Summit-to-sea adventures for every level. From a first Munro to a week-long Arctic kayaking expedition — we plan it, guide it, and get you home safely. The only thing you bring is the desire to go.
Every expedition is small-group (max 8), fully guided by qualified instructors, and designed to push you in the right direction.
Featured Hiking
Moderate
Tackle three of Scotland's most dramatic Munros — including Ben Nevis — in a 3-day guided circuit from Fort William. Wild camping under the stars and summit photography included.
Featured Kayaking
Moderate–Challenging
Paddle through the Hardangerfjord and its tributaries with 360-degree waterfall views, remote farmhouse accommodation, and expert sea kayaking guides. No prior sea kayak experience required.
Featured Mountaineering
Challenging
Seven days of progressive alpine training and acclimatisation culminating in a summit attempt on Western Europe's highest peak. IFMGA-certified guide throughout. Success rate: 71%.
Beginner
Easy–Moderate
Your first proper mountain day. A guided ascent of Helvellyn or Skiddaw with map and navigation basics taught along the route. Perfect for beginners, families, and those returning after a long time away.
Multi-Day
Moderate
Walk Scotland's most iconic long-distance trail from Milngavie to Fort William — 96 miles through highland passes, lochs, and glens. Luggage transferred daily, accommodation pre-booked throughout.
Kayaking
Moderate
Circumnavigate sections of Skye by sea kayak, exploring sea caves, basalt cliffs, and remote beaches accessible only from the water. Sea kayak coaching woven throughout.
Beginner
Easy
Learn to wild camp properly — site selection, Leave No Trace principles, shelter pitching, fire safety, water treatment, and camp cooking. Perfect starter for anyone wanting to head out solo later.
Mountaineering
Challenging
Learn crampon and ice axe technique on the Cairngorm plateau in full winter conditions — one of the best accessible winter mountaineering environments in Europe. Ideal preparation for Alpine ambitions.
Every Apex guide holds professional outdoor qualifications and has accumulated thousands of hours in the field. They are safety-first and adventure-obsessed in equal measure.
Lead Mountain & Expedition Guide
Signature expeditions: Mont Blanc (47 ascents), Kilimanjaro (22), Denali (3), Scottish winter routes
Finn has spent 18 years guiding in the Alps, Himalayas, and Arctic. He leads our mountaineering and winter programmes and has an exceptionally calm and methodical approach to high-consequence terrain.
Senior Sea Kayaking & Coastal Guide
Signature expeditions: Norway fjords, Scottish sea routes, Brittany, Iceland circumnavigation
Mara is one of Scotland's most experienced sea kayaking guides. She designed our Norwegian fjord and Skye programmes and has paddled over 8,000 coastal miles in conditions ranging from flat calm to Force 7.
Mountain Leader & Wild Skills Instructor
Signature expeditions: West Highland Way, Cairngorms, Brecon Beacons, Lake District multi-day routes
Dan leads our hiking and wild camping programmes in the UK and loves nothing more than introducing first-timers to the outdoors. His calm teaching style and deep knowledge of the British uplands make him a natural with beginners.
Adventure and safety are not opposites. Proper risk management is what makes genuine adventure possible.
Every guide holds nationally or internationally recognised qualifications for their discipline. No exceptions.
All expeditions carry satellite communicators, emergency PLBs, and VHF radios where applicable.
Guides perform continuous risk assessment throughout every expedition and will always choose the safe line over the impressive one.
All lead guides hold Wilderness First Responder certification. We carry comprehensive expedition first aid kits on every trip.
All expeditions are fully insured. We strongly recommend clients hold personal travel and adventure sports insurance too.
Small groups allow guides to focus on every individual — better for safety, better for the experience.
I had been dreaming of Mont Blanc for six years. Finn was extraordinary — patient on the acclimatisation days, decisive on summit day, and relentlessly focused on getting us there safely. We summited in perfect conditions. One of the best experiences of my life.
We had never sea kayaked before. Within half a day, Mara had us completely confident. The fjord is indescribably beautiful — waterfalls every few hundred metres, seals alongside the kayaks, total silence. We are already looking at the Skye trip.
I always wanted to wild camp but had no idea where to start. Dan was brilliant — practical, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. I went out solo two weeks later and felt completely confident. 100% recommend for anyone starting out.
Apex was founded in 2012 by Finn Olsen after a decade guiding in the Alps and noticing a gap: most outdoor companies were either too commercial and impersonal, or so hardcore they scared off anyone who wasn't already an expert.
We built Apex for the person who wants to genuinely challenge themselves — but wants expert guidance, proper safety management, and a small group they will actually enjoy spending five days in a tent with.
We are a small team. We guide every trip ourselves. We do not scale by cutting quality. The expeditions on this site are the expeditions we love — which is why we keep them small, keep them serious, and keep our clients coming back.
Not sure which expedition is right for you? Tell us your experience level, what excites you, and when you are free — we will suggest the best match.
