- Guided Hillwalking Across the Scottish Highlands

WELCOME TO KING MOUNTAINEERING!

 

King Mountaineering is operated by John King and offers year round guided hillwalking, backpacking and skills training across the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

John is an experienced mountaineer, Summer and Winter Mountain Leader (ML) and Rock Climbing Instructor who has been hillwalking, scrambling and climbing throughout the mountains of the UK his whole life.

Growing up in and around Glasgow, John first developed his love of the outdoors in the Scottish Highlands. Taking every opportunity to get out into the hills he has explored many of the wilder and remote corners of the Highlands, in all seasons, and has built up an intimate knowledge of the Scottish hills and glens as well as a keen interest in the ecology, geology and history of the natural environment.

He has completed two rounds of the Munros, has visited many Corbetts and Grahams, and in recent years has also explored many of the UK’s other significant peaks. John also enjoys getting his hands on rock and has completed many of the UK’s classic scrambles and is a keen rock climber.

John is passionate about passing on his knowledge and skills, and sharing his enthusiasm for the hills with others. This led him to qualify as a Summer ML in May 2014. Since then he has gained both the Rock Climbing Instructor and Winter Mountain Leader awards. He also holds a current outdoor emergency first aid certificate and is a full member of the Mountain Training Association.

Having moved to the Scottish Highlands to set up King Mountaineering, John is excited to enable others to enjoy the spectacular mountains and vast open spaces that the Scottish landscape has in abundance.

King Mountaineering aims to help each of our clients enjoy the hills safely and make the most out of their trips. This website is designed to give you a taste of what is on offer in terms of guided hillwalking and various skills courses. If you’re planning a walking trip in the Highlands get in touch and we can discuss an itinerary to suit what you would like to do in the hills.


TESTIMONIALS

‘Had a fantastic day yesterday on Suilven in lovely weather. A big thank you must go to John King who was a perfect walking companion. Owing to my limitations it took us quite a lot longer than planned, but he never once complained or tried to push things above a sensible pace (for me).’

John, Suilven – September 2017

 

‘I spent two long and most enjoyable days walking in the Torridon mountains with John who was an excellent guide and one of the best I’ve walked with. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the mountains – which are the peaks around you as you walk, what routes are best. what challenges each presents – and also of the rocks and the flora.

John is very easy to walk with, having an awareness of the best pace for his group, keeping the pace moving while also allowing for stops to enjoy the magnificence of the scenery around. And his encouragement and confidence got me over those challenges of which mountains in Torridon have plenty! He has lots of interesting conversation but also with an ability to be quiet and let the hills speak for themselves. I’m planning my next trip already!’

Rosalind, Torridon – July/August 2017

 

I had a brilliant day – covered the basics of navigation brilliantly, and learnt some useful skills! The day was great and you were a brilliant teacher/guide. I will definitely looking at doing some of your others courses!

Louise, Navigation Course – June 2019

 

In September I booked a trip with John to climb Foinaven in the Far North, as I had tried to climb it a few years ago and failed, I decided with the help of John I would stand a better chance of reaching the summit and we not only reached the top but we managed a traverse of the whole ridge. John is a fantastic guide and was able to walk at a comfortable pace that suited me meaning we could complete the whole day without too many rest stops. John has so much knowledge on the mountains of Scotland, the best routes and other ways to tackle them, added to this is knowledge of the Geology and the plants it makes the day fun and interesting. If you want a guide for day trips or big adventures in Scotland then look no further than John. I will definitely be using John as guide on future trips.

Brian, Foinaven – September 2019