CUILLIN RIDGE TRAVERSE
The Skye Cuillin Ridge Traverse is, without doubt, the most taxing and exhilarating mountaineering challenge in the United Kingdom. It is Scotland’s closest equivalent to a true ‘Alpine’ route without the guaranteed weather that our European counterparts tend to benefit from. Combining 12km of scrambling with a lot of physical effort is not for the faint-hearted. These mountains command physical and mental strength but this alone will not guarantee success. Technical ability, intricate route-finding skills and above all favourable weather conditions will be the deciding factor in completing a full ridge traverse.
By allowing our experienced Cuillin ridge guides to help you complete your journey you can maximise the time and financial investment of travelling to the Hebrides. If for any reason the weather does not allow an attempt at a full traverse, individual guided days will be offered but returning to the Glen each evening to rest and dry off. Synergy Guides have spent years exploring the Cuillin and know exactly where to go in the worst weather conditions.
In perfect weather, the traverse is typically attempted over two days but by booking three or even four days guiding the chance of success rises dramatically. The extra days allow some flexibility for the best weather window but also allows parties to either stash bivouac equipment, practice technical skills or go rock climbing at the end of their stay. Single-day traverses are only offered to exceptionally fit and competent climbers.
DARE TO EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE
The price includes a three-day window as standard to complete a two day Cuillin Ridge Traverse. This gives teams a buffer day to allow for the best weather. We always do our best to be flexible to allow participants the best chance of success, however, sometimes mother nature has other ideas. Smaller teams almost always have a higher success rate.
Synergy Guides do cater to larger teams depending on whether we avoid more demanding sections such as The Kings Chimney and the TD Gap. Alternatively, an additional mountain guide can be provided. Please get in touch for a no-obligation chat about what might work best given your experience and ability.
Number of People | Cuillin Ridge Traverse |
1 | £900 |
2 | £1000 |
Cuillin Ridge Traverse – What to expect
As your planned traverse approaches your guide will be in contact to discuss any final arrangements and discuss the prevailing weather forecast. At which time you can agree to a suitable time to meet on the morning of your booking and inform them of any kit requirements you might have.
If conditions align, we will take a speedboat from Elgol across the sea to get to Loch Coruisk. This is a spectacular way to start the adventure and has a real expedition feel to it. The boat drops us off near the Coruisk Memorial Hut, from here a steady 2-hour walk will get us to the top of Gars-bheinn.
Expect to be scrambling and climbing for the next 7-8 hours. If we have all our equipment with us the sleeping location can be kept flexible. Your Skye guide has plenty of experience on the best spots and where to get water, even in a heatwave.
The two days are filled with some of the best climbing, scrambling and abseiling you can find in the UK, but there are many variations to completing a Cuillin Ridge Traverse. Rock climbers can attempt the toughest sections such as the TD Gap, Kings Chimney and Naismith’s Route. Hillwalkers may wish to miss these sections out but still climb easier peaks such as the Inaccessible Pinnacle. There is no fixed itinerary, your guide has enough experience and knowledge to include or exclude what they think you will enjoy or be too tiring. One thing is for sure; following these two days on Skye you will have a new appreciation for the Cuillin Ridge and how much scrambling and climbing is available.
Before arriving on the island check out our Ten Tips for Scrambling on Skye.
Essential Item | Recommended |
Wicking base layer | Patagonia Capilene |
Quality socks | Patagonia Lightweight Merino Performance Crew |
Lightweight windproof trousers | Black Diamond Alpine Pant |
Fleece or synthetic mid-layer | Patagonia R2 or Nano Air |
Waterproof and breathable jacket | Patagonia Calcite Jacket |
Waterproof trousers with long boot zips | Rab Zenith Pant |
Hat or Cap | |
Pair of scrambling gloves | Black Diamond Dirt Bag / Leather Gardening Glove |
Belay jacket | Patagonia Nano Puff |
Scrambling boot or approach shoe | Scarpa Marmolada or Zodiac |
Helmet (can be allocated) | Black Diamond Vision or Vector |
Harness (can be allocated) | Black Diamond Zone or Couloir |
Sunglasses and suncream | |
35 – 45l Pack | Black Diamond Speed / Arcteryx FL 30 or 40 |
Head torch | Petzl or Black Diamond |
Drinks bottle 2l | |
Whistle | |
Sleeping bag | Rab / Softie – Sub 1kg +2 Degree Temp Rating |
Sleeping matt | Thermarest or Foam Roll Matt |
Bivvy bag | Alpkit Hunka |
Expedition dehydrated ration pack | Firepot / Summit to Eat |
Morning breakfast bars | |
Mug & spoon | Light Titanium if affordable / Extra Long Spoon |
Midge head net | |
Optional Items | Recommended |
Headware | Buff or Balaclava |
Compass | Silva Expedition |
Map | Harveys Skye Cuillin Ridge |
Plastic survival bag |
Lifesystems |
Walking poles | Black Diamond Compactor Ski Poles |
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