The Mountain Men Ltd

Mountain men backpacking trip. 15/16 February 2020 – storm Dennis came along too!This was my third trip with the Mountain Men. I have to say I was intrigued as to how they would handle what storm Dennis was going to throw at us. Needless to say the MM (Ritchie and Davie) played a blinder. Because they have so much experience and knowledge of Scottish outdoor places and conditions, they can be flexible to ensure clients stay safe and have a positive trip. After local pickups, we started the trip with a trip to the Queen Elizabeth forest park. In particular, we visited the site of the ‘Predator Project’ – an eerie installation in the middle of the woods. Well worth a visit and I would never have seen this had I not been on a MM trip. Then it was time to find a place to camp. The plan was flexible and had to be adjusted as the storm was making its presence felt. We opted to go to a bothy for the night. The track to the bothy was waterlogged and there was a danger we would get trapped if the forecast snow arrived (good call as there was a big dump of snow that night). After a group discussion the plan was amended. We decided to stay low and find a campsite that had easy access and shelter from tress. A great pitch near the shore of Loch Morlich was found. With the tents erected and a fire on the go, we all cosied up under a tarp to chat and tell stories. The night time wander to the beach to see the stars was memorable.In the night Dennis strutted his stuff. Gusts of force 9 (severe gale) regularly blasted our camp and the snow came down. I slept like a log but I’m not sure others had as much sleep as me. In the morning, we decided to pack up and head to a cafe - always a welcome decision from my perspective. On route back we had another treat. We squeezed in a visit to the Hermitage Park in Dunkeld to see Ossian’s Hall, an 18c folly that overlooks stunning waterfalls. All the rivers were in spate and the roar of the water was incredible. Again anther place I would not have visited, had it not have been for the MM. A windy trip back in the van saw me dropped off at 3.30pm.So, yet again, a big thanks to the Mountain Men for all their skill, flexibility, patience and positivity. They saw us safely through some extreme weather conditions. It was a challenge but it was also fun. On this trip I visited 3 new places and I will return to each of them under my own steam in the future. 5 stars are fully justified. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

A great day of hill navigation, learning about emergency scenarios and how to act, what to take and how to read and navigate with a map and compass. very insightful and informative! I highly recommend! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Fantastic hill safety and navigation course today. Learned so much and laughed a lot too. Look forward to another event with the Mountain Men. Highly recommend .

Reviewed on Facebook

what a great informative day, loads to take in and process, Ritchie delivered a brilliant Navigation and map reading and Hill safety course today ! Highly recommended ! Thanks so much Ritchie and Davie this course is invaluable. 5 star rating ! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Salute the bard was my first Mountain Men experience and a solo one at that. From the first message I sent to them, I had a good feeling that this was this right choice for me. All information provided and I was happy with their service so far! I was picked up local to me and as a solo camper I was a wee bit nervous, I was soon put to ease and was treated like they had already knew me. We picked everyone else up at their destinations and set off out to Edinburgh way, we weren’t told our destination for the night, I was trying to have a sneak peek at their sat nav, not very good with surprises! Haha! We got to Edinburgh and had the opportunity to go into the Writers museum, very fitting for our Burns day adventures. After this, back into the mini bus and off we went on a wee mystery tour to The Birks of Aberfeldy for a wee wonder around. This is one of the place Rabbie Burns went for inspiration to write some of his poems. I can’t express enough how beautiful this place is, the waterfalls are absolutely beautiful. We then went back into mini bus after our walk and set of to our mystery camp for the evening. We arrived at The Heritage at Dunkeld, stunning woodland, lovely walk and river in the back ground. We set up Camp and Ritchie and Davie arranges the fire and seats around it and started to prepared our burns supper. I can honestly say this has been the best Haggis neeps and tatties I have had and was best meal for being outdoors. As I said previously this was a solo camp for me and turns out this was solo for most of the others that booked, arrived as strangers left as friends. Everyone was so lovely, kind and helpful and they made my experience well worth it. Plenty of whiskey was passed around the fire and a few ( not in tune ) songs after our burns supper where one of the guests, Joe addressed the haggis along with Ritchie.I want to thanks The Mountain Men, Ritchie and Davie for being great hosts. I felt very at ease and walked away feeling like I had known yous all for years, so welcoming. I would recommend The Mountain Men to everyone and their granny! Epic time had by us all, cheers to Andrea, Gemma, Lorna, wee Laura Rose our singer Joe and wee Anthony for making my experience really enjoyable. Somehow I feel these words just don’t justify how awesome this tour company is. Perfect! Keep doing what yous are doing, you can’t go wrong! See you on our next adventure. Catherine x More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Had a fantastic day with Richie today. Who knew that reading maps and using a compass could actually be so easy. So many helpful hints and tips and reasons as to why. For the price that I paid I am over the moon with all that we were taught today. Deffo recommend and can't wait to do some of the experiences they offer More...

