Wild Roots Highland Guiding

Name: Wild Roots Highland Guiding
Address: Roybridge, GB
Telephone: +447720398642
Price range: Not Applicable
Rating: 5

Home
United Kingdom
Roybridge
Wild Roots Highland Guiding

Guided walks, wild camping journeys and mountain skills days in the Scottish Highlands Our approach is inquisitive.

The journeys cover a variety of terrain, from low level paths to rugged mountain tops. Whether these are your first steps into the mountains or you are a seasoned hill walker we have something for you. Each journey is carefully curated to experience a variety of natural and human history first hand in breathtaking settings. If you often find yourself looking at your surroundings and thinking ‘I wo

nder why…’ then our journeys are for you. We take the time to stop, observe and understand as we walk through wild places. Aiming to give you knowledge and skills to take away to inspire your own adventures. Please see our website for more information: www.wildrootsguiding.scot

05/02/2025

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

5❄️ ‘s from one of the lovely participants on this weekends winter skills course.

The thing I love most about my job is helping people learn new skills, widen their experience and grow their confidence for independent adventures.

Great to hear Jules got all this and more from our Intro Winter Skills combined with Winter Navigation & Decision Making four day course.

Join us for the next one in March if you’re keen to up your winter game.

03/02/2025

Winter Journeying 🏔️❄️

Learning a new skill requires lots of practice, mastering it involves embedding it within relevant experience and a realistic context.

The second day of our winter skills course we took our learning from day one for a walk on the classic hillwalking circuit of Stob Ban and Mullach Nan Corean in the Mamores.

The wonderful and often overwhelming thing about winter is it comes in so many shapes and sizes. While the weather was very wet and rather warm there was still a lot of snow underfoot that was consequential and required navigating with care.

We didn’t put our crampons on but we spent a lot of time considering the pros and cons of whether we should and evaluating the most appropriate way of moving safely in the tricky mixed conditions. Just the kind of conditions you are likely to encounter in an average winter walking day in Scotland!

It was a great varied day of winter hill walking and we were even rewarded with a moment of blue skies on the second summit along with delicious empire biscuits (thanks Vic).

It was also great to have input from .g.coomber and some great pics too 😀

Next Intro Winter Skills course is 6/7th March, 3 spaces left.

01/02/2025

Up, down, round about 🏔️❄️

Good fun today of day 1 of intro winter skills. Honing all things winter movement alongside lots of great chat about snow, weather and conditions.

The snow was a little on the soggy side but plenty of it so I’m not complaining!

Looking forward to putting everything into practice again tomorrow on our mountain journey day.

30/01/2025

Adventuring 9:00 - 15:00 🏔️🏔️🏔️

If I ever needed a reminder of why living in the remote Scottish Highlands makes me happy this is it 👆🏻 The ability to have days like this from home AND fit them inside the school hours.

All this within six hours, on foot, door to door. The mountains really are our backyard 🙏🏻

We set out with the possibility of climbing a gully to the summit of our neighbouring Munro but we knew there was slim chance it would be the right conditions for it.

Sure enough there was a little too much wind slab around for comfort so we picked a careful line that was much less snow laden.

It’s great to have the experience to assess conditions on the hoof and make good decisions based on what we find. Si has been able to do this for decades and finally I’ve caught up!

Views for days on top, can you spot Ben Nevis? Long may these conditions last.

29/01/2025

Last chance… ⛺️⛰️🍃

… to be an early bird 🕊️

You’ve got until the 1st Feb to book a trip with us and secure a place on an adventure at a discounted early bird price.

We’ve had great interest so far this year (thank you 🙏🏻) and many dates are already full or just have one or two places left so jump in quick if you are keen to join us.

Chose from:

🍃 Highland Wilderness Earth Journeys 🍃

Lower level and relaxed place, we may reach a summit but we will take our time to do it. Plenty of time to just ‘be’ in the landscapes we move through and enjoy quiet, contemplative time.

3 days, 2 nights wild camping, food & equipment included

⛰️ Highland Wilderness Sky Journeys ⛰️

High level routes that take in rocky ridges, high camps and mountain summits. Challenge yourself whilst also having time to connect with the landscapes we move through.

3 days, 2 nights wild camping, food & equipment included

🧘🏻‍♂️ Wild Yoga Journeys 🧘🏽‍♀️

Mountain routes suitable for mixed abilities and taken at a slower pace. Yoga is interwoven into the journey and used as a way to connect mind, body and landscape.

3 days, 2 night wild camping, food & equipment included

🍁 Autumn Retreats 🍁

Four days suitable for all abilities based out of Loch Ossian Eco Hostel. A mix of activities including walking, wild swimming, nature connection and creative practices. As well as plenty of time to relax and unwind at your own pace.

