The Cuillins of Skye

The beautiful Isle of Skye is a place where the mountains come down to the sea. On a clear day, to the west you can see the Hebrides from Barra Head in the south to the northern tip of Lewis. Skye's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillins, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the UK. The mountains offer something for everyone, from very tough challenges to easy scrambling and walking. There are twelve Munros on the island, eleven on the Cuillin ridge plus Blà Bheinn.

Getting to Skye involves a long journey for most people, so to make the most of your time, we’d recommend at least four days on the island. The island probably gets it’s name from the Norse Skuy (misty isle), or Skýey or Skuyö (isle of cloud). It certainly lives up to it’s name a lot of the time, so a longer trip will give more chance of better weather and therefore more likelihood of success.

Is this the course for me?

You've done some scrambling and/or easy rock climbing. You are very motivated and very fit, and you are not intimidated by steep drops and exposed places. 

What level of fitness do I need?

Fitness level 2: you exercise regularly through the week – running, walking, cycling or playing sports. You can sustain a raised heart rate for a 45 minute run or a 2 hour bike ride. You can walk in the mountains or climb all day, but feel tired at the end.
OR
Fitness level 3: you exercise regularly at a higher level, and you are able to push hard for extended periods. You can do a long 15-mile day in the mountains, and you can do this over consecutive days.

What does the course cover?

There are several options, all giving a fantastic mountain adventure.

1. One-Day Trips

Bla Bheinn and Clach Glas offer a great day out for a fit party. Max ratio 1:3

Pinnacle Ridge on Sgurr nan Gillean is a fantastic way right to the summit of this peak. With abseils and Diff grade climbing it has a bit of everything.  Max ratio 1:2

Am Basteir from Sligachan. Max ratio 1:4 as a walking trip, 1:2 as a climbing day

The Dubhs Ridge from Loch Coruisk, accessed via the ferry, make a day to remember. How many times have you started a days climbing from a boat? The day can be done as a traverse to Glen Brittle or as a return trip to the ferry. Max ratio 1:3

2. The Cuillin Munros

Starting at the southern end of the ridge, the eleven Cuillin Munros can be completed in four days. You will need a good level of fitness, a head for heights, and some scrambling experience will be useful. We return to the valley at the end of each day. Max ratio 1:4

Day 1: Sgurr nan Eag, Sgurr Dubh Mor and Sgurr Alasdair

Day 2: Sgurr Mhic Choinnich, the Inaccessible Pinnacle and Sgurr na Banachdich

Day 3: Sgurr a’Ghreadaidh and Sgurr a’Mhadaidh

Day 4: Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Basteir and Bruach na Frithe

3. The Cuillin Ridge Traverse

The Cuillin ridge traverse is what a lot of people come to Skye for. It is a great undertaking, one of the greatest mountaineering challenges in the UK, and a fantastic achievement. The whole ridge is around 13km in length, plus 7km for the approach and descent. There are twenty peaks, including eleven Munros. The traverse involves sustained effort carrying a 10kg rucksack, considerable exposure, technical scrambling (some without a rope), and easy rock climbing and abseiling, so a high level of fitness is essential. May, early June, or September are best to avoid the notorious Scottish midges. The maximum ratio is 1:2.

The ridge traverse is best done as part of a four or five day booking, to give flexibility with the weather. It is best done south to north, over two days - 11km first day (around 13 hours) and 9km second day (around 9 hours). If conditions are really good, we will do an overnight bivi on the ridge, so bivi kit must be carried, with food and water for the two days. In all other conditions we will descend to the valley after the first day, and to go back up to the ridge at the beginning of the second day. The ridge can be attempted in a single day, but only by individuals with very high levels of fitness, stamina and agility. 

What dates are available?

You choose the date, and we tailor the programme for you. Available dates are shown in the the Cuillins of Skye section on the calendar.

How much will it cost, what about transport, and what do I need to bring?

Please check out the Essential Info for Scotland page.

What do our clients say about us?

I booked with you because I knew you from doing my Mountain Leader assessment. The usual high standard of service was exceeded once again! Although Chris wasn't feeling 100%, he was very good company and the conversation flowed as normal. The navigation and guiding wasn't bad either! Working on booking some trad. coaching in the autumn.
Tom Hiley, May 2019

What can we say, 11 summits in 4 days including the In Pinn in fabulous weather. Extraordinary experience. As we had met Chris before we knew what to expect, great tips, clear instructions, good interesting topics of conversation and encouragement. Not only did we enjoy the trip we learnt a whole lot of things that we hadn’t really focussed on. Considering all the Covid issues it is remarkable that this trip finally happened. Thank you for your flexibility and optimism in making it a reality. It was most appreciated. Looking forward to next time.
Nigel Wildman, May 2021