Mike Lates is the owner and coordinator of Skye Guides. He started guiding in the 1995 when there really were seven weeks of continuous sunshine! He has developed an unrivalled reputation for providing Cuillin outings of the highest quality. Teaching climbing skills is Mike’s forte. From tips on how to scramble safely to techniques on steep ice there is always something for customers to learn. “Teaching the skills not only makes my job more rewarding but also makes everyone far safer.”

Mike is currently rewriting the Cuillin section of the guidebook to rock and ice climbs on Skye for the Scottish Mountaineering Club. Very few people have ever had such an intimate knowledge of the Cuillin.

Mike was heavily involved with production of the best-selling book “The Cuillin”. It is a truly inspiring blend of stunning photography, culture, history and mountaineering philosophy.
“Living with Gordon Stainforth through the creation of such a masterpiece was a unique privilege of which I become more aware with each climb.”

Abroad Mike favours the High Tatra mountains in Slovakia. No helicopters, no bolts and resembling an oversized Cuillin it is home from home. He has made ascents of many Alps including the Matterhorn and Eiger.

Mike is an IRATA qualified rope access technician having worked on oilrigs, shopping centres, railways and even the Skye Bridge. With customers he uses these skills for rigging huge abseils or Tyrolean traverses across the sea as “alternative wet weather activities”.

Mike knows his natural history pretty well. He even has a good stab at explaining the complex geology of this dramatic island, but always welcomes corrections.

Climbing Highlights

Climbing Heroes

John Mackenzie
Born Sconsor 1852. Guided for 50 years. On first ascents of more than half of the Cuillin peaks. Taught & inspired Norman Collie.

Don Whillans
Born Salford 1930ish. Superb climber who told it how it was and couldn’t stand climbing bullshit. Proudly never screwed up on the hill.

Favourites

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