fbpx
Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
+44 (0)1479 420 020

Activities

Locations

Selected Trips

    Dave Greer

    Welcoming | Considered | Open-minded

    Mini bio

    I was born and raised in Scotland and went on to serve around the world as a Scottish infantry officer.  On leaving the military I realised a long-held dream to move to the Cairngorms (and to grow a beard).  I consider myself hugely fortunate to live and work in the Highlands of Scotland and relish the opportunity to share my knowledge of it.

    Walking the hills is my first love, and I’ve spent plenty of time doing it across Scotland and in the Alps, as well as Kenya, Malawi, Brunei and Belize (albeit occasionally in a slightly different context!).  Mountain biking is a more recent obsession, particularly packing enough kit on my bike for a few days’ journey into the backcountry.

    In winter, I’m a ski instructor and have worked in the Alps, although I’m happiest in the more informal surrounds of Canada.  I love the simplicity offered by the routine of the mountains, and the space for thought which is generated.

    I’m an avid music fan, particularly the independent Scottish scene, and love to share new discoveries which really add to the sense of place on trips. The only downside for me of living on Speyside is that the local whiskies aren’t particularly to my taste – the peatier, the better in my view so occasional pilgrimages to Islay are needed to keep up supplies.

    Place to Play

    I find myself drawn to the west coast of Scotland when journeying on foot; nights under canvas on remote peninsulas abound, but there’s nowhere to beat the Clachaig Inn in Glencoe for live music and a solid feed after a big mountain day.  On the bike I love exploring the trails around the Cairngorms; riding the seemingly endless singletrack through the Caledonian pinewoods.  Although I could be tempted away to British Columbia to ski on a powder day…

    Not a lot of people know this

    I starred in a music video which was being filmed whilst I was taking a morning dip in the sea when camping in the Inner Hebrides. It’s pretty cold after half an hour in the Atlantic, despite the Gulf Stream!

    Qualifications Read More
    • Mountain Leader
    • Mountain Bike Leader
    • British Cycling level 2
    • Ski Instructor (Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance level 2)

    Mountain Training Association Profile: https://mt.tahdah.me/profile/index/176556

    Experience Read More

    Leading people in arduous environments has been a hallmark of my career. Whilst I’ve worked across the world in terrain as diverse as jungles and deserts I’m most at home in the mountains of Scotland, where my professional skill set is complemented by a deep kinship with the land.

    Biggest Adventure Read More

    I suppose it depends on how you define adventure. I’ve had my fair share of adrenaline-fueled experiences but I sense that impending fatherhood is going to be something of a different adventure.

    Specialist Subject Read More

    There’s certainly a few themes that I find myself drawn to whilst guiding. I love exploring the connotations of our progressive outdoor access laws, holding court on the merits of a heavily peated dram and playing tunes by incredible local musicians.

    Adventurer's Stories about Dave

    Our guide, Dave Greer, was superb. He shared stories on each of the walks, made sure we were aware of the plans the night prior to the climbs as well as the distances but also giving us options in case the weather did not hold.
    Dave did a great job of evaluating our capabilities on the first day and helped us to achieve each of the hikes at a pace that was workable for us. He went the "extra mile" thinking of small things to add to the quality of the trip (such as wanting a map similar to the one he used and taking us to the bookstore to purchase one as well as helping "mark" the map for our hikes). Dave is a well educated man knowing the technical aspects of scaling the mountains as well as understanding the poetic beauty of them and including a poem that summed up climbing Suilven. A finer guide could not be found! We appreciate all he did to make the trip extra special for my husband and me.

    Cathy Dawkins
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 14/08/2023

    You know Dave. He hits the right balance of friendly, conscientious, confident, knowledgeable, authoritative.

    Andrew Lovett
    Wilderness Walking - The Knoydart Peninsula
    Reviewed on 28/05/2023

    Dave, our guide, could not have done more to provide a truly immersive experience for a mixed group coming to the Knoydart Peninsula from so many different backgrounds and he worked hard to provide the itinerary as advertised around the prevailing weather conditions.
    Dave prioritised safety at all times but encouraged all in daily challenges and his story telling was not only entertaining but very informative especially on the history of the area, its landscape and wildlife habitats.

    Patricia Justin
    Wilderness Walking - The Knoydart Peninsula
    Reviewed on 25/05/2023

    We had a great hike every day, despite being limited by so many variables (weather, tide, boats). How Dave puts that jigsaw puzzle together, I can't imagine.
    Dave was extremely resourceful when conditions changed at the last minute

    Jane Plant
    Wilderness Walking - The Knoydart Peninsula
    Reviewed on 23/05/2023

    Dave is a superb guide. Wilderness Scotland are lucky to have his services.

