In Pinn & Cuillin Ridge Munros
The Black Cuillin of Skye are unique and the traverse of the Cuillin Ridge is often quoted as providing the finest mountaineering excursion in the UK.
"Situated on the island of Skye in the Inner Hebrides of NW Scotland you are never far from the sea"
The abundance of black gabbro rock, fantastic ‘Disney’ like pinnacles, north west sunsets and island dotted shimmering sea combine to create a surreal landscape of breathtaking beauty.
The mountains are complex, rugged and rocky with a very Alpine feeling and appearance. The main ridge boasts a total of 11 ‘Munros’ including the In Pinn. (Munros are peaks over 3000 feet in height). There are 12 Munros on Skye altogether including Blaven.
Many summits can only be reached by scrambling or rock climbing and in poor visibility a high degree of route finding ability and knowledge is needed. During misty weather prior knowledge of the intricate sections is essential. When wet, sections of the ridge can be unjustifiable as the superb friction of the rough black gabbro associated with the Cuillin is unfortunately, replaced with smooth basalt which has all the frictional qualities of liquid soap. Some of the more difficult sections are comprised of basalt and this includes the Inaccessible Pinnacle, Thearlaich Dubh Gap and Kings Chimney.
Guiding and courses are only run during May, early June and September. From experience these months generally have the most reliable weather and fewest midges!
A selection photos from the past decade taken on our Skye Ridge course can be found on our blog here
Further Details
Equipment, Travel & Accommodation
Munros Sample Programme
Rock Climbing and Scrambling
The Cuillin Ridge courses explore the ridges and summits, including many of the Munros such as the Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn).
Participants should have done some hillwalking before but previous scrambling experience is not essential.
Experience of scrambling is preferable for the climbing courses. A good head for heights and willingness to tackle exposed terrain is required although all abilities and anxieties can be catered for on the Private Guided courses.
No one is started off at the ‘sharp end’ of exposure, the itinerary is progressive and individual abilities are catered for especially when private instruction or guiding is booked.
The rope is available for security and is always used where appropriate but It should be noted that participants be capable of scrambling over large sections of the ridge without the aid of a rope as it is time consuming, impractical and misleading to suggest otherwise.
