Reviews on Google
Patrick is my coach for a challenge I set myself a couple of months ago. He provides the support and development to help me reach my goals in adventure racing, and I am so glad that I found him!
Patrick is a man of many things. Highly skilled, professional, supportive, encouraging, and an absolute delight to be around! He is passionate about the outdoors, navigation, and guiding and teaching people the skills required to survive in any environment, and enjoy the journey!
This weekend I completed my first goal, which was passing the Bronze NNAS Navigation award. It covers the basics of navigation, however, for a person like me, with absolutely no background in Navigation or Hiking, I found it a challenge. New vocabulary, new symbols, new everything! Patrick broke things down in a very manageable way, and I can now confidently say that I 'get it'.
Without his support, patience, and encouragement, I wouldn't have passed one of my goals, and I am very grateful. He really went above and beyond.
I am continuing on this journey with him for the next year, and can confidently say that I made the right choice. He is an absolute gem.Nadine Burzler21st December 2020
For anyone looking to develop their outdoor skillset, Patrick at The Summit is Optional is the man to see. He thoroughly explained and simplified instructions and details making learning a straightforward and fun experience. I received my Bronze NNAS Navigation and will definitely be going back to see him when undertaking my silver in 2021. The summit might be optional but, as far as I'm concerned, this choice of instructor should be a must!Alex Matthews18th December 2020
Patrick is one of those guides you know and feel you can trust wholeheartedly within the first five minutes. The amount of material, hands-on practice and level of professionalism were absolutely incredible. Can't wait to continue learning and advancing my trad and multi pitch skills.
Thank you!Omer H12th October 2020
Booked and attended a two day bespoke navigation course in early October. From the point of initial contact, Patrick (owner) offered an absolute fantastic service. From taking the time to fully understand what I wanted to achieve and devising a suitable syllabus through to suggesting and agreeing a suitable location, it was all taken care of effortlessly and professionally.
The course itself was exactly what I was looking for a Patrick delivered a very informative, enjoyable and accessable course. He took the time to carefully explain all the various theory and practical elements and was unfailingly patient whilst we put this into practise. He also made sure that each day we took time to return to the objectives we had devised and review our progress, offering very fair and useful feedback and suggestions for further practise and development after the course.
For anyone looking to develop their outdoor skills, I can highly recommend the Summit is optional. There are plenty of providers out there, and while I cant speak for them, from the moment I made an initial enquiry, I knew I had made a good decision. The whole experience is tailored to your needs and Patrick will help to guide and shape your course as much or as little as you would like.
A quick word on Covid precautions for anyone uncertain, Patrick made sure to adhere to all the required measures throughout the course, he addressed the situation with us directly both before booking and during the course to make sure we were always comfortable and making sure not to put each other at risk. Even with these measures in place, I do not feel that it impacted or detracted from the course in any way.
In summary, a great experience and very good value for money. Highly recommended.Tyler Corbishley6th October 2020
I recently attended a NNAS tutor course with The Summit is Optional.
The instructor, Patrick, was professional and extremely knowledgeable, making for an interesting and enjoyable course, despite the rain, thunder, lightening and hail! Not to mention the restrictions in place due to CV19, which he explained and managed diligently.
I have already recommended both Patrick and this course to others who are keen to gain this qualification, and will do so again here: highly recommended.
Jeffrey
Spartan Associates LtdJeffrey Ford25th September 2020
Patrick is extremely knowledgable, friendly and an excellent teacher. A friend and I booked three days of instruction with Patrick to give us our first experience of climbing outdoors around the Yorkshire Dales. Even before booking the course he gave us loads of useful advice and tips. We learned an incredible amount on each of the three days, much more than we thought we thought possible in a short space of time. There was never any doubt that safety was the first priority for Patrick at all stages of the course, which straight away put us at ease and gave us the best environment to really push ourselves, learn new techniques and skills and have fun. I wouldn't hesitate to book another course with Patrick in the future and would highly recommend The Summit is Optional to anyone looking to learn more about all types of climbing, but especially trad climing.Matthew Wilson24th August 2020
A great three day climbing course (August 2020) – I could not recommend more strongly.
After outlining our goals for the trip, Patrick created an itinerary that covered all of the content we had discussed with him: leading routes, placing gear, building safe anchors etc. He tailored the course to suit our existing skillset and taught us a huge amount whilst answering all our questions along the way. Thank you Patrick!Laura Goldsmith22nd August 2020
I couldn't recommend Patrick more highly. He gave me exactly what I was after - a bespoke 1:1 afternoon to improve my anchor building and ropework technique so I can be quicker and more efficient. Clearly a climber with very solid experience and pragmatic wisdom, he observed my existing skills attentively and then took me through a systematic approach to a range of aspects of setup for my needs. Thanks Patrick!Shirley & Piers Miller9th August 2020
Patrick was super friendly and a great instructor to my two boys and I. He had a clam and insightful style of teaching that really juniors really respond well to.