Reviewed on Facebook

This time last week I was gearing up for my second outing with The Mountain Men. So good I wish we were doing it again this week. Here's to more experiences and meeting lots of lovely like minded people.The Mountain Men are the best at what they do. Don't take my word for it. Try for yourself. Like me you'll be hooked. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

I went on the burns experience with my 3 year old daughter and this trip exceeded every expectation I had already (which was pretty high! )Everything apart from the pickup was a total surprise. However, I was feeling pretty anxious as I didn't know the others who were also coming but this subsided quickly.We enjoyed a lovely trip to The Writers Museum in Edinburgh, there was also a table set up by the museum, which my daughter took full advantage off to create a picture of Rabbie Burns! Then we had a lovely stroll around The Birks of Alberfeldy, and sat in the same place that Robert Burns got his inspiration to write the well known poem, "The Birks of Alberfeldy." Both places that we had the pleasure of visiting were beautiful and we all got to spend as much time in both place as we wanted. Our final visit was at the Hermitage at Dunkeld. Which was our camp for the night! Everything about it was a perfect location! The openness yet seclusion of the site was perfect for camp! The woods were just mesmerising! After tents were set and the fire was roaring we addressed the haggis after it was cooked on the campfire and then enjoyed a fabulous hot meal! It was AMAZING! We all had a fantastic night around the campfire with drinks, poems, songs and fantastic company! I honestly felt like I was surrounded by all my friends! It was THE perfect way to end the day! Even getting my 3 year old to sleep was easier than normal! We lay down and listened to the owls and she was asleep within minutes!! A great time was had by us all, and I will 100% be attending other trips that the Mountain Men have to offer!!! The Mountain Men thought of everything. They are so knowledgeable and make sure everyone is catered too with no hesitation! The perfect hosts! :) More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

This was my first time out with The Mountain Men AND my first time camping. Yeah, I chose middle of January in Scotland to go camping for the first time. ... what could go wrong eh?Well the answer was nothing, everything went just brilliantly.I was a little nervous coming on my own, not knowing what to expect from these things. There was no need to be. Firstly, Richie and Davie (our Mountain Men) made me feel totally at ease. Secondly, all the guests on the experience were solo travellers (not planned, just happened that way). Every single one of them were fab people. We clicked quickly, bonding over a shared inquisitiveness as to where our trip would take us.The surprises were good fun, and informative. I loved sitting around the campfire, having a few drinks, watching our dinner cook and having some brilliant chat. I expected to be in bed by 10pm (like I usually am), not this week, it was after 1am when I finally called it a night ... I was having so much fun. Friends were definitely made!We had a few kids with us (3yrs old and a 11 yr old birthday boy). They were amazing, VERY well-behaved and impeccable manner. It made the experience more fun having the wee ones there.I’m a veggie and all my needs were catered for ... credit to the chef for my veggie haggis.Defo recommend an experience with the Mountain Men..... I’ll be back :) More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Great day today on winter navigation course at Glenshee. Learned a lot, gained confidence and had a load of fun.

