagach guided traverse

1 dayGlen Coe
aonach eagach guided traverse
Discipline icon
Scottish Rock & Water
Moderate - 5
From£180.00/ person
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★ Most Popular

learn to lead climb

2 daysAviemore, Cairngorms
learn to lead climb
Discipline icon
Scottish Rock & Water
Moderate - 4
From£360.00/ person
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★ Most Popular

canoe across scotland

5 daysWest to East Highlands, Scotland
canoe across scotland
Discipline icon
Scottish Rock & Water
Moderate - 4
From£680.00/ person
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The Highland Standard

What sets us apart

Small groups, qualified instructors, and days shaped around the people who turn up.

Small, Independent Business

Small, Independent Business

We’re a very small, family-run business built on a love for Scotland’s wild places. Unlike big providers, we focus on personal connections, tailored experiences, and a deep commitment to the landscapes we work in. When you book with us, you're supporting a passionate local team who truly care about your experience.

Sustainable Approach

Sustainable Approach

We’re committed to protecting the landscapes we love. Unlike providers who put profit first, we focus on responsible guiding, conservation, and a leave-no-trace ethos. When you book with us, you’re supporting sustainable tourism and helping preserve Scotland’s wild places for future generations.

Tailored Experiences

Tailored Experiences

We keep our group sizes small to provide a personal and tailored experience. Whether it’s your first time in the mountains or you’re a seasoned adventurer, we take the time to understand your goals and adapt each course to suit your needs.

Beyond the Guidebooks

Beyond the Guidebooks

Sure, you can find the well-trodden routes in a book—but we take you beyond the usual paths. With our deep local knowledge, we’ll guide you to hidden ridges, quiet valleys, and secret spots that make every adventure feel truly unique.

Autumn birch and pine reflected in still water.
5.0 / 5.0••TripAdvisor Verified

Stories from the hill and the water

Notes from people who have scrambled, climbed, walked, and paddled with us.

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winter climbing

“2 Day Winter Climbing intro”

My dad and I underwent a two day intro to winter climbing. This course was everything I hoped for and Stephen was a friendly, reassuring and attentive instructor. He listened to what we wanted to do and tailored each day to fit our wants and abilities. I felt safe and trusted at all times and would not hesitate to recommend this course or any other by Scottish Rock and Water. We met on the first morning to discuss weather and avalanche forecasts which we learned more about through planning our day. On the hill we discussed these aspects further as well as covering rope work, anchor building, navigation, use of technical gear and placing protection. Stephen was happy to answer any questions and chat, climbing or non climbing related. Thank you for a great weekend.

Callum SumsionVerified

open canoe holidays

“Amazing 👏”

Fantastic experience from start to finish, Our guide Terry was a top lad and a fantastic cook couldnt do enough for everyone ,was great fun and was very experienced on the water ,we had a great group ,had plenty of laughs and would would highly recommend this trip.over and out seal team 4.

Lee CharltonVerified

open canoe holidays

“Canoe Across Scotland”

Fabulous time with small group canoeing and wild camping. Guide and canoe instructor Antony was great, very friendly, helpful and full of enthusiasm. Food was amazing and we never went hungry. Storm Floris spoilt some of our adventure but everyone just cracked on with it. Top marks to Antony who did proper risk assessment before our last day and requested additional support from Steven to accompany us on a extremely windy Loch Ness. Great company would recommend and use again for another adventure!

Kazz DVerified

open canoe holidays

“River Spey canoe trip”

An excellent 4 days paddling the River Spey with Rory. The whole event was well organised and Rory was a very knowledgeable and capable guide, knowing the river very well. His cooking skills and meal choices were also very good, definitely did not go hungry. The scenery was exceptional and wildlife seem very good, 2 Ospreys included. The canoes and kit provided were also very good.

John HVerified

Open Canoe Holidays

“Guided Descent of the River Spey”

Many thanks to Stephan for a great 4-day trip down the Spey! We really enjoyed the scenery and the water - especially the washing machine! Good accomodations and good food down the way helped as well to make this an unforgettable trip. We'll definitely be back for more fun some day!

Paul AkkermansVerified

scrambling

“Scrambling in Glen Coe”

Highly recommend Stephen and Scottish Rock and Water, I did a 2 day introduction course on scrambling in Glen Coe and Stephen made our experience highly enjoyable and very educational. Stephen is very patient and I felt extremely comfortable and safe during the course at all times. I have gained valuable confidence and knowledge from my 2 days. Had an amazing time, thank you Stephen

Craig BeveridgeVerified
Field Leadership

The Guiding Team

Every expedition is led directly by certified mountaineering and water sports instructors with decades of Scottish terrain knowledge.

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Charlie Burrow
Mountain

Charlie Burrow

Instructor - Mountain, Backcountry Ski

Winter Mountain Leader
Ella Wright
Mountain

Ella Wright

Instructor - Mountain

Winter Mountain Leader
Jack Morris
Mountain

Jack Morris

Instructor - Mountain

Winter Mountaineering Climbing Instructor
Josh Robinson
Water

Josh Robinson

Instructor - Mountaineering, Paddle sports & Skiing

Winter Mountaineering Climbing Instructor
Liam Green
Water

Liam Green

Instructor - Paddle sports & Mountain

Advanced Canoe Leader
Louisa Reynolds
Mountain

Louisa Reynolds

Instructor - Mountaineering & Off Piste Skiing

Ifmga British Mountain Guide
Mark Chambers
Water

Mark Chambers

Instructor - Paddle sports & Mountain

Winter Mountain Leader
Matt Pavit
Mountain

Matt Pavit

Instructor - Mountain, Backcountry Ski, Bike

Winter Mountain Leader
A person in an orange jacket sits in a sleeping bag on a rocky summit, watching the sun set over a sea of cloud.
Private guiding / Highlands
SRW Certified Field Spec
Private guiding

Your route, your dates

A guide for your group only, on the hill or on the water. Tell us the objective and we will shape the days around it.

  • Your dates, not a set departure
  • The pace set for your group
  • Hill days or days on the water
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Field Notes

Field notes

Route notes, packing, and what the days are actually like.

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Water based expeditions

Stephen McCall

5 Nov 2026•30 min read

There and back again...

11 days, 435km, 13 blisters, 1 suspected 'Carpal tunnel syndrome' and no transport. It was going to be one hell of a trip. I had been......

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Water based expeditions

Stephen McCall

5 Nov 2026•9 min read

Paddling the Hårkan River: What to Expect on Sweden's Most Rewarding Canoe Journey

When you paddle the Hårkan River in central Sweden, you're not just on a canoe trip—you're moving through some of the most pristine wilderness Scandinavia has to offer. Vast forests meet clear water, the only sounds are...

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Highlands Journal

Stephen McCall

4 Jan 2026•2 min read

Fresh Food on the Water: What We Really Eat on a Scottish Canoe Holiday

Fresh, hearty meals are a highlight of our canoe holidays—think hot porridge for breakfast, picnic-style lunches, and hearty dinners like curry or fajitas, all made with quality ingredients. We cater for all diets and us...

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Basecamp Concierge

Ready to plan the trip?

Ridges, rivers, or a winter day on the hill. Tell us the dates and the group, and a guide will reply with straight advice.

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