Cuillin Ridge Traverse
A bit about it:
The Cuillin Ridge, is the UK’s longest ridge traverse being 13km long and a 7km approach and descent with 3000m of ascent.
This is a very demanding undertaking physically and mentally. Both days can be up to 12hours of walking and scrambling. It is essential to have good hill fitness to undergo this challenge, as not only will it be long days but you will be required to carry a rucksack with overnight kit, rope and food. (your rucksack should be no heavier than 9kg, which will reduce in weight as you consume your water and food)
We can provide you with advice about kit essentials and food.
The ridge has sections of technical scrambling, rock climbing and abseiling with a rope and there will be sections without a rope. All activities will be under the direction and instruction of a qualified mountain guide.
About the booking:
This is a privately guided activity and dates will be worked around your availability, in order to achieve the greatest chance of success.
In the event of no suitable weather window for a night out on the ridge, then the guide will offer 3 individual days with the opportunity to travel off of island to find the best weather windows.
We recommend attempting the ridge as a individual or in a pair where you both have similar fitness and objectives.
-
Ridge traverse's are on a private guiding basis, on dates that suit you.
It is a 3 day booking, 2 days traversing with an extra day in-case of bad weather.
Max 2 people being guided, however both individuals must know each other with similar fitness and objectives or a 1:1 basis.
In bad weather we will deliver 3 single climbing days with the option to travel off the island to find the best weather.
1:1 - £990
1:2 - £1080
-
Location: Meeting at Sligachan Hotel before driving a shuttle around to Glenbrittle.
Meeting time: Will vary. Your guide will discuss timings closer to departure date.
Accommodation options:
The island fills up with accommodation bookings very quickly in the summer months, it is recommended to book in advance.
-
Overnight Bivy Kit
Bivy Bag –Ideally a lightweight Gore-Tex or other breathable fabric bivy bag
Sleeping Bag –This should be a light-weight 2 or 3 season bag.
Sleeping Mat –Either a closed cell foam mat (karrimat) or a small Thermarest style mat (be aware these can burst with the sharp rock on Skye).
Meals –For breakfast and dinners, dehydrated packets, available from most outdoor shops are ideal. Avoid already hydrated meals as these are heavy. You will also need two days worth of lunch and snacks (energy bars/dried fruit). Your guide will bring a stove and gas, which you may need to carry.
Spoon & mug –Both lightweight as possible.
Regular scrambling kit
Socks –Go for a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks.
Thermal/Base Layers –A thermal or wicking top is far better than cotton.
Fleeces –At least one fleece layer for your upper body. If you get cold easily perhaps add a fleece gilet/vest to your layering. Having an extra fleece top or synthetic layer in a waterproof liner at the bottom of your rucksack is useful if cool conditions are likely to be encountered.
Windshirt or lightweight softshell jacket –Ideal for dry conditions.
Walking trousers –Polycotton, polyester or softshell is ideal.
Warm Hat & Gloves –A warm hat can still be very useful even in summer. For Skye, leather work or gardening gloves, which are cheap and durable are ideal.
Waterproof jacket and over trousers ( Outer shell clothing) –The trousers should have at least a knee length zip enabling them to be fitted over boots. Lightweight waterproofs are ok.
Rucksack –A medium volume sac (40 -50 litres) is best for traverse with an overnight bivy. Use a strong plastic rucksack liner to keep the contents dry. External rucksack covers have a habit of blowing away and don’t work as well as an internal liner. Everything needs to fit inside your sack.
Head Torch + extra batteries
First Aid kit – a basic first aid of some plasters and compeed.
Waterbottle –1 to 2 litres, maybe more during hot weather. For traverses, one bladder and one solid bottle is useful.
Trekking Poles -These are optional, but useful particularly in descent. To keep weight down, consider taking only one, that can be either compressed or collapsed to fit inside your pack when not in use.
Boots –For scrambling, boots which have good lateral stiffness, such as B1 rated boots, are useful.
Helmet
Harness
Belay device, two HMS Karabiners –We can provide you with these if you don’t have your own.
Midge net and spray
-
*All technical climbing kit is provided by the guide eg. Ropes and gear protection
Harness
Helmet
Stove and gas
Please inform us in advance if you require any kit. We will then book it from local outdoor shops.
-
Your guide will have extensive knowledge of the area and the history and geology of the mountains.
The first and foremost is safety followed but the massive increased chance of success through local knowledge of route finding (as the ridge is very complex terrain to navigate through especially under cloud) , accessing water (this can be very difficult to locate however there are certain areas where you can fill up without having to drop to the valley floor) and finally being able to choose correct route choice for your ability.