Reviewed on Facebook

Unbelievably good value for fantastic training. I went on this course because I wanted to learn how to use a map and compass to navigate. I was a complete beginner (as in I literally had no clue). I now feel confident to use these and can’t wait to give it a go. Thanks so much! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Great and skilled team who know how to work with folk who are new to the hills and the life outdoors. Enthusiastic leaders who ensure safe and enjoyable skills training and outdoor experiences in amazing locations across Scotland.

Reviewed on Facebook

Right from my first contact with Ritchie over the phone regarding the St Andrews Day experience, I have realised that it is not a commercial company. Ritchie kept me posted about the arrangements till the day we left. Ritchie and Davie are two fun loving, out door guys who enjoy their work and you will notice it from the moment you meet them. They took care of everything from door to door and kept us entertained throughout the camping trip . It is their personal touch, that gave me the feeling of a family outing. I will certainly be joining them for more outdoor experiences. I cannot recommend them highly enough for Men, Women and even families. If you ask Ritchie for anything, I am sure he will say "Yes", unless it's his Sporks. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

A brilliant time on the St Andrews Day Adventure. Well organised, fun, interesting weekend. Met lots of lovely people. Richie and Davie know their stuff. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a different way to see Scotland. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

What a way to spend St Andrew's day, wild camping in the hidden valley with lovely people fantastic atmosphere and everything that you need for your stay. These guys give you confidence and guidance to ensure a cozy safe well organised trip. Nothing is forgotten! Always near by for help and advice a hand with anything at all nothings a bother. Trust these guys with all iv got. My daughter has been on trips and youngest son 9 too has wild camped. Absolutely loved it. Thank you the mountain men xxx More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Brilliant... have participated in the navigation and hill safety course and the the navigation aspect Ritchie explained it makin it so simply and clear. Also a wild camping experience that was excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these fabulous guys. Thankyou More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

The St Andrews Day experience to Glen Coe is something I will never forget. As someone who had never been camping before I was a bit apprehensive about camping in freezing temperatures in November however I was put at ease very quickly. Ritchie and Davie were superb, had everything planned, including a few surprises, and we're always on hand to help. I would recommend The Mountain Men to anyone who wants an adventure they'll never forget. I will definitely be back! More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

As always a truly and utterly fabulous time making new friends and memories. I was pushed to my limits to get up to the Hidden Valley and back from the camping spot in icy conditions but never once did Ritchie leave me, always encouraging and extremely patient. He is one-in-a-million!! Can’t wait till the next adventure. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

St Andrew's Day experience with the Mountain Men, was a well organised experience. I would have no hesitation on recommending these guys to anyone who has adventure in there heart. You will not be disappointed. Cheers Ritchie and Davie for this fantastic experience. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Camping in hidden valley amazing experience and Organized so simple and best way. Thank you for the trip.

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Great day up Glenshee with Richie and how he explains the dark art of navigation . No longer needing to watch “Bear Grylls” and hopefully join you soon on another outing. Thanks again.

Reviewed on Facebook

I recommend for everyone to do this course, so much knowledge and tips to survive and navigation. 5 stars

Reviewed on Facebook

I spent the same weekend as Kirsty--one night of camping, one 8-hour navigation course--and absolutely loved it! Ritchie made it all possible. I am impressed by how organized he is, and even more impressed by his knowledge and patience. I live in the US and planned this trip to Scotland around the timing of the navigation course, and I highly recommend spending time with the Mountain Men for both the sheer pleasure of being outdoors and the added skills learned through easy and thoughtful teaching. Ritchie, you are the best. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Amazing experience! I booked a wild camp backpacker experience me and my mate! Was brilliant! We were picked up- destination was a surprise ! Few stop offs on route to a couple of castles - then bar lunch then onto our wild camp!! Ritchie was amazing- helped us to build our tent - he made the fire - true rustic camp experience !Would highly recommend - will defo be back ! More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

