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      Dave Cullen

      Dave Cullen

      Calm | Reliable | Coffee

      Mini Bio

      I live in the Cairngorm National Park and have been guiding groups in the summer and winter mountains since 2006. I am extremely privileged to work in the Cairngorms, and this has helped develop my interests in wildlife, ecology, restoration, and re-wilding. I take great pleasure in sharing this knowledge when guiding groups.

      I’ve also a keen interest in Scottish culture and historical places and pursing this through guiding particularly on the west coast Islands (Skye, Hebrides, Isla, Jura…), coastal wildlife trips and Neolithic sites like Orkney Isles and Argyll.

      Favourite Place to Play

      My favourite place to play is in the Highlands, particularly above the snowline, whether on foot, skis, or with crampons, an axe, and a rope. When not guiding groups, you’ll either find me working on the Cairngorm plateau for the RSPB or plotting or having an adventure on any one of the many Scottish hills!

      Not a lot of People Know This

      I have a PhD in Nuclear Physics.

      Expand All
      Qualifications Read More
      • Summer Mountain Leader
      • Winter Mountain Leader
      • Outdoor Emergency First Aid
      Experience Read More

      I have considerable experience walking, climbing, ski-touring and winter
      Mountaineering throughout Scotland, England, Wales, Europe, Scandinavia, the USA, and Canada, and have been professionally guiding groups in the UK’s summer and winter mountains since 2006.

      When not guiding, I spend my summers working in ecology for the RSPB as a Mountain Ranger on the Cairngorm plateau, helping to protect the sub-arctic environment and the nesting birds. Whenever I am guiding groups, I find that I am constantly drawing on this knowledge and experience and passing it on remains a thoroughly rewarding process.

      Biggest Adventure Read More

      Organising several Alpine trips, climbing Mont Blanc and other 4000+m peaks, multi-day hut-to-hut Alpine ski-touring/Mountaineering adventures and travelling through Ecuador to the 5000+m peaks.

      Specialist Subject Read More

      Physics and Ecology (still learning!)

      What Fellow Travellers Say About Dave

      Great. One hiccup at start of trip, not caused by guide. Nicely worked around.

      Brad Gregory
      Wilderness Walking - Argyll & the Isles
      Reviewed on 28/05/2025

      Dave C. wasour guide, a great driver on the twisty Islay roads. Also patient, informative, warm, humorous. He was able to get along with our diverse and aging group really well. Many, many thanks for his patience, guidance, flexibility and friendship!

      Amy Rogge
      Wilderness Walking - Argyll & the Isles
      Reviewed on 26/05/2025

      Dave made the holiday with all his knowledge about wherever we went, each day was filled with new adventures, pleasant personality, tolerant and a safe driver. thank you to Dave.

      Karen Aldridge
      Wilderness Walking - Argyll & the Isles
      Reviewed on 26/05/2025

      Show More Reviews

      Book a trip with Dave

      Trip / Departure Availability Status Price Book
      The West Highland Way
      22nd Apr - 29th Apr 2026       		13 place(s) left Guaranteed 2,795 Book Now
      Wilderness Walking – High Points of the Outer Hebrides
      2nd May - 9th May 2026       		4 place(s) left Guaranteed 2,595 Book Now
      Wilderness Walking – High Points of the Cairngorms National Park
      19th Jun - 25th Jun 2026       		8 place(s) left Available 2,565 Book Now
      Luxury Walking – Highlights of the Highlands
      5th Jul - 14th Jul 2026       		8 place(s) left Available 6,795 Book Now
      Wilderness Walking – High Points of the Cairngorms National Park
      19th Sep - 25th Sep 2026       		8 place(s) left Available 2,565 Book Now

      Make Trip Private

      Sometimes it's nice to get family and friends together and travel privately for some quality time. This means you benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides and we'll take care of it all. Then you can make your choice of departures dates and we'll get back to you to finalise the details.

      We work together with our team of guides to decide which departures they lead each year. As part of that, guides provide available dates that they are free to be booked. This means that any of the dates you see in the first field of the form below, could be perfect for your private departure or customised tour.

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