winter 2004 019

Summer Mountaineering

Cuillin Ridge Traverse Expedition - The Isle of Skye

from £410

Duration 5 days ~ You need a few days to be sure of a weather window in order to have a real shot at the ridge. We’ll also take the time to do some training on the rock with abseiling and basic climbing techniques featuring heavily in preparation for the more technical aspects of the traverse.

Course Only

£410

-Qualified, local guiding and instruction
-All local transport throughout
-Free pick up at local rail station (Strathcarron)
-All specialist equipment: No hidden hire costs

Full Board

£640

-Up to 6 nights friendly, local guest house accommodation in Applecross
-All meals
-Qualified, local guiding and instruction
-All local transport throughout
-Free pick up at local rail station (Strathcarron)
-All specialist equipment: No hidden hire costs

Add an airport pick up or return from Inverness — 2 hours from Applecross add £35 each way.

Full Board inclusive of arrival & departure nights, Coal Mhor Guest House, Camusteel

1 Traverse of Collies Ledge Sgurr Mhic Coinnich

Traverse of Collies Ledge Sgurr Mhic Coinnich

14 hours into the Cuillin ridge traverse at the bivvy site

14 hours into the Cuillin ridge traverse at the bivvy site

Descending the Innaccessible Pinnacle during the traverse of the Cuillin Ridge June 2007

Descending the Innaccessible Pinnacle during the traverse of the Cuillin Ridge June 2007

on the top section of the Innaccesible Pinnacle Cuillin Ridge Isle of Skye

On the top section of the Innaccesible Pinnacle - Cuillin Ridge Isle of Skye

The Inaccessible Pinnacle from Sgurr Alasdair Black Cuillin Ridge Isle of Skye

Trip Description

This is the single most demanding and rewarding mountain expedition of its kind in Scotland and as such requires a high degree of mountain fitness, good movement on exposed ridges and some abseiling experience.

Our success rate is very high and largely depends upon a combination of our excellent local knowledge, good weather and group or individual fitness. After leading in with some training on the first day, we'll stock the middle section of the ridge on day 2 with overnight supplies in preparation for the traverse on days 3, 4 or 5.

We base this trip initially in Applecross at Caol Mhor Guest House and run our training sessions on the local crags. When the weather is right we’ll nip over to Skye and bivouac overnight during the traverse attempt.

View a Typical Itinerary
 

Typical Itinerary

Day One: Training day featuring abseil safety and self rescue using Prussiks and other methods. Use of protection, slings and anchors. We'll also have a safe movement session looking at climbing techniques and good practice on exposed alpine ground. Short roping and moving together skills will be covered all of which are very important for the Scottish winter or summer in the Alps. 

Day Two: A short ascent to the Bealach na Banachdich to leave overnight equipment such as sleeping bags, food, water and fuel.

Days Three to Five: We're scrutinizing the weather to find a window for the traverse attempt so as to maximise our success.

Schedule

Sunday night meet
Monday to Friday mountain days
Friday leave after the day on the hill or depart Saturday morning

Instructor Ratio

1:3

Suitable For

Very experienced hillwalkers with some mountaineering experience