I recently booked two experiences with The Mountain Men, Mini Backpack/wild camping experience and hill safety and navigation course in Dumfries and Galloway-New Abbey. The Wild camping was fabulous, Ritchie supplied all we needed for the night from camping gear to food, A good night was had by all, Ritchie is a great character and fab company. On a clear mid October night, I spent a warm cosy night in the tent and woke to an amazing sun rise over the Solway Firth before setting off for the hill safety/navigation course, which was fantastically humorously delivered, Ritchie made learning navigation fun and delivered it in a practical way which was easy to understand. I highly recommend his course for anyone who spends time on the hills walking. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Just back from a Backpacker experience and I couldn’t recommend it enough!! Richie was fantastic and couldnt help us enough! ! We were after an adventure and we got that!!! Stop offs at a few castles on route to our “mystery “ overnight wild camping experience !! As you can see by the pictures we were not disappointed by scenic views and I also got my sunrise picture!! Dinner and snacks - tea/coffee were provided we also took some of our own snacks and we also brought a few drinks to have around the fire at night! X Highly recommend 5 star experience More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Did a mountain safety course today and loved it, feel far more confident about navigating and what to do if something bad does happen. Can't recommend this company enough, down to earth, easy to understand with a lot of knowledge gained in a very relaxed atmosphere. great way to learn with a mixture and range of visual, audio and practical informations and tests/checks. if you are considering an outdoors safety course, use this company More...

Reviewed on Facebook

just had an excellent and informative day on the Hill nav and safety course. I can't recommend Richie enough. very straight forward explanations, funny and good fun. I look forward to booking again for another trip. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Just home from the backpacker experience with Ritchie and what can I say, amazing! Everything you require for your overnight stay is in your own pre packed backpack, from sleeping bags to hot beverages! I was picked up and introduced to the rest of the group before heading off to a surprise destination and I was certainly not disappointed. The view which unfolded as we approached our camp spot was breathtaking and couldn’t have asked for better. Ritchie was helpful and an amazing host for our event and I look forward to booking more experiences with them next year. This is my second booking with The Mountain Men Ltd. Would highly recommend! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I previously done the Hill Safety Course with Ritchie which was excellent. It gave me the crucial safety skills and confidence to go out on the hills. Ive also just arrived home from the Backpacker Experience and all I can say is “Wow!” Ritchie’s knowledge and expertise provided us with an amazing experience and in such a stunning location.Looking forward to my next adventure with The Mountain Men Ltd. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Amazing three days on Skye. Ritchie is so helpful and nothing is too much trouble. Feel so relaxed and chilled out now and taken to so many fantastic places and the wild camping spots were incredible. Really not enough superlatives to sum the whole experience up. Can’t wait to do another trip. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

On my way back from spending 4 days doing the NC500 with Ritchie. Well what can I say. It was totally amazing. Didn't matter what the weather was like as Ritchie knew exactly the best viewpoints to stop and admire the breathtaking scenery. He also personalised it for us and nothing was too much trouble to make it a special experience. He even managed to arrange a romantic meal for our anniversary thanks. Fantastic value and nothing quite like it. Memorable moments* camping on the beach and seal watching*starry sky watching with campfire philosophy* amazing waterfalls. Thanks Ritchie for such a relaxing time. Just what we needed. Looking forward to our next adventure. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Cracking 4 hour course, covering all the basics of hill walking. cheap as chips, no nonsense and essential for any newcomers to the hills. thoroughly recommend it. This should be the first thing you add to your basket, before any kit! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I booked this trip for my Dad's 60th birthday and I am so glad I did!We got to see soo much of Skye and had some really special moments. The wild camping (or glamping) was excellent and we were even able to sleep outside under the stars one night. The equipment is top notch, everyone muddles in to get the campsite set up and Ritchie makes sure that everyone gets fed. Some my favourite times were just sitting around the campfire having a wee tipple and reflecting on the day.Be prepared to leave you plans at the door and just settle into an experience you will enjoy, this is definitely more than a tour and therefore this is no itinerary but if you mention something you want to see Ritchie will go above and beyond to ensure you get to see it. In all honesty it is unbelievable all you get for the price of the experience. If you are thinking of booking up, don't hesitate, you won't regret it :) More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Highly recommend for all those that are open-minded, young at heart and have a taste for adventure.Spent 3 days in Skye with the Mountain Men Ltd. Visited more scenic views and sites of interest than most would see in a lifetime.I can't thank Ritchie enough for going the extra mile to accommodate at every opportunity.Wild camping made comfortable, views that take your breath away, unbelievable value for money and the best campfire breakfast ever!Would I book up for another adventure? Absolutely. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Great experiences. Hill safety course was very informative, and fun. The Skye experience was, well, an experience one that I would do again.

