It is with great sadness that we share the news that Andy has taken his own life October 2021. Anybody who knew Andy will know he was a loving, free-spirited and caring Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He loved spending time in the hills, sharing those adventures and stories with others. Andy shall forever remain part of the hills. We don’t want Andy to be forgotten, share the tales of his stories, raise a glass for Andy, think of him next time you summit a Munro and remember the good times we all had, he may be gone but he will never be forgotten. This site will remain as a memory of Andy, with many of his walks and stories available. In time we will look to publish some of his memories and words on here via his blog.
My name is Andy Davidson
I am the owner of Up and Doon Guided Walks.When i started in 2012 my aim was to provide a personal and quality guiding service in the Highlands of Scotland.Our efforts were recognised in 2016, 2017 and 2018when Up and Doon won Certificate of Excellence on Trip Advisor. I and the guides i have worked with have helped many people explore different corners by sharing a passion for exploring and walking. Catering for everything from easy family walks and Munro bagging to backpacking and even a coast to coast the possibilities have been endless and continue to be so.
I have spent my lifetime exploring the Highlands on foot in its different moods.I started off in the Deeside hills and walking in the Cairngorms as a young boy and teenager with my father. Young adulthood took me further and further into the remote corners of these vast mountains.Poking my nose in corries many miles from any road and exploring deeper and further each trip, I developed a love for backpacking and walking in the Cairngorms. My horizons eventually grew and it took me to other parts of the Highlands where the landscapes were alien and jagged from gentle rural Aberdeenshire and the vast horizons and skies of the Cairngorms.
Due to this passion I have completed a number of the long distance routes including the Cape Wrath Trail.
I have also spent quite a time climbing the mountain’s known as the Munros and completed my first round in 2010.I am not planning a second round but you never know!
The best thing about living in Lochaber is the different landscapes you can reach quite easily from Fort William. From ocean views to the emptiness of Rannoch Moor. There is plenty for me to do!I enjoy exploring random wee hills where the views are great and the solitude more complete.Size isn’t everything when it comes to mountains! It is also fun living so close to the coast to go explore deserted beaches and ruins. I also have a lot of fun bothying and camping when work is not too busy. Scrambling is also one of the greatest things about living in Lochaber as there are a profusion of excellent routes fairly close by.
In September 2017 I made the decision to cut the number of guides Up and Doon were using. I felt that the more walks I had running the more the impact I was having as an individual and as a business on sensitive environments which i love.
As of 2018 I will only be offering a Private and Bespoke guiding service for trips i can guide personally. So availability will be limited.
On Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track I made the decision to reduce and eventually end my trips on the mountain. Ben Nevis has been very good to me over the years in helping me establish Up and Doon. However over the number of years I guided on the mountain I found that the visitor numbers seemed to be increasing as are the amount of guided trips and challenges. I decided that I didn’t want to contribute to mass tourism and the effect of it on a mountain I love. So regrettably I won’t be offering any trips there in the future. Instead I will be trying to limit my impact as a business and offering a new selection of sustainable trips instead.
Don’t see something you want to do or in an area you want to explore? I love to travel round the Highlands from my base in Fort William. I have an extensive knowledge of most places and am more than happy to help you explore the Highlands.So please do feel free to get in touch to plan your walking adventure.
If you would like to make a donation to help look after Ben Nevis you can do so via the Friends of Nevis