Why Book With Us

Our Holiday Ethos

A Mountain Innovations holiday is a walking holiday with a fundamental difference. We firmly believe through the continuity of care we deliver we offer an unrivalled level of hospitality. The nearest thing we can liken them to is a Chalet holiday where Andy & Rebecca, your hosts, provide for you throughout. For us 'the day' doesn't finish with the walk; we don't hand you over to someone else, you arrive back to 'Cake O'Clock' - we are there to share in the highlights and humor over a welcoming mug of tea and some of Rebecca's home baking. Every part of your holiday is delivered by mountaineers & hillwalkers.

A more relaxed holiday

You don't have to get to know a different set of hosts for each part of your holiday nor after an energetic day do you have to worry about where you are going to have your evening meal. Everything is included. All you have to do is settle back and relax into your holiday.

A more flexible holiday

If we should be a little later getting back, there's no mad rush to meet inflexible meal times. We just put dinner back a little. Should you have a query, we're on hand to help and to ensure your stay exceeds expectations. We're very proud of all the great testimonials we receive.

Our track record

Mountain Innovations has been running holidays and courses for over 8 years now and over that time has built up a wealth of experience. We also have a track record to match. We've worked with the National Trust for Scotland, VisitScotland, and the very salubrious Skibo Castle (of Madonna's wedding fame). Andrew has written articles for the British Mountaineering Council's magazine Summit and the Mountain Rescue Magazine for England & Wales. We have had articles on us in Time magazine and most of the national broad sheet newspapers over time (link to press reviews). We have also worked with Trail Magazine on a number of occasions; the latest is for a Snow hole feature due to come out in the December '06 issue. Andrew is presently involved with filming for the BBC! WATCH THIS SPACE or your TV.

The Guiding & Instruction

This is delivered by either Andy or equally highly qualified mountaineers (WML, MIC, BMG) each with many years of guiding experience. They all live in the Highlands and have intimate knowledge of the Scottish mountains. All this experience is complemented by numerous mountaineering expeditions to various ranges around the world. They are the very best in the business.

"Thanks Andy for such careful weather monitoring - it kept us surprisingly dry all week" Amanda Pyke, Autumn Munros '04

The Scottish Mountains - our passion

There is something uniquely beautiful about the Scottish Highlands. Between us, we've all been to many ranges around the world and have seen some incredible peaks but when it comes to shear beauty, the Scottish mountains inevitably have the edge. We may not have the highest peaks in the world but what we do have is a fantastic variety of mountain-scapes. From the great bulk of the Cairngorms in the East to the Fortressed peaks of Torridon in the west, the Monoliths of Assynt in the North to the myriad of peaks in the south, the unique blend of wild rugged mountains, loch, sea, and the soft light of these high latitudes gives an unrivalled beauty. There is, without a doubt, a life-time of wonderful sites & adventure up here.

The Food - our passion

One guest was so impressed he awarded Rebecca his own 'Certificate of Culinary Competence':
"For taste, variety & innovation. Her use of both wild & home cultivated vegetables, fruits & herbs is notable. Meal-times are 'blue-riband' events awaited with watering lips by all diners."

If you're passionate about something, you're always wanting explore further. With Rebecca it's no different. She's always trying something new. It's rare for a returning guest to have the same dish twice, that is, of course, unless they have mentioned it as a particular like.

Bread is baked daily and all dishes are home-prepared using as much of our organic, home-grown ingredients as possible. There are a variety of options for breakfast. Packed lunches are imaginative but practical and on the hill, Rebecca's home-made cakes are something to die for. We return to more homemade cakes and tea and the evening meal consists of 2 courses, with the option for seconds, followed by tea or coffee in front of a roaring fire. The same care & attention is also applied to expedition food, home prepared & dehydrated to save weight. It's by no means a coincidence that we get a very favourable mention in the highly respected French Guidebook 'Le Guide du Routard'. Special diets are also catered for.

Our Highland Base

All our Cairngorm based holidays & courses are run from Fraoch lodge* situated in the vibrant community of Boat of Garten. The village puts on both summer and winter festivals and frequent talks on the local wildlife, etc are held down in the village hall. The local drama group, the Showboaters, are very popular throughout the area. Tickets to their shows are usually highly prized as are tickets to the annual Hogmanay Ceilidh - an added bonus to our Hogmanay Winter Skills Course. If there are events taking place during your stay we'll happily let you know and purchase tickets in advance if you so desire. The Boat (link), as it is locally know, is fast becoming the envy of the other villages in Strathspey.

*All other holidays are run from holiday cottages. Of course whatever accommodation we use we are never with out the appropriate drying facilities.

We don't cancel at the last minute

If we accept your booking, the holiday will run. It is simple as that!

There are no hidden charges

All our holidays and courses are complete packages. All you have to work out is how you are going to get yourself to the Highlands (designated pick-up points) and we will be there to meet you. The only added expense, if you wish, is your booze. Overall, we feel we offer the best value for money around.

Our all important Environmental Responsibilities

Go to our comprehensive environmental policy page for more information.

Last but not least - meet like minded people

If you like what you've read and heard then there is a very good chance you'll find yourself amongst people who have booked for the same reasons. Being with like-minded people, the shared experience and the jovial and relaxed atmosphere means friendships are often inevitable. On a Mountain Innovations holiday you'll arrive as a guest but you may very well leave as a friend.