Two trips, one with yoga and one without, food and accommodation included

28/01/2025

Are you free this weekend? ❄️🏔️

Yes, well then what are you waiting for, come join us!

There’s a couple of spaces up for grabs on our winter skills course for any last minute adventurers up for a winter escape.

I can’t promise it will be quite as perfect as this 👆🏻 but the mountains are white and the weather is looking pretty good and I can promise that it will be two days packed with loads of fun, learning and confidence boosting mountain time.

Drop me a message if you’re keen 🙌🏻

26/01/2025

Snow is back, back again ❄️🏔️🥳

Storm Eowyn has passed and blanket the mountains back in their winter cloak. Most of the snow fell on strong westerly and southwesterly winds which means the biggest accumulations are on the sheltered east and northeasterly slopes.

This could clearly be see on today and in the 📸 above 👆🏻. Great to see lots of folk out enjoying snowsports and the sledging made for a fab family day out.

It’s set to stay cold all week and more snow is forecast. If you are keen to get out and make the most of the conditions there are a couple of places left on next weekends Intro to Winter Skills and Winter Nav, join us!

23/01/2025

This is not a drill 👆🏻

As you’ll all of heard by now there’s a storm brewing and it’s going to be a big one. Working in the mountains I spend a lot of time looking at the weather, interpreting forecasts, trying to read between the lines. Often even when it looks really terrible at first glance you can find somewhere that is escaping the worst, a mountain that might be worth climbing.

But, not this time.

Forecasters have consistently been pointing to this brewing for quite some time. If the pressure charts are right it will be the lowest low since 1982, which means if you’re round about the same age as me or younger it could be the biggest storm we’ve see in our lifetimes.

This is not a ‘ach it’ll not be so bad’ forecast. This is a stay at home, cosy up and enjoy a day of doing not much at all. Yes there are lots of things you were intending to get done, but really, they can wait until the weekend!

Stay safe folks, see you on the other side…

Oh, and yes we can expect more of this with our warming climate. It is climate change, in our faces, once again.

21/01/2025

There’s a lot of new faces around here, thank you and hello!

I’m Anna . I am a Mountain Leader, rock climber, runner, wild swimmer, occasional yogi, partner, and mum, among other things!

Photos sum up all my favourite things in life 👌🏼

I grew up in the Yorkshire countryside and moved to Scotland for uni. I quickly fell in love with the landscapes. Six years ago I moved north from Edinburgh to the Highlands and have never felt more at home. I’ll always be a Yorkshire Lass but Scotland has my heart.

For as long as I can remember I have loved spending time outdoors, all of my treasured memories involve adventures in nature. These come in all shapes and sizes from childhood romps through wooded glens and seaside holidays to epic adventures scaling mountains around the world.

I’ve always been interested in learning about landscapes and understanding why the world looks the way it does. At university I studied environmental science and I went onto do a postgrad in outdoor environmental and sustainability education. This led me into a decade long stint working in science education and leadership before finding the courage to go self-employed and set up something that had long been in my mind: Wild Roots Guiding.

Wild Roots is founded on the firm belief that spending time in wild places, challenging our bodies but also being present with our minds, is really very good for us. Even more so when we take the time to actively foster a personal connection with the places that we move through.

Alongside my awesome colleagues , and we offer a wide range of bespoke experiences, journeys and courses that enable you to engage with all these ways of being outdoors whilst also learning new skills and gaining confidence to take away to fuel your own independent adventures

Of course I’d love for you all to book onto a trip with us but I’m also passionate to share as much as I can here to help others get out in the mountains and connect with your wild side. So, message me your questions or post below. What would you like to know about my story, experience or advice for the outdoors? let’s get the conversation started!

19/01/2025

Flexibility wins the day ⛰️❄️🏃🏽‍♀️☀️👌🏼

Just the best weekend delivering a Winter Skills for Runners course for .

It won’t have escaped anyone’s notice that there isn’t much in the way of snow around at the moment but that didn’t stop us having a great two days, learning loads and going home with plenty of new experience & confidence.

Saturday saw us over in the Cairngorms making the most of the remaining snow cover and covering a variety of different movement techniques using a wide range of crampons, axes, micro-spikes, boots and trainers to test of the pros and cons of different combinations.

Today we embraced the dry rock and settled weather and headed out on a classic sky running route. Loads more work on movement techniques and moving efficiently over technical terrain. Something that is always useful as a runner whatever the season.

