AFS MOUNTAINEERING

Adventures for You

Private Mountain Guiding
Private Courses

Adventures for You

Running bespoke private guiding and bespoke courses is about you. Any bespoke event will be very much tailored to the experience you and your family/friends/colleagues, society or club want. Under 18s are welcome so long as parent/guardian is there too. Some routes or activities are unsuitable for younger kids.

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If you've seen a course or event that you'd like to come on but the dates clash with something else, or if you want a corporate day out, hire a guide for one of the classic challenges (e.g. Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge), or want to brush up on some mountain skills, simply send an email to Fabian to get started. He will usually respond within a day or two if out in the mountains or sooner if not.

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I always try and strike a balance between being affordable and trips going ahead versus rigid pricing so I take into account various factors such as the size of the group, location, season, complexity of the terrain and length of time out etc.

For clubs and societies who might want to form a strategic and regular partnership there will be discounts on regular bulk bookings. Weekday bookings are generally cheaper than weekends.

 

For the price you are getting an experienced and qualified mountain guide who can:

  • Manage the route planning beforehand and on the day(s),

  • Structure a course tailored to your needs (I will liaise with you beforehand to tease out what you want to work on and come up with a plan). Please note that for NNAS Navigator Award courses, I cannot deviate from the set syllabus). 

  • Advise on equipment, clothing and hill/mountain craft for your own independent adventures,

  • Advise on different regions to visit which match your interests,

  • Provide some information about the landscape, flora and fauna we may encounter plus other interesting historical snippets if applicable! Fabian has a PhD in microbiology and molecular genetics and has undertaken peer-reviewed research exploring life in Antarctica among other places.

The Munros

The Munros are my speciality (there are 282 Mountains over 3,000ft in Scotland - or less romantically, 914m). If you're interested, visiting the Highlands and want some inspiration, or just want to get started I've put together a whole range of different walks that are particularly good (excluding Ben Nevis which, although the highest, you can get in touch about separately because, well, it's the highest!).

To see the page for selected Munros please click here 

 
 

ACTIVITIES

Private Mountain Guiding / Charity Events

Do you want to explore the mountains of Britain with a Guide for that added security?

Quite simply, private mountain guiding is about taking you, friends and/or family out for a mountain experience. 

I take care of all of the route planning, navigation and can talk about the environment we're walking through. I can recommend different areas having climbed pretty much all of them - often several times!

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Private mountain guiding can range from a day walk, a number of day walks, through to a wilderness backpacking adventure. 

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Depending on where you want to go, that summit you've always wanted to reach, get in touch to discuss.

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I can also help organise charity challenge events such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Edale Skyline or group hikes up various mountains! or corporate sessions involving rock climbing/abseiling.

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A minimum of 2 people (or equivalent cost) is needed and my maximum ratio is 1:6, 1:8 or 1:10 depending on the location​/season. If you have bigger numbers, I can bring in an additional guide. This is to ensure your safety and mine.

There are extra risks and equipment associated with winter and you will get a very abridged winter skills before setting out. However, it is advised that you attend an intro to winter skills course before heading out on a guided winter trip - whether with AFS Mountaineering or with another provider.

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Please get in touch to discuss an itinerary, dates and prices. I am fully transparent about my pricing and can provide this as a spreadsheet pdf. 

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Prices differ depending on the activity, mountain range, number of consecutive days, the season and of course the number in your group. 

Private & Bespoke Courses & Climbing

​I offer a range of courses that are described in detail on the Courses pages. If you've found a course that particularly interests you please get in touch to arrange dates and confirm prices.

I can organise a range of formats - over a number of days/evenings for example. Some courses will always be run over a minimum of two days or two sessions. This is simply to give your brain time to process the information, and come back the next day and iron out any problems and to ensure that you can still do the tasks!​​

 

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  • Navigation: The basis for all mountain activities. I provide accredited courses or shorter private workshops to help you with particular aspects of your navigation. I can also hold private courses for clubs, societies or for friends and families. 

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  • Rock Climbing: Whether you are a complete beginner or want to head out on rock for the first time, I can teach you what you need to know to get started. Please enquire about prices. 

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  • Winter Skills: For those wanting to take their hill and mountain skills further, I can introduce you to the tools and techniques required to go walking in winter conditions in the Cairngorms National Park. I can also run longer bespoke courses from advertised open courses.

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  • Hill Craft: Anything you want to gain confidence with just get in touch.