    Tom Parker
    Wilderness Walking - The Knoydart Peninsula
    Reviewed on 23/05/2023

    Dave was brilliant throughout. He balanced very variable and changing weather conditions, quite a range of ages and fitness in the group, tides and sea conditions and did it calmly and with enthusiasm. He explained the options and the reason for decisions well and was very knowledgeable, so we could relax and enjoy the experiences knowing we were in safe hands. He was always cheerful and helpful and made the landscape come alive with his local knowledge. We couldn't have asked for more.

    Janet Scholes
    Wilderness Walking - The Knoydart Peninsula
    Reviewed on 23/05/2023

    Dave was an excellent guide. He was able to adapt the walks according to the weather conditions and all were varied. Being a bit nervous (more than a bit!) on the ferry crossings when it was necessary to transfer from a dinghy he was very happy for me to stay with him. On ascents and descents he provided support and advice and gave me help when needed. I have no hesitation in saying I would be happy to have him as a guide again. As a one pole user he has converted me to a two pole user!!

    Margaret Carol Sanderson
    Wilderness Walking - The Knoydart Peninsula
    Reviewed on 23/05/2023

    Appreciated his knowledge and passion of hikes and the environment. Worked well with diverse personalities.

    Penny Farrer
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 08/05/2023

    As I noted, Dave was an excellent guide. He is highly skilled, well organized, knowledgeable and a lovely guy.

    Ellen Slater
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 08/05/2023

    Our guide Dave Greer was top notch. This was our 3rd Wilderness Scotland trip (plus a Wilderness Ireland). Dave was meticulously organized, did a great job in teaching us history, ecology, forest management and the impact it has on the land. We had the anticipated 4 seasons in a single day Highland weather and Dave carefully explained conditions to expect and adapted as needed. Our group was generally one that walked fast, so our walks extended as suited. Most importantly to me, Dave’s love of the Highlands shone through. We went to places that were some of his favorites, and places we would not have known to visit. He did a super job, keeping up interesting conversations and making everything seem fresh and new, so we as clients had a very special experience.

    John Slater
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 08/05/2023

    Dave is beyond words. His knowledge of the history, culture and ecology, and his passion for the Highlands made the trip richer than expected. We loved his humor and appreciated his constant care for the safety and wellbeing of the group. Dave is a true jewel and we would definitely join another tour guided by him. We valued everything about Dave, including his twinkling eyes and wild beard!

    Maggie Hopffgarten
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 01/05/2023

    I would request Dave Greer! He is the best!

    Carolyn Becker
    22WSTM - Tailor Made Trips
    Reviewed on 27/09/2022

    Like I said. Dave is a saint.

    Laura Robinson
    22WSTM - Tailor Made Trips
    Reviewed on 23/09/2022

    Dave Greer is our favorite guide. After 3 trips with WS, he's become a dear friend. His knowledge, expertise and attention to our safety along with his easy going nature make him a delight to be around. We plan to keep scheduling more trips with WS and Dave Greer. In May we hiked the Cairngorms and Balmoral Estate. This September we returned to the Isle of Skye & Glencoe. We hope to explore the Outer Hebrides next trip.

    SuAnne Smith
    22WSTM - Tailor Made Trips
    Reviewed on 19/09/2022

    Dave is so easy and flexible to work with. I appreciated his daily recap of where we had been and we would discuss the next days activities. As mentioned - his passion for his country, history, culture and people was so interesting. I feel like I really experienced Scotland. Dave is a #10- I will plan a return trip with him.

    Carla Mannes
    22WSTM - Tailor Made Trips
    Reviewed on 18/09/2022

    Very happy with our guide Dave. He knows the area really well and was very good with planning (especially when bad weather predicting for next day), taking really good care of the group when hiking from safety point of view. Learnt a lot about Scottish history, flora and fauna from him and can't omit his excellent choice of music while we were driving to our destination.

    Martina Sabolcinova
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 21/08/2022

    Dave is a top-notch guide: professional, considerate, highly experienced, and safety-oriented. Great company on the trail, too. I would happily do another trip with him. His depth of knowledge, especially regarding the social and ecological history of the highlands, is impressive. I learned a lot from him, including some great tips on Scottish literature & music. He's a damn fine photographer, too.

