Guiding on Skye (Cuillin)...
SKYE RIDGE MUNROS /
SCRAMBLES / ROCK CLIMBING COURSES
The Black Cuillin of Skye are unique and the traverse of
the ridge is often quoted as providing the finest mountaineering excursion
in the UK.
Alternatively, you may wish to hire a qualified Cuillin ridge guide
(AMI)
for the highest summit such as Sgurr Alasdair or for the hardest Munro
summit the Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pin). You can hire a highly
experienced, qualified
and insured Mountain Guide or Mountaineering instructor for a day or two
by contacting us by email or by phone.
"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’ (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's is unfortunately, replaced with
smooth polished 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.
Private Guiding and courses on Skye are normally only run during May, early June
and September. From experience these months generally have the most
reliable weather and fewest midges!
For maximum safety and success our guide to client ratios are 1:2
for the In Pin and 1:4 for scrambling the other Munro's. All the guiding is provided by highly
experienced and fully
qualified Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) or British Mountain Guides (IFMGA) the only
two valid UK qualifications for roped guiding and scrambling on the Cuillin
Ridge.
|
 |
| Coire
Lagan from Glen Brittle |
 |
|
 |
| Cuillin Ridge from
road |
|
Sgurr Dearg and the In Pin |
 |
|
Cioch from Collies route |
The courses explore the ridges and summits, including many
of the Munros such as the Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pin). 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 personal development 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. Helmets and the rope are available for safety and security and
are always used where
appropriate. 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.
Equipment (Munros)
Normal hillwalking gear is quite sufficient. A harness and
helmet is needed for some trips (these can be provided). An equipment list
will be sent with the booking confirmation.
Accommodation & Travel
Either Bed & Breakfast, bunkhouse or camp . We can make
the arrangements. Transport can be provided from Inverness or Aviemore or
you can make your own way to Skye.
Munros Sample Programme
Assuming perfect weather, a good head for heights and fitness, a typical programme is shown below. This is a full week
taking in all the Munros, classic scrambles and climbs. Alternatively, a
day or two of private instruction or guiding can be arranged.
|
Day 1 |
Easy day? Basic Ropework & Abseiling/the Cioch
Coire Lagan |
|
Day 2 |
Coire a Ghrunnda, Sgurr na Eag and Sgurr Dubh Mor |
|
Day 3 |
Round of Coire Lagan: Sgurr Alasdair, Sgurr Mhic
Coinnich and the Inaccessible Pinnacle. |
|
Day 4 |
Sgurr a’ Mhadaidh, Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh, Sgurr na
Banachdich |
|
Day 5 |
Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Basteir & Bruach na Frithe. |
There are many fantastic peaks and scrambles to do such as
the Traverse of Clach Glas & Blaven, Pinnacle Ridge, Dubhs Ridge, Basteir
Tooth, The Cioch, Sgurr an Fheadain and Bidein Druim nan Ramh on the
scrambling courses.
Climber’s will delight in Naismith’s Route, Kings Chimney,
Thearlaich Dubh Gap as well as the “Classic Rock” climbs such as Cioch
Direct, Arrow Route, Integrity, the Prow etc. as well as learning new
skills.
Some recent Cuillin course photos and blog posts can be viewed
at
http://talisman-activities.blogspot.com/2010/05/really-cool-on-cuillin-ridge.html
and at
http://talisman-activities.blogspot.com/2009/05/hot-cuillin-capers.html
For an adventure of a life time book now!
>>>
Details of other rock climbing and scrambling courses can
be found here>>>
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