We had great day abseiling and map reading. Highly recommended!geoff donoghue24th July 2020
We did a 2 day course with Patrick which was well worth it and an amazing experience. He adapted and tailored the things we did throughout the 2 days to accommodate our experience, level and requests. He is very professional with a lot of experience. Absolutely recommend it.Rosie S20th July 2020
A friend and I have just spent two days with Patrick up in Glen Coe where he led us up two classic winter mountaineering routes. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend anybody for Patrick's guiding services, he is extremely knowledgeable on climbing and mountaineering from years of both professional and personal experience. He was consistently very calm and patient, even when we were brutally slapped about by a blizzard on the summit and I had to stop for a snack. I have a small amount of winter mountaineering experience, and after my weekend with Patrick I feel more confident with rope work, moving around roped on steep terrain, and also to trust the two front points of my crampons on miniscule holds! He's also just an all round lovely, friendly person. Whether you're a beginner or someone more experienced looking to sharpen your mountain skills and knowledge, I'd recommend The Summit is Optional!Merelle Aydin20th January 2020
We (4 guys ~ 28yrs) went out for 4 days of tailored winter skills intro with Patrick in the Cairngorms (Dec 2019). We booked with him because he went above and beyond with his initial emails regarding details of weather possibilities, historical conditions, course ideas, personal skill remarks etc. Needless to say this continued throughout the course.
Patrick was both easy going and able to have a laugh/chat with but also when required serious, firm and informative. The transition was always seamless and organic which made the learning process feel very natural for us all. He had answers to all of our questions over the course (with thorough reasons), again went further than he had to at all points of the trip and gave us a solid knowledge foundation through clear communication and emphasis of best practices at all times.
Finally, I got a sense from interactions around town with locals and guides that Patrick is both well-known and well-respected around Aviemore despite not being from the area. Clearly our very positive experience was not a one off.
I felt safe but not molly-coddled, I learned a lot, I had fun. I'd book with Patrick again.Joe Verity-Legg20th December 2019
Patrick took a group of us out to the Cairngorms for an introduction to winter mountaineering skills course. The course was paced appropriately and Patrick was constantly alert to what we needed, and wanted, to get from the course. His knowledge and experience were immediately clear and well-communicated. Daily plans were tailored appropriately and I learned something important from each one. I would fully recommendKane Maskell20th December 2019
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.Grace Frost8th December 2019
Trying out climbing was something I'd been meaning to do for ages. I thought I'd go ahead and book a one on one session with someone who could show me the ropes (literally) and I'm really glad I did. First off booking the session made it something I would actually do not eventually do. And having guidance from an expert meant that I was getting the full experience. Before the session Patrick was quick to respond to emails and questions so I already felt in safe hands. And the session itself felt thorough and Patrick's expertise was clear. Trying new sports as an adult can feel a bit daunting but I felt comfortable asking Patrick any questions I had. I could tell he was keen that I have the best experience possible. And I did. I really enjoyed the climbing and after the session Patrick offered me lots of advice and guidance on where to go next if I want to persue climbing. I think I will!Aaron Onuora4th December 2019
Booked a 3 day scrambling course in Glencoe with Patrick and it was amazing!
My friend wanted to push herself and get into scrambling, she isn't great with heights and has only been up Helvellyn, she wanted to overcome her fears and achieve some goals. I have done scrambling before so knew a little bit but i also wanted to bag a few Munro's.
Patrick was fantastic, he catered for both our needs and we both came away with a wealth of knowledge. My friend pushed herself and achieved her goal of doing a grade 3 scramble and i learnt loads to help me improve and bagged 3 more Munro's 🙂 We were delighted with every aspect of the trip and would 110% recommend Patrick. He is an excellent instructor, extremely knowledgeable and really patient. Can't wait to book another trip!Emma Atherton30th September 2019
I have completed a few courses with Patrick consisting of climbing, scrambling and navigation.
He is extremely knowledgeable and very professional in his work along with being friendly and easy to get along with. He will manage each day to your specific needs making sure you gain experience by explaining each process throughout the course along with answering any questions you may have giving you valuable information to take away.Callum Coxhead18th September 2019
Patrick's passion for mountaineering is highly infectious; and he is equally passionate about sharing his expansive knowledge and skills to equip you with the right tools to pursue it. Out on the mountains, the same set of knowledge and skills inspire confidence so that I know I can take risks in order to up my game. Great show of leadership and control through difficult situations. When the weather turns unfavourable, he presents risks and alternatives rather than flat out saying something's impossible unless it actually is too dangerous and impossible. Every trip I've been to with TSIO has been the best time of my life.Sherima Tepenn Amilhamja17th September 2019
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.Lawrence Bromley13th September 2019
Patrick is an Excellent provider. I thoroughly enjoyed participating on the NNAS Tutor training with his relaxed and friendly style of delivery.Nigel Addy4th September 2019
Patrick is great! I've had two 1:1 courses with him. Trad multi pitch skills and self rescue skills. Both courses were tailored to my requirements. They were fun and I felt confident in what I had learnt. We even went for a beer afterwards.Thomas Puddy3rd September 2019
Patrick took my friend and I to a winter mountaineering skills intro course in Cairngorms. Skilled and friendly guide!Vincent ADAM3rd September 2019
Very professional, experienced and fantastic knowledge on top of being a great educator. Fully recommend Patrick for anyone pursuing to learn or expand any outdoor related skills.anToni alcaraz2nd September 2019
Top notch map reading and navigation course with Patrick, who is as patient and professional as he is knowledgeable! Highly recommended. Loved every minute, and am looking forward to putting into practice everything that I have learnt. Thank you so much, Patrick!FoxTait Morris-Tait31st August 2019