The Summit is Optional

An absolutely superb day with Patrick. I wanted to tackle a ridge as part of '50 things to do when 50', and decided Sharp Edge would be the one to go for as I'm also trying to climb all the Wainwrights. I don't have a good head for heights and am not at all confident scrambling, so for me it was going to be a nerve wracking experience. However Patrick quickly put me at my ease and gave me some fantastic, practical tips to increase my confidence. What I had thought would just be a case of getting through it in one piece actually turned into one of the most exciting and exhilarating days I've had in the hills, achieving Halls Fell as well as Sharp Edge and surprisingly making me want to do even more! Already planning on how my husband and I can have more days out with Patrick in future - learned a huge amount and more importantly had fun too.

Absolutely fantastic guidance and a great day climbing in Ilkley. We were a mixed group of kids and adults, some with experience others with none, some nervous others more confident. Patrick was encouraging and supportive, everyone learned something and the whole group were very happy with the experience. I would highly recommend Patrick as a guide.

My brother and I recently went on a three-day scrambling course with Patrick on Ilkley Moor and at Coniston in the Lake District. We were both complete beginners in scrambling at the start of the course, but with Patrick's exceptional teaching, we now both have a very solid foundation to continue practicing and learning about these outdoor skills.On the first day of the course, Patrick taught us about the different methods and skills in scrambling to enable ourselves to begin to move efficiently and safely - including how to anchor effectively (and the different ways of doing so), how to belay appropriately, as well as ropework and communication skills. As a wide-ranging and dynamic activity within mountaineering, Patrick emphasised the importance of context when applying the different methods of scrambling, and in evaluating the likelihood and consequences of making mistakes - a crucial part in choosing the right method to approach a scramble.On the 2nd and 3rd days of the course, we experienced and were shown these different contexts when we went to Coniston. We climbed up both The Bell and Raven Crag - Grade 1 and Grade 2 scrambles respectively - and directly applied the various methods we were taught in the process of doing so. We were also taught about making appropriate gear placements to protect ourselves on longer and steeper pitches, and also began to learn about the techniques to lead-belay effectively.To wrap up, we even touched on some abseiling so that we could get a good idea of how to get down from a scramble or rock-climb if there is no clear descent - something I particularly enjoyed.Patrick's teaching made this course a particularly enjoyable and rewarding experience. The amount of knowledge and experience he has was evident from the outset, which enabled us to be taught a wide range of information and skills, and in a lot of depth. Patrick was also very patient and attentive with the both of us - despite us both being beginners, and us learning a great deal over the course of three days, nothing about the course felt rushed, and we were given the time to digest and apply each of the techniques we were taught when we were in the Lake District. He has also been more than willing to answer any questions we have by email now that the course has concluded.The course was also handled in complete compliance with COVID restrictions, and we were taught both responsibly and safely.We would both absolutely recommend booking onto a course with Patrick, and though my brother is now going abroad, we will almost certainly be booking a course with him again to gain some winter mountaineering skills!

During November we booked a weekend with Patrick to complete the Learn to Lead Scrambling course. Patrick spent time understanding our experience and tailored the course to suit. We learned loads and left feeling comfortable that we now had a good grasp of all the skills we need to safely scramble grade 3 routes without a guide. Patrick is extremely knowledgeable and patient and I highly recommend him.

Had a fantastic day in the Lake District, I couldn't have enjoyed it more. Patrick was so full of knowledge ... all delivered in such a way that, by the end of the day, I didn't feel overwhelmed with information but rather felt ready to grab my rope and head into the mountains. I have spent several days with several different instructors but never come away feeling so confident in my own ability and ready to climb. Thank you Patrick!

Had a fantastic weekend with Patrick on the Learn to Lead Scrambling" course. Very knowledgeable

Having experience of several Grade 1 Scrambles, I wanted to book a Advanced Scrambling Course as a gift for my partner to experience the higher grades in Scrambling.Contacted several companies, but was impressed with Patricks reply and wanting to know about our experience and what we wanted to achieve , so the day could be tailored to suit.So we had a excellent day scrambling on the Idwal Buttress in the Ogwen Valley, could have done more but the weather beat us......this time. Patrick provided plenty of instruction and encouragement during the ascent coupled with local knowledge of the area for when we return.I would highly recommend him as a guide .Paul 03/10/22.

I did an introduction to scrambling course day with Patrick.We climbed Pinnacle ridge in the lakes.Throughout the booking and planning process he responded quickly with lots of information and advice.During the day of climbing Pinnacle he was really helpful. He took extra time to show me how to use certain techniques and equipment instead of just doing the climb.He really knew his stuff and was very helpful through out the day and helped guide me in my future mountaineering.Would highly recommend.

I've been out twice with Patrick (owner of TSiO). First off he took myself and my partner up Helvellyn and onto the Priest Hole Cave on a glorious September day. Patrick gave some great instruction on map reading and navigation, as well being knowledgable in picking a safe route to the cave (which you shouldn't attempt without a guide). On another day, Patrick took me and another in the group for two days scrambling in Snowdonia. Patrick is hugely experienced, great company and an excellent communicator. I would highly recommend him if you are looking for someone to guide you or instruct you in some of the more technical aspects of mountaineering, climbing or scrambling. He's an International Mountain Leader and has climbed all over the world.

Patrick was a fantastic guide - we crossed Striding Edge on a snowy and frosty day in December and felt very confident doing so thanks to his guidance and expertise. He also has a lot of huge amount of knowledge about mountaineering which will be invaluable for future trips.