Summit Guides - Caernarfon

Madeleine P.

Had the best weekend climbing with Tom, he is a fabulous teacher - every moment was a learning opportunity. I came into this weekend with the goal of improving my confidence in gear placement and overall knowledge of a winter climbing system. It’s safe to say that all my expectations were met (and then some), and I’ve taken on lots of valuable information from Tom. Couldn’t recommend him enough. Thank you summit guides for a fab weekend!

Gavin K.

As an outdoor instructor who’s worked across Scotland and beyond, summer and winter it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you ‘know it all’. Not so, and an open mind allows learning to continue.
I’ve climbed for close to 40 years and luckily met Tom when we completed our International Mountain Leader Qualification.
One of the downfalls of working outdoors is the limits placed on you in terms of your own adventures.
I’ve always been passionate about Winter Climbing and Mountaineering but my work life balance wasn’t what it should be.
So a correction was required. Cue teaming up with Tom to get onto more technical climbing terrain once again.
From initial discussions to actually getting on the crag the process was faultless. Tom’s professional approach built up over many years was ideal and with one postponement due poor to non existing conditions we eventually struck gold. A great day on the Message on Mess of Pottage fitted the bill perfectly. Lots of opportunities to allow Tom correct areas of technique where I was not particularly strong such as footwork.
Lots to take away and work on from my perspective which in combination with just having a ‘good day’ was the aim…..so mission accomplished.
Gavin Kellett IML / Winter ML / RCI / CMIOSH

Ben H. (.

Summit Guides - Tom

A testimonial but also a story of the trip and this is just the highlights.

This was a bespoke trip that Tom put together for me, the path less trodden, but I wouldn’t have known that he’d not run it time and time again - so smooth.

Trip Summary;

So the Saturday started with a substantially delayed flight for me but as promised there was Tom to meet me with great transportation organised along with water and snacks for the later than planned trip to Imlil.

Apparently there was an issue with rooms at the Riad but nothing affected me, all sorted seamlessly by Tom. Tagine no1 and a good nights rest in a lovely Riad.

Trek up to CAF was a joy with Tom and our local guide Ibrahim organising everything along the way from passports at the park entrance to lunch, tagine no2, and drinks stops along the way.

The choice of CAF was ideal, a bit of WiFi (when there were less people around) and clean and tidy dorms and washrooms - the food was plentiful and varied enough (though it did include tagine no3-8 - all super tasty!)

The climbing;
Day 1 - laps on ice routes a short ascent direct from the hut, an early lunch prepared freshly by Ibrahim, then an explore down the valley for future options before some other ice just by the hut to really tire those arms and calves 🫣

Day 2 - off down the valley for a multipitch ice journey rounded off by another freshly prepared lunch.

Day 3 - time to change it up and do a ridge, SW ridge of Ouanoums. What a day 10ish hours of an amazing ridge with some real climbing and more relaxed scrambling upto 4,000m and then a choice of descent……I picked a cool gully and we got to use stomper belays in the wild (7 back to back 👌) before joining the main Toubkal path down.

Day 4 - I’d asked for an easier/rest day and happily the weather ensured this. After 3 bluebird days a snow storm passed through with high winds and drop in temperature and big snow dump. In the end it was a complete rest day but still Tom was attentive and we even did some movement skills on the fireplace!

Day 5 - we’d been searching for a known route chockstone gully/cascade throughout the week and managed to locate it (Tom doesn’t give up) for the final climb (hint there’s no chockstone now!) So an amazing gully to finish with and then a snack before the walk back out to Imlil in fine conditions. Two more tagines this day 😊

Day 6&7 - back to Marrakech where we wandered, ate, had a hammam (all organised by Tom) and a final dinner, not tagine 🥳 The Riad here was luxury and a lovely place to stay before heading to the airport and home Sunday.

Just writing that had reminded me what a wonderful experience you can get in just a week and equally just how much having the right support and guide makes it all so much better.

Thank you Tom 🙏🏼 (Summit Guides)

Juliën F.

We went on a winter climbing course in Scotland. Without prior outdoor climbing experience Tom guided us phenomenally, giving us a great challenging adventure just enough outside of our comfort zone to make it very exciting whilst feeling save all along due to Tom his great climbing skills. We didn’t just have a great time and good conversations but learned a lot as well. Ready now to take our new experience on more adventures !

Harvey H.

Had the best 2 days scrambling with Tom! Very knowledgeable and of course very experienced! Taking me over some really fun and technical routes throughout the 2 days, was smiles the whole way up!

Tom will cover more than just the climbing but explaining how things work, what they do, technical names and even explaining reasoning behind the mountain names, certainly comeback with alot more very useful knowledge!

Bill M.

Two great days out. Tom is an excellent mountain leader . Very personable and knowledgeable.

The whole experience was first class - discussing our requirements, the ongoing communication and the climbs themselves. I'd recommend Tom without hesitation and plan to hire him again.

Kyle

An excellent few days on the Winter Climbing course with Tom. Prior to starting we had clear communication on understanding my level and objectives, also ensuring I had the correct gear. Throughout the trip, Tom went above and beyond to ensure our safety, and had planned a suitable itinerary based on weather/avalanche considerations. As the course progressed, Tom adapted to my pace & feedback allowing me to feel calm while learning key skills including belaying, tying-on, & the clove-hitch. Overall, an exhilarating few days, exciting climbing, & good memories.

Sarah I.

I’ve spent two separate two days courses with Tom, building my rock climbing experience. Tom has been excellent. His organisation has been really strong so that the logistics of planning the visits has been really easy.

He has taken the time to really understand what I want to get out of the sessions and to get my input into the various options available to us on any given day.

His coaching has been brilliant - very tailored to my skill levels and approach to learning. At moments when I’ve been nervous, he’s calmly understood why, allowed me to express my fears and then coached me through what is needed in a particular situation. I’ve felt safe, supported and inspired. Thank you, Tom, for all your support