Winters are changing but one thing that will always be true is that a flexible approach wins the day. The mountains will always teach you plenty and gift you an awesome day if you are willing to change your plans to suit their mood!

15/01/2025

I saw something along the lines of that above quote posted recently over images of the LA wildfires, it really resonated.

Whilst the loss of winter as we used to know it in Scotland is not directly associated with the loss of life in places ravaged by wildfires and catastrophic flooding it is still a disaster.For the people, animals and plants who rely on the changing seasons.

For those affected by the severe storms and swings in weather now common place in the UK it is a disaster.

In my late teens I was studying Environmental Science at university. We learnt about this thing called climate change and I felt an immediate call to action. A global disaster had been unfolding since the 80's how did I not know about it already? Why wasn't anyone doing anything?

I chained myself to railings, camped out on runways and marched on the capital but it mostly fell on deaf ears. Climate change was too abstract for most people to comprehend. Something far away that happened to other people, if it happened at all.

There was a mass apathy to the idea of any action.

Twenty years later climate change is in everyone's faces but most of us still remain apathetic to situation.I suspect today it's not because it's too abstract to comprehend.

It's because it all feels too late, like the damage is already done so what's the use in changing now.

Whilst it's true that permanent human induced climate change is no longer avoidable it doesn't mean that we can't still make a difference.

Climate Change can't be avoided it's on our screens and in front of our eyes for all to see. But it can be slowed to a pace that won't render our future Earth uninhabitable for all life that now calls it home.

It can be slowed to a pace that won't make life quite so difficult for our children and grandchildren.

So don't be apathetic, be angry, take action and send a clear message however you feel compelled to do to those with power that we need to change and we need to do it now!

Ok, rant over, for now...

13/01/2025

Still Basking in Fridays adventure

Snowy winter conditions, perfect weather, great pals and two classic ridges. What more could you want?

I absolutely love days like this. Technical ground requiring 100% focus and steady footing but easy enough to keep on moving. Falling is not an option and the concentration that requires means every step stays with you in a way that it doesn't on easier routes.

And those views, that light... just magnificent!

If you'd like to build skills and experience for days like this a Winter Skills Course is a great place to start and we still have a few spaces in Feb & March.

09/01/2025

Winter Munros; what are they? 🏔️🏔️🏔️

A Munro is a mountain in Scotland over 3000ft/915m. There are 282 of them in Scotland and they take their name from Sir Hugh Munro who was the first person to categorise them all back in 1891. Prior to his work it was generally thought that the number of mountains this size in the UK was closer to 30 than 300!

Munros come in many shapes and sizes ranging from 915m - 1345m. They comprise rocky summits, sharp ridges, rounded lumps, vast plateaus and shapely peaks. Each one has a unique character and story to tell.

Climbing to a Munro summit is a challenge at any time of year, never mind in winter. Snow, ice, changeable weather and short daylight hours are just some of the obstacles you face on a winter ascent. Yet winter mountain days are some of the most rewarding & exhilarating.

I’m really looking forward to sharing loads of Munro adventures with folk as part of our Winter Munro Walking Week. If you’d like to challenge yourself in the winter mountains, build new skills, expand your experience and have some fab days out in the company of like minded folk then join us.

It’s the last week in Feb and there is one twin room left.

I’ve also just made a couple of non- residential places available at a much reduced price for anyone keen for the mountains but doesn’t need the food or accommodation.

08/01/2025

Who’s up for a walk on the wild side? 🏔️⛺️⛰️🥾🍃

From winter mountain peaks to quiet glens in summer. Rocky ridges and summit camps to loch side yoga. Luxury accommodation with hot tubs to tents and hostels our trips offer a wide range of ways to adventure.

Chose a journey and experience the awe-inspiring landscape of the Scottish Highlands in a way that suits you. Join us as a solo traveller or with a pal and be safe in the knowledge you’ll be journeying alongside like-minded folk who will soon feel like friends.

We’ve been lucky to have some great press to start the year out which means some trips are already full or close to full so get your deposits in now if you want to secure a place!

Aside from the Winter Munro Walking Week there is an early bird discount available for all trips booked before the 31st January, you only need to pay the deposit now to secure the discount.

Go, chose your adventure, and we look forward to seeing you in the mountains very soon.

07/01/2025

Hands up who’s excited that the snow is back? ❄️💙

Back to white here in Lochaber, with full winter conditions in the mountains. Just in time for this winter skills day working for at the weekend. A great day with an enthusiastic group keen to learn all things winter. I was so happy to be covered in frost as opposed to soaked to my pants!

It was amazing to think that just a couple of days before there was not a single snowflake on this mountain. Today six inches of snow fell in my garden in about an hour and it’s still coming down heavy.

