A full traverse of the Cuillin Ridge on Skye is with out doubt the finest outing in British mountaineering. Full skills training is provided prior to the two day expedition, which involves a bivouac half way at a pre stocked site. This strategy allows you to travel light, with increased levels of enjoyment and higher odds of success.
Nevertheless, excellent fitness and scrambling skills are necessary to achieve the full traverse (you need to be prepared for 10-12 hours and 5000 feet of ascent each day, with lots of scrambling and some V Diff rock). If poor weather prevents a full traverse, we will climb principal peaks and major sections of the ridge during the week.
Course VenueWe usually meet at the historic Sligaghan Inn on Skye, which is the traditional finishing point for the traverse. There are many accommodation options on Skye, ranging from campsites and bunkhouses to hotels and B&B’s. The two principal bases are Glenbrittle and Sligachan, both of which offer camping. The Sligachan Hotel is an obvious choice, as well as a number of private hostels - details of a range of recommended accomodation options are provided with your joining instructions.
Sample itinerary The full traverse of the Black Cuillin Ridge on Skye involves some 10miles of exposed ridges and scrambling, with several short sections of pitched climbing and 10,000 feet of ascent. Our itinerary for the week is very much tailored around group fitness, personal aspirations and the weather - with any necessary ropework training taking place whilst preparing for the traverse.
Most parties tackle the ridge South to North - setting out from Glenbrittle to walk out to the first summit Gars-bheinn, before tackling the major obstacles on the ridge such as the Thearlaich dubh gap, Innacessible pinnacle, Basteir tooth and finally Sgurr nan Gillean before descending to Sligachan. A bivouac is usually taken half way along, above Coire a Greadaidh. If the traverse is completed early in the week, we will then explore some of the many excellent rock climbing and mountaineering routes that abound on Skye.
Fitness and Experience Excellent fitness and endurance (see fitness level 2-3) plus scrambling skills are necessary to achieve the full traverse. You need to be prepared for 10-12 hours and 5000 feet of ascent each day, with lots of scrambling and some V Diff rock. Plenty of regular exercise and training are required before arriving on Skye - ideally this should include some big mountain days with a rucsac on.
Equipment All communal safety equipment (ropes etc) is provided by us. You are expected to come equiped with personal clothing and climbing equipment. For the more specialist items including harness and helmet, hire is available if needed.