    Libby Gilbert
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 16/08/2022

    I can’t say enough positive things about Dave Greer. Dave was extremely well organized and a great communicator—we always knew the plan and what to expect. At the same time, he gave us options when he could, which I appreciated. He handled group dynamics with aplomb and kindness. Dave also shared a wealth of info about Scotland and the Cairngorms — topics from botany to land use to word origins to hillwalking culture. His wee chats were so interesting, and occasionally very moving. Excellent music too! Dave’s love for the land is contagious and I’d consider myself fortunate to travel with him again in the future.

    Marta Hokenstad
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 24/05/2022

    Dave is top notch…..

    Rick Smith
    22WSTM - Tailor Made Trips
    Reviewed on 08/05/2022

    John and Dave; enthusiastic and passionate about their areas of expertise. Good company, decent people.

    Leo McGregor-Harper
    21WSPD Private Departure
    Reviewed on 22/08/2021

    Dave was great fun for the week, knowledgable, flexible, patient and endlessly capable and careful. We alos loved his music tracks!

    Andy Keane
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 11/07/2021

    See comments on screen 4 for David Murray Greer! Dave simply made this trip special. His personality, knowledge, and love of the land are perfectly suited to complement and enhance the North Highlands trip.

    Phyllis Stanin
    Wilderness Walking Luxury – North Highland Coast
    Reviewed on 14/09/2019

    David is excellent. He is knowledgable and very careful about safety

    Joseph Hickey
    Wilderness Walking Luxury – North Highland Coast
    Reviewed on 09/09/2019

    Dave was excellent in every respect - guiding the walks, driving the bus safely, giving us history of the area and the clearances, and always concerned for all members of the group.

    Richard Buxton
    Wilderness Walking Luxury – North Highland Coast
    Reviewed on 09/09/2019

    Dave took great care of us. He explained to us in advance how weather predictions might impact the next day's itinerary, considered the interests and well being of each guest, and provided relevant historical, cultural, and geological background. His photo montage commemorating the trip will help us remember our journey for years to come. We would enthusiastically join another tour led by him.

    Mark McClain
    Wilderness Walking Luxury – North Highland Coast
    Reviewed on 09/09/2019

    They were the best guides we ever had as they were so engaging and helpful. They couldnt do enough for all of us. Nothing was too much trouble. Their enthusiasm and patriotism was contagious.

    Rose Moore
    19WSTM Tailor Made trips
    Reviewed on 01/09/2019

    They were really fantastic. See previous notes

    Sandy Honey
    19WSTM Tailor Made trips
    Reviewed on 31/08/2019

    Dave was fantastic. We pushed it a bit hard on the first day and I was pleased that on future days we made sure we had regular rest stops and food for sustenance. He was incredibly encouraging and helped me see that its all possible!! Thank you Dave.

    Diane Morgan
    Wilderness Walking Luxury – North Highland Coast
    Reviewed on 19/08/2019

    Dave - brilliant
    Lorraine - brilliant & beautiful
    Don - brilliant

    Mimi Packer
    19WSTM Tailor Made trips
    Reviewed on 17/08/2019

    Dave and Lorraine really good. Don quiet but skilled.

    Tim Moore
    19WSTM Tailor Made trips
    Reviewed on 16/08/2019

    Dave is an absolutely exceptional guide and a genuinely lovely person! We were very fortunate to have him lead our group. He provided detailed briefings each evening, made sure everyone in the group was comfortable with the next day's itinerary, and managed the wide range of interests and abilities within the group. Some sections of the trails were challenging, particularly on the hike up Ben Hope, but he was exceedingly patient in helping everyone navigate the technical parts. During our hikes, he shared a wealth of knowledge about the history, culture, plants, and wildlife of the region, and his passion shone through at every turn. Thank you, Dave, for a truly amazing introduction to Scotland!

    Adrienne Staudohar
    Wilderness Walking Luxury – North Highland Coast
    Reviewed on 29/07/2019

    Dave was an excellent guide. Unfortunately we signed up for a trip that was too advanced for us.

    Rajiv Sharma
    Wilderness Walking Luxury – North Highland Coast
    Reviewed on 22/07/2019

    Dave our guide was a charming, highly knowledgeable, good humoured Scot. Very professional, he ensured a safe and hugely rewarding environment in which to walk. He was a natural group leader and deserves the highest praise. He was excellent company too and very knowledgeable of Scottish history !

