Meet James

Welcome to James Orpwood Guiding, my own small business which came into being after deciding to pursue my true passion in life - sharing my love of Scotland’s mountains and wild places with others.

JamesOrpwood

A former fisheries scientist, I have been exploring Scotland's hills and other incredible landscapes for the past 23 years, having first moved here to pursue a career in science. My journey - from mad keen angler and fisheries scientist - to finding professional and personal fulfilment in the mountains, is told in my debut book, A Quest For Fulfilment, published in 2020. Please Contact Me if you would like to buy a (signed) copy.

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As well as Scotland, I also love world travel and have trekked and climbed in Morocco, Nepal, Bolivia, Iceland, Norway, Ecuador and Pakistan, summiting peaks to over 6,000 m. Closer to home, I also enjoy spending time exploring the mountains of Wales and the Lake District.

Living in Aviemore with my wife, Ellen, we have the Cairngorm Mountains on our doorstep - the result of many years of determined hard work and commitment to achieve our dream, together, having met in Nepal in 2008. Inspired by the beauty of the Highlands, Ellen creates unique gift items showcasing her skills as a photographer and crafter. Her products are sold at events across the Highlands and through her website, EJ's Highland Creations.

I hold the following awards:

Winter Mountain Leader;
Summer Mountain Leader;
National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) Tutor Award;
Rock Climbing Instructor;
Climbing Wall Instructor; and
Trail Cycle Leader.

I am full member of the Mountain Training Association (MTA), the nationally-recognised membership organisation for walking and mountain leaders, climbing instructors and coaches in the UK and Ireland. Full members hold nationally-recognised awards, have been subject to a rigorous training and assessment process, and undertake continued personal development to ensure their skills and experience are up to date.

Looking forward to welcoming you soon!

Photo credits: Gill McMillan (main picture); Wendell Martin (head and shoulders).