Very low temperatures are forecast for the next few days. Then, who knows. Don’t you just love how the weather never gets boring around here 😅

05/01/2025

One winter week 💦⛰️💨🏔️🥶❄️☃️

It’s been a week of waterfalls, sideways rain, storm force winds, icy lochs, frosty mornings & snowy summits. In other words it’s Scottish Winter!

On Sunday everything was flooded, water poured in white stripes across the hillsides and the waterfalls were bursting at the seams.

The next couple of days were much the same. NYE on Ben Nevis was a battle against the wind and rain. On the summit there was barely a patch of snow and everything was wet. A nearby weather station recorded wind gusts of 100mph, it was certainly a wild way to end the year!

The next morning the temperature had dropped by over 10 degrees. The rain turning to snow, the sun broke through the clouds for the first time in what felt like weeks and we enjoyed an icy dip beneath white capped mountains in the pink gloaming.

The end of the week saw snows to low level, enough for sledging and snowy runs from the doorstep. By yesterday our mountains are back to full ‘winter’ conditions and for now they are here to stay.

It’s no wonder we talk about the weather when one week has so much variety!

My top tip for making the most of Scottish Winter: give it time. If you turn up for one day your chances of getting the best of the weather are very slim. If you’ve got a few you’re much more likely to experience it ALL!

That’s one of the reasons I’m really looking forward to our Winter Munro Walking Week, 7 days to make the best of, it’s going to be great. There are two rooms left if you want to join us.

03/01/2025

A winter escape, who’s coming? 🏔️❄️🥾🍴👌🏼

Due to a late cancellation we now two rooms available on our fully inclusive week of guided winter walking in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Our cosy base in Spean Bridge means we can access a wide variety of mountains within a day. will be in residence serving up delicious meals through the week.

From Glencoe and Ben Nevis to the south, to Glen Shiel in the North and the Cairngorms in the East the opportunities for winter hill walking are vast. Meaning we can go where the weather and conditions are best, ensuring you get the most out of your week.

Who is this week for?

The aim of this week is to enjoy a wide variety of winter hill walking with a focus on Munros (mountains over 3000ft/915m high). With this in mind the week is aimed at people who have some experience of winter mountains.

This doesn’t have to be a lot. You should be ok walking in crampons and know how to use an ice axe. There will be opportunity within the week to refresh and build on existing skills but this is not the primary focus.

This week is for you if:

❄️ You have previously attended a winter skills course and would like to build on this experience

❄️ You have done some independent winter walking but would like to grow your skills and experience. Including, taking on some more challenging hills and conditions

❄️ You enjoy winter walking and would like to have a break from all the planning. Let an experienced guide take care of the logistics and help you further develop your skills and confidence

❄️ You have a lot of summer mountain walking experience and are confident you will easily pick up walking in crampons and using an ice axe

Get in touch if you’re interested and would like more info or check out the full details on the website.

Address

Roybridge

Telephone

+447720398642

Website

https://linktr.ee/Wildrootsguiding

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wild Roots Highland Guiding posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Wild Roots Highland Guiding:

Videos

Ben Nevis, 15/01/2025, A Disaster...

I saw something along the lines of that above quote posted recently over images of the LA wildfires, it really resonated. Whilst the loss of winter as we used to know it in Scotland is not directly associated with the loss of life in places ravaged by wildfires and catastrophic flooding it is still a disaster.For the people, animals and plants who rely on the changing seasons. For those affected by the severe storms and swings in weather now common place in the UK it is a disaster. In my late teens I was studying Environmental Science at university. We learnt about this thing called climate change and I felt an immediate call to action. A global disaster had been unfolding since the 80's how did I not know about it already? Why wasn't anyone doing anything? I chained myself to railings, camped out on runways and marched on the capital but it mostly fell on deaf ears. Climate change was too abstract for most people to comprehend. Something far away that happened to other people, if it happened at all. There was a mass apathy to the idea of any action. Twenty years later climate change is in everyone's faces but most of us still remain apathetic to situation.I suspect today it's not because it's too abstract to comprehend. It's because it all feels too late, like the damage is already done so what's the use in changing now. Whilst it's true that permanent human induced climate change is no longer avoidable it doesn't mean that we can't still make a difference. Climate Change can't be avoided it's on our screens and in front of our eyes for all to see. But it can be slowed to a pace that won't render our future Earth uninhabitable for all life that now calls it home. It can be slowed to a pace that won't make life quite so difficult for our children and grandchildren. So don't be apathetic, be angry, take action and send a clear message however you feel compelled to do to those with power that we need to change and we need to do it now! Ok, rant over, for