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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.

Geared up for the hardest Munro	The easy route up the In Pin!
Scrambling on the Cuillin ridge	The summit of Sgurr Nan Gillean

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>>>