Reviews

Roland Ingram
The HRP2 trip was one of the highlights of my walking life, having tramped on many continents. What set it apart was not just the utterly stunning mountain terrain and scenery but your skill and professionalism throughout. And I mean right from the start with fantastic communication about what, where and when to bring before we even got on a plane. Everything flowed seamlessly from our perspective, though I'm sure you are due a lot of credit for making it seem that way. One of the joys of walking in a group like this is abdicating responsibility for everything other than just walking. It was super relaxing just getting up in the morning, being pointed in the right direction and setting off. You managed to find the right tempo, stops for breaks/swims, encouragement where required and of course the detailed knowledge of the terrain to keep us safe in a high mountain environment. Can't wait till the next time!

David Stott
I had wanted to walk on the Haute Pyrenean route for several years but was nervous about trying it ‘unsupported’. So when Bruce selected it as one of his destinations in 2019 it seemed like the perfect opportunity. It proved to be a wonderful trip that will stay long in the memory. Bruce’s meticulous preparation and organisation removed all the hassles – so we could just enjoy the walking and the company. It was a strenuous route over rough high mountain terrain that stretched my abilities, but I felt very safe and supported throughout, and had so much fun. The friendships that were cemented on the trip will I’m sure endure. I look forwards greatly to joining future adventures with Bruce and the Highland Walking Society!

Bill Greeve

If you want to be guided across the Pyrenees Haute Route I recommend Bruce Brebner. He’s a great guy and performs his shepherding duties with aplomb, subtlety and humour. He also has an encyclopaedic/ cartographic / Googlemappic knowledge of crystal clear mountain lakes to swim in.

Alastair Macdonald 

This trip has been a real tonic, a confidence booster and heart-warming. An exceptionally caring and competent leader who pulled together a well-balanced group through a carefully organised but flexible itinerary through some awesome landscapes. I've got some great memories and made some good new friends.'

'Exemplary leadership.' 

Ron Montgomery

'I liked the way that you were quietly there and led in an unobtrusive but authoritative way. I also liked the way we weren't spread out across the mountain and were always close together. Would definitely do another.'

Kathie Robertson

'I enjoyed walking with Bruce and The Highland Walking Society very much, a well organised trip in spectacular scenery and great company. Looking forward to the next adventure!'

Sue Barnett

'As a non-confident hill walker I was put completely at ease by Bruce who made me feel safe and totally capable.  Our walking trip was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend it.'

Kathleen & Greig Munro

'Walking in the French Alps definitely met our expectations, the walks were of a suitable length, the pace reasonable, the swims refreshing, the views extraordinary and we enjoyed the company and fellowship generated by Bruce and the group. Everyone mixed in well, evening mealtimes were sociable and the dormitory style sleeping arrangements meant it was very cosy at times! It's a luxury to pitch up, Bruce having done all the organisation, route planning on a day to day basis which means it's a relaxing break away. Keen to do more and already looking forward to another trip.'

Hugh Willison

'Bruce led a group of mixed ability walkers on a four day hike around the Mont Buet circuit. He has captured the knack, quietly expressed, for putting all the group at ease, allowing individual pace and needs to express themselves, whilst maintaining a strong group coherence and purpose. How he achieves this is quite a mystery, as his calmness and good humour disguises his alertness to detail, with careful ongoing assessments of abilities and route conditions. I hadn’t previously been on an organised walking trip; yet still at the end of this trip came back with a joyful feeling that we had all been out on a wonderful walk together, rather than marched up and down a hill, and indeed in this case around it. The absence of organisation intrusiveness on such a walk is huge bonus and I thoroughly recommend joining in such a trip, which incidentally went like clockwork in practical terms. The icing on the cake was without doubt the effervescent trail chat which constantly gurgled, although silence could readily be found by lingering to the front or back.'

Sue Langridge

'I had such a fantastic time on our Mont Blanc trip I signed up immediately for the next one! Bruce is an excellent leader, finding the perfect balance to cater for all abilities and does all the organising so you don't have to! The company was superb, everyone was relaxed, having a good time, and enjoying the stunning scenery.'

David Blaikie

'Thank you for a wonderful, extraordinary experience in the Alps. I have long dreamed of trekking between Refuges in the Alpine landscape and 'The Highland Walking Society made this possible'. There was not one moment that I didn't enjoy. A great group of people - time flew too quickly! Next time we should take song-sheets and yoga mats for the complete experience. Thank you for your generosity, organisational skills and for keeping us safe. Until the next time. 

Lynne Eshelby

'Like minded people coming together to eat,sleep and breathe the beautiful French Alps. Confident leadership from Bruce, without feeling overly 'led' .....his style is competent, caring and very safe, which prompted cohesiveness within our group. With Bruce doing all the organising, there's no stress involved at all. The company was very relaxed. This is a trip which removes you from everyday life and the rat-race! Bunkhouse rooms with communal snoring, an abundance of cheese and lots of humor along the way. I look forward to my next trip with Bruce and 'The Highland Walking Society.' 

Beatrice De Chanaz

'Arrivée à Chamonix d’Athènes pour partir à l’assaut des sommets, j’ai eu le plaisir de randonner pour quelques jours dans les Alpes avec ce groupe de 8 personnes, tous écossais … Vous rendez-vous compte
Bruce Brebner m’avait demandé si j’étais intéressée pour venir, J’ai répondu oui et ne l’ai pas regretté.
Magnifique parcours dans les Aiguilles Rouges, même si pour moi cela a été difficile, j’ai toujours eu près de moi Bruce (homme sandwich avec mon sac à dos et le sien) et tout le groupe pour m’aider dans les passages difficiles. Le temps n’a pas été très sympa mais n’a nullement ôter la bonne humeur de tous.
Organisation parfaite. Aucun souci, tout avait été pensé : de l’hébergement à l’arrivé, au transfert, transport, etc … Je me suis sentie dorlotée.
J’ai adoré me retrouver dans les refuges, voir au détour d’un sentier les mouflons, les bouquetins, une marmotte photographiée par un de nous. 
Merci encore et peut-être à une procaine fois. Ah, j’oubliais, j’ai fait des progrès avec l’accent écossais.'

Niall Kennedy

'As you know, I thoroughly enjoyed our trip and a considerable part of this was down to your leadership and organisation. It was clear at the point of signing up, that you had done a significant amount of pre trip planning.

Your initial advice to me regarding the grade of walking, the daily itineraries and kit lists were all accurate and carefully thought out. Your detailed knowledge of the area and all aspects of the route became more obvious as we began walking. This together with your care, supervision and the way you communicated with the entire group, were extremely reassuring. Weather changed our plans dramatically and some decisions had to be made. Again, your preparation beforehand and your priority for safety made the choices easier to make and you clearly communicated your decisions to the rest of the group. Exceptional weather conditions altered our plans but your knowledge meant that we had an extremely enjoyable and safe trip.'