Arron Sparks

Winter Mountain Leader

I’m a friendly Winter Mountain Leader, based in the Scottish Highlands. If you’re in need of some hillside tuition or guidance in the mountains please message me.

I feel most alive up high, playing in cold places. I love being out in the Scottish winter hills.

The Highlands are at their best in winter, they offer more than just a challenge; they offer natural phenomenon which can’t easily be experienced in the rest of the UK.

The formations of ice, the sensation of snow compressing underfoot, the crisp sound of hoar frost scattering, the delicate prints of ptarmigan in the snow, and the mesmerising swirl of spindrift in the air are all elements I have come to cherish deeply.

I’m right keen on mountain adventure and love sharing time in the mountains with folk who are motivated to learn skills, take in new experiences and enjoy what nature has to offer. If you’re a little self-conscious on how excited you are about mountains and the prospect of winter days then I’m likely a good fit for you.

After living in cities all my life I discovered a love for nature through hill running. I changed career, relocated to the Highlands to be closer to the action and qualified as Summer and Winter Mountain Leader.

For me winter running is the apex of Scottish adventure. It requires combining ideals from hill walking, skills from mountaineering and fitness from endurance running together and staging the result in the delight of snow.

To run in the winter mountains safely takes time, skill, knowledge, the right environmental conditions, effective decision making skills and a pinch of luck.

I love going for big days in the hills and am lucky enough to have easy access to some of the UK’s most impressive and awe inspiring mountains. I enjoy attending the odd hill race but these days I spend most of my time adventure running and climbing in the central and North-West Highlands.

I’m happy to answer any questions about winter skills, running or anything related, whether you’re up for a skills course or not. I love helping people progress so please do get in touch if you have a question or need help.