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  • Mountain Leader (Summer) or Rock Climbing Instructor refresher - I'm not a provider of NGBs, but I can provide the experience and I know what the assessors are looking for. I can also provide a two-day/overnight expedition (if you are a member of Mountain Training Association I only charge £60 per person per day or £120 for a 2-day overnight refresher).

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Please get in touch to discuss an itinerary, dates and prices. I am fully transparent about my pricing and can provide this as a spreadsheet pdf. 

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Prices differ depending on the activity, location, number of days, the season and of course the number in your group. 

 

NEXT STEPS

Simply send me an email and we'll arrange a call to discuss what you're looking for.
Prices will depend entirely on the nature of the event, location, number of days, season, number of people etc.  

Once we've agreed on a plan and price you'll be happy with, I'll forward you a booking form to complete and payment details.

I'm often out in the mountains so it's best to start off with an email - I'll respond as soon as I get back to civilisation! 

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Bespoke Adventures - Frequently asked questions

Is this suitable for me?

My aim is to put together something that you will enjoy and have amazing memories from. I'll have a chat about what your experience is, what you are looking to achieve, and where you want to go and find something suitable. Simply drop me an email to get started!



What do I need to bring?

I have a detailed kit list on the website which outlines what you need for any event. You can also download it as a checklist pdf. If you're not sure or missing anything just let me know and I'll either see if what you have will work or I have some spares lying around. For some of the more technical activities (e.g. climbing / winter) you may have to hire some kit from a local store or the climbing centre and if that's the case I'll send details separately depending. Kit list is here.



Where do we meet?

I'll arrange a time and place to meet you on the first day and we'll take it from there. Please let me know if you will have transport and where you will be staying - we can deal with that via email.



I'm coming from further afield, where can I stay nearby?

I'm happy to make recommendations but a lot will depend on your personal preference. There is usually a range from campaites through to five star hotels at most places. In the Highlands this can still involve travel each day as parts of it are so remote. The popular areas (certain places in the Highlands - Cairngorms, Around Ben Nevis and Glencoe; Snowdonia, the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District) can get very busy in summer so it's best to book well in advance.



What's not included?

Accommodation (if applicable), Food, Personal Insurance, Personal equipment, Transport, technical equipment (winter boots, climbing boots, harnesses, helmets, ice axes, crampons. The list is not exhaustive. I have some spares on a first come first serve basis).



How much do you charge and how do I book?

Please just get in touch to discuss an itinerary. A lot depends on what the activity is, the season, how long, how many in the group and where! I always try and strike a balance between being affordable and trips going ahead versus rigid pricing. However, despite loving the job, it can be physically (and mentally) exhausting so I have to look out for myself and other guides too. I have a pricing spreadsheet which I am happy to send to you as a pdf for your activity of interest. I am transparent in my pricing. For clubs and societies who might want to form a strategic and regular partnership there will be discounts on regular bulk bookings. For the price you are getting a mini holiday with an experienced and qualified mountain guide who will take out the route planning beforehand and on the day(s), ensuring you have the right equipment, provide advice on equipment and hill/mountain craft for your own independent adventures, advise on different regions to visit which match your interests, provide some information about the landscape, flora and fauna we may encounter plus other interesting historical snippets if applicable! What I can't guarantee is the weather which, in Britain, is notorious. Once we've agreed everything I'll send over a booking form with bank BACS details. I can't (yet) take online bookings for bespoke events



What are the Terms & Conditions?

Please see the Terms and Conditions section by clicking the link. You can also see the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.



I've got some more general questions...

Please see the General FAQ section by clicking the link here. If you've still got questions then please get in touch!



Can I come climbing or go out in winter with you without going on a course?

Absolutely - You can try climbing without needing to be able to know the knots, though you will pick up some of the skills. Likewise for winter, I can guide you but I will need to do a short session out on the hill to show you what to do with the spiky things I've put on your boots and the ice axe! If I'm guiding privately I'm the one dealing with the navigation and route planning, leaving you to enjoy the view (hopefully we get a view!)



Can I bring under 18s on a bespoke trip?

Absolutely. I have a fully enhanced and annually updated Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. What I don't have is an AALA License for group activities involving under 18s. I do such work but freelancing from organisations with an AALA license. However for private events it's purely up to the parents/guardians. Dogs are welcome too so long as they are kept on a lead in certain areas. Please note that certain routes, mountains and activities will be unsuitable for dogs and for younger children and we'll advise at the time about this.



 
FABIAN SEYMOUR

Summer Mountain Leader

Winter Mountain Leader

Rock Climbing Instructor

NNAS Tutor

fabian@afsmountaineering.co.uk

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+44 07968207779

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