Posted On:

Thursday, May 23, 2024

The Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye is a favourite among mountain walkers and mountaineers. With its rugged, sharp ridges and the blue coastal waters encircling the famous "Misty Isle," it's easy to understand its widespread appeal.

For mountaineers and climbers, the 20-mile ridgeline of the Cuillin offers some of the finest mountaineering in the country, with miles upon miles of graded scrambling and of course the legendary Cuillin Ridge Traverse.

For those interested in heading to the Isle of Skye check out our commonly asked questions below that will hopefully help you on your way to an amazing Cuillin experience. 

 

What is the weather like on the Cuillin Ridge?

Sitting on the west coast of Scotland the Isle of Skye has a varied climate and its location exposes the Cuillin Ridge to the best and worst that the weather can bring. That being said a blue sky day on the Cuillin is one to remember but you may have to earn it with a few "dreich" days in the mist and rain. Make sure you plan for poor weather and use those days to rest, recce easier sections or take in some of the other amazing sights away from the mountains. Using forecasting services like the Met Office and MWIS will give you the best chance of success.

Climber enjoying the Cuillin Ridge climbing

 

How hard is the Cuillin Ridge?

The Cuillin Ridge has something for everybody and despite the dramatic appearance, the Cuillin has many peaks that you can access without a rope. The main challenges come with bad weather as a small mistake in poor visibility could lead you onto steep or dangerous terrain where a rope or some wishful thinking would most certainly required. For the mountaineer or climber, the Cuillin has some of the finest mountain routes you will find with the In Pinn, West Ridge of Sgùrr nan Gillean and Am Basteir offering some magnificent positions and the most amazing views.

 

What grade is the Inaccessible Pinnacle (An Stac)

The Inaccessible Pinnacle (often abbreviated to the In Pinn) is the second-highest summit in the Skye Cuillin and by far the hardest Munro to complete for those with little previous climbing experience. The Basalt on the ridge is very positive in the dry and makes for an incredible experience but only the more experienced would attempt it in the wind and rain as it's exposed and harder in the rain. For those looking to climb the In Pinn, you would need suitable experience climbing on leader-placed protection up to Diff level and the ability to abseil safely off its summit (40m). Get in touch if you would like to discuss hiring one of our guides for a guided ascent of the In Pinn.

 

How many days do you need for a traverse of the Cuillin?

Traditionally it takes two days to traverse the entire length of the Cuillin Ridge but some may choose to do it in a single push if weather and ability allow. If you're planning your traverse try planning for a week on Skye which should give you plenty of time for recce days and a day to stash water at the halfway point around An Dorus. The weather will certainly be the deciding factor in whether your traverse will be a success so keep an open mind and consider using your week to get better acquainted with the ridge if the weather is too bad for a traverse.

 

Whats your best advice for a Cuillin Ridge traverse?

Give yourself plenty of time to work around the weather, get some good recce days on the ridge and make sure you keep your bag as light as you can so the weight doesn't slow you down. Plan your bivvy spots, stash some water and food then wait in Glenbrittle for the best day and go for it. Arriving on Skye in good physical shape and a good ability with the rope and abseiling is essential for such a long traverse.

Check out our guided Cuillin Traverse courses

 

Do I need a guide for the Cuilin Ridge?

As a mountaineering company, we have a biased view but many people explore the Cuillin without a guide and have some amazing days. The difference with hiring a professional is they will know the ridge well and be able to keep you climbing and descending at a comfortable pace without the need to keep stopping to figure out the route. The Cuillin Ridge can be very challenging in places so having somebody who knows the route well, especially in poor weather can most certainly help you maximise your time. If you're hiring a guide we would recommend that they are a qualified Mountaineering Instructor (MCI or WMCI) or International Mountain Guide (IFMGA) and equally important is that they are experienced at working on the ridge.
Check out our Guided Cuillin events or get in touch if you would like to discuss our private guiding options. 

Cuillin Munros Course

Cuillin Mountaineering Course 

 

Keep our mountains clean!

With an increase in numbers in the mountains it's inevitable we will see more rubbish and waste but you can do your bit to make sure these mountains stay clean for years to come. Please make sure you collect any stashed items from the middle of the ridge and carry any litter out of the mountains with you. We have also noticed people are marking arrows on rocks which can also be misleading and are at odds with the ethics of our time on the Cuillin Ridge - Please leave our mountains clean and tidy so others can enjoy them as you did. 

The Mountaineering Company offer guiding on the Isle of Skye with experienced - qualified instructors. The Mountaineering Company are full members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) and our instructors are first-aid trained and experts in their craft.
 

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