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Spent an amazing 3 days in Skye with the Mountain Men and returned home with memories to last a lifetime. Camped with a wonderful group of people, saw breathtaking scenery and slept under the stars, made all the better by the unbelievably generous hospitality shown by Ritchie. Highly recommend for all that want a unique and unforgettable experience. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Had an amazing 3 days in skye. Will definitely be back for another trip.

Reviewed on Facebook

Just back from 3 day Skye experience. What ever I say about my 3 days away in skye with Ritchie will not do it justice. From the stunning locations we where taken to thanks to Ritchie's knowledge of the island, making the most of our time away. To the way Ritchie went that extra mile for us making sure everyone was happy.Can't wait for my next adventure with the mountain men. Can not recommend them highly enough.Thanks for the Morrisons rolls. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

Done the Skye experience wed to Fri. Couldn't fault it, amazing service from start to finish. Mountain man Ritchie was a guide, a cheuffur, a chef, a teacher and a teller of stories. Wild glamping for sure as he has all the equipment needed and cooks a mean fry up! Skye was beautiful and Ritchie knows the best places to go. All at a fantastic unbeatable price. Cannot recommend highly enough. Will defo be back for more! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ More...

Reviewed on Facebook

The Skye experience with the mountain men over 3days/2nights.Picked up in a comfortable minibus close to home. Met the other members of the small group, 6 of us which meant a very personal tour. Taken on the long drive to Skye which was broken up with short stops at some beautiful view points, coffee stops and a fabulous fish and chips just over the Skye bridge. It was certainly wild glamping as all the equipment plus more was taken care of. We. All chipped in and had the camp site set up in no time even though some of us had no experience Ritchie was patient in explaining how to do it. We had campbeds, comfortable sleeping bags, large tent had seperate rooms and even a portable toilet! The campfire was lit and we had a couple of beers while sitting on comfy chairs and taking in the sea/mountain views. Ritchie cooked us a vegetarian chilli then we had cheesecake too! A great sleep was had then awoke to filtered coffee and campfire cooked breakfast. A busy day was head seeing the sights of Skye, a beautiful island and we packed alot of sights in!Another scenic campsite was picked for the second night and it was so nice we slept on the campbeds outside and manged to get a wonderful view of the stars. With the safety of the tent there if needed it was another great night's sleep (although a rude awakening to the dreaded midge!) Another busy day of sightseeing around the island before heading home. The Mountain Men experience for me was absolutely fantastic. I can't rate it highly enough and for a fraction of the price of other tour company's. I will definitely be taking another tour or 2 in the future. More...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

friendly and knowledgeable practical courses on navigation.

Reviewed on Facebook

Fab, fun 2 days experiencing Skye. Great company and amazing memories made for myself and my son. He loved setting up camp and cannot wait to get out camping again. Would definitely recommend...

Reviewed on TrustPilot

My son and I had an amazing time experiencing Skye at the weekend. Seen so much in a short time and have made lasting memories. Ritchie catered for our every need, letting my boy help set up camp, which he loved and cannot wait to go camping again now. Met a great bunch of ladies too Thank you so much More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Had a great overnight wild camping in Skye. 2 full days of beautiful scenery. you don't need anyone to go with you as you meet the nicest people on tour with you. definitely recommend.

Reviewed on Facebook