A Skye Guide is the most reliable way to achieve your Cuillin ambitions. An intimate knowledge of the routes and which options are best in inclement weather means that you can reach peaks safely with the minimum of fuss or effort. Individual days or courses can be arranged to suit your availability. If you are unsure of what your potential is you can book a day of private guiding. Many clients have surprised themselves what they have achieved with a little instruction and confidence building. Harnesses, helmets are provided and are carried as a matter of course for any Cuillin outing.
This is the most popular option for people who want to incorporate an outing into their Skye vacation. Some have specific objectives, most commonly the Inaccessible Pinnacle. Many clients are unsure of what to aim for or what their potential is. We use our expertise to maximise your enjoyment, push your limits and enhance your chances of success with your safety always as our priority.
Munros
It is possible for a fit hill walker to reach all 12 of the Munro peaks in a 5-day course if the weather is kind. Climbing the Inaccessible Pinnacle is always the priority and is always tackled at the first opportunity.
A week of ideal conditions and battle fit clients breaks down as follows:
Day 1 South end to Alasdair (8 hours)
Day 2 In Pinn & Mic Coinnich (8 hours)
Day 3 Mid section 3 Munros (6.5 hours)
Day 4 North end 3 Munros (8 hours)
Day 5 Bla bheinn (4.5 hours)
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Classic Scrambles
These are the routes for which the Cuillin are revered. Minimum walking and maximum scrambling gives an intense day in every way. Upgrading ambitions to attempt a Ridge Traverse may be possible in good weather.
Sample itinerary:
Day 1 Pinnacle ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean
Day 2 Clac Glas & Blaven
Day 3 Round of Coire Lagan
Day 4 The Dubh ridge
Day 5 The Cioch
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Cuillin Ridge Traverse
The Cuillin Ridge Traverse is one of the finest and longest Alpine-style rock routes in Europe. With over 4000 metres (13,000 feet) of ascent it is Britain’s toughest mountaineering challenge. Skye Guides can help make the experience not only successful but also a pleasure. Serious aspirants are advised to download Cuillin Ridge Tips for Success by Mike Lates from this website. It gives dozens of suggestions for how to prepare for an attempt.
Skye Guides are very proud of their success rate in guiding the Traverse. A lot of preparation goes into the logistical planning of all attempts. Transport, nutrition, equipment and style are all optimised to deal with many variable factors. On the hill precise navigation means that no effort is wasted unnecessarily. Different styles of Traverse are possible. In all cases the primary objective is to reach “the Summit” of the challenge. This is generally accepted as Sgurr nan Gillean (if traversed from south to north) or Gars bheinn (going north tosouth). You should consider yourself as exceptionally fit with very good balance and a strong head for heights. The ability to move rapidly over exposed and broken terrain is more important than any rock climbing experience.
5 Day Course or 2 Day Attempt?
A Traverse takes approximately 16-20 hours to complete in good weather conditions. An overnight bivouac is normal. Ultimately the weather conditions dictate the style needed. A five-day course maximizes the chances of a suitable weather window for continuous Traverses. The rest of the course is spent with a suitable mix of training climbs, scrambling and bivouac retrieval. Two-day bookings will be accepted if your time is limited. Prices reflect the cost of private guiding for two individual days should a traverse attempt be unfeasible. A One-day Traverse is possible for the ultra-fit but is not often recommended.
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