    Tim Hare
    Wilderness Walking - High Points of the Outer Hebrides
    Reviewed on 14/06/2019

    David was an outstanding guide. He was clearly very experienced, knowledgeable, safety conscious and professional but also very flexible and sensitive to the aspirations and ability of everyone in the group. He has a lovely way with people and was also great fun. It was added bonus that he was Scottish and had an excellent selection of Scottish folk songs and celtic rock (much better selection than Myles Farnbank's...) to play in the van.

    Mike Holmes
    Wilderness Walking - High Points of the Outer Hebrides
    Reviewed on 11/06/2019

    David was an excellent guide, always good humoured and patient and taking great pains to ensure that all were included in discussions etc. It was clear that he always carefully considered plans, routes taking account of weather conditions and the abilities of all group members. He was quick to notice and respond when anyone needed a little extra support.
    And he was knowledgeable, fantastic fun and great company, we couldn't have had a better guide.

    Janet Probyn
    Wilderness Walking - High Points of the Outer Hebrides
    Reviewed on 11/06/2019

    Could not have been better.

    Rick Smith
    19WSTM Tailor Made trips
    Reviewed on 04/06/2019

    We can’t say enough about our guide, Dave Greer! He’s a dedicated guide with tremendous knowledge of Scottish history, wilderness and nature. It was a pleasure to learn so much. He took his stewardship of our tour and safety very seriously while his engaging demeanor was so delightful to be around. Dave was flexible in taking into consideration our skill level in hiking as well as making our trip everything we hoped for. We plan to return to Wilderness Scotland and Dave Greer in the future!

    SuAnne Smith
    19WSTM Tailor Made trips
    Reviewed on 29/05/2019

    Excellent guide. Very knowledgeable in all aspect. We highly recommend him.

    Franck Lacour
    18WSTM Tailor Made trips
    Reviewed on 11/10/2018

    Our guide made a great trip so much better with his enthusiasm, local knowledge and the great weather that he seemed to organise for us.

    Andrea Gilbert
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 01/07/2018

    As mentioned already, Dave Greer was a superbly qualified and even gifted trekking team leader. His deep personal knowledge of the Cairngorms permitted daily and more frequent adjustments in calendar and routes to maximize content and minimize our risks for calamity on the trails. He never approached us as someone who "knew it all" but was eager for our own inputs and dialogue that made the days go too quickly! He earned my highest recommendation and we would very strongly attempt to work with him should we choose another WS adventure on foot or bike.

    Andrew Lechner
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 25/06/2018

    Dave Greer was fantastic: knowledgeable, sensitive to the varied needs of the group, humorous and well organized with maps and reference materials galore. We might have been startled at first when meeting this man who looked a bit like a blond Justice League Aquaman, with flowing beard, twinkling eyes and matching smile, but his first soft-spoken words let us know we were in for a treat. He was armed with enough regional history, insightful stories, geology and botany to keep our diverse group of trekkers interested. The Cairngorms came alive; the hiking pace was good.

    Victoria Salvato-Lechner
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 25/06/2018

    I NEVER give feedback, it just isn't my sytle. This is my third wilderness trip and this is the first time i've given feedback - why....because our guide was so AMAZING. Dave Greer is a true Scot with wild blond hair and long beard - he looked like a highlander as he greeted us with a warm smile and hearty deep laugh at the station. He was so welcoming, inclusive and great fun. He obviously LOVES Scotland and cannot wait to tell you stories of folk law, history, plants and fauna. I agree with him that the reason that the green loch is green is because that is where the fairies come to wash! Poetry was read and it captured the essence of this wild space which just hypnotized you with its beauty. Dave knew his would happen to us all and he enjoyed guiding us through the wonderful journey. Well done Dave - you definitely sell with passion what you believe in and a jewel in Wilderness' crown!

    Mary Roser
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 18/06/2018

    Book a trip with Dave

    Trip / DepartureAvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    Wilderness Walking – High Points of the Cairngorms National Park
    27th Apr - 3rd May 2024
    4 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,495Book Now
    Luxury Walking – The Isle of Skye
    15th Jun - 21st Jun 2024
    6 place(s) leftGuaranteed £3,565Book Now
    Wilderness Walking – The Knoydart Peninsula
    10th Aug - 16th Aug 2024
    9 place(s) leftAvailable £1,875Book Now
    Wilderness Walking – Wilds of Assynt
    21st Sep - 27th Sep 2024
    4 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,345Book 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.

    Dave's Gallery

    © Dave Greer / Wilderness Scotland

    Want more Wilderness in your life?

    Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers.