INACCESSIBLE PINNACLE

Arguably the most iconic landmark on the Skye Cuillin Ridge is the Inaccessible Pinnacle which forms the true summit of the Skye Munro; Sgùrr Dearg. Often referred to as the In Pinn this fin of rock measures approximately 60 meters at its longest edge and is officially the only Scottish Munro that requires technical rock climbing.

The summit of the Inaccessible Pinnacle can be the biggest hurdle in a Munro bagger’s career and overcoming the exposure on this narrow piece of rock might well be the highlight of their journey. Whilst the climb is certainly a little intimidating the holds are large and your guide knows every one of them like the back of their hand. Our Skye guides have spent many years climbing the In Pinn in every weather you can imagine. Take advantage of their experience and join Synergy Guides for your ascent of Scotlands hardest Munro.

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Inaccessible Pinnacle

Ratios for climbing the Inaccessible Pinnacle will depend on group ability and aspirations. Four people can safely be guided by one of our team however, the approach and descent routes will be via a path with very little technical scrambling. With this in mind if participants aspire to climb further mountains along the Cuillin Ridge following an ascent of the In Pinn then a lower ratio per guide is advised. If you have a bigger team requiring an additional mountain guide, get in touch. We believe we are very competitive on price.

Number of People Rate Per Day
1 £280
2 £330
3 £380
4 £430
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A guided ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle

As your ascent of the In Pinn approaches your guide will be in contact to discuss any final arrangements and discuss the prevailing weather forecast. At which point 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.

0830 – You will be collected from your accommodation if it is within a few miles of Glenbrittle. Alternatively, you will meet your guide at the climbers’ memorial Hut in Glenbrittle or at the Sligachan Hotel.

0845 – Once any equipment has been allocated you will gradually make your way up the mountain towards the Inaccessible Pinnacle. Reaching the foot of the climb can be achieved in many ways such as a scramble up the West Ridge of Sgùrr Dearg, via the long and steep path of Coire na Banachdich or using an approach rock climb in Coire Lagan. Any of these options can take up to 3 hours depending on weather conditions and fitness.

1130 – Your guide will discuss and assess the best way to climb the In Pinn. Most likely this will be via the sensationally exposed East Ridge which can be split into sections to keep everyone close together. Having climbed to the top of the most inaccessible mountain summit in the UK a short but steep abseil gets us back to the ground. Following this, your guide will decide if there is time to climb a further Skye Munro such as Sgùrr na Banachdaich or Sgùrr MhicChoinnich.

1430 – Descent from the Inaccessible Pinnacle is rocky and steep and almost all have loose boulders and scree to negotiate.  Follow the advice of your Cuillin Ridge guide – you have paid for it after all! It is often the trickiest part of the day so it’s imperative we leave enough time and energy to get down safely.

Inaccessible Pinnacle

Before you arrive 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
Walking boot or approach shoe Scarpa Marmolada or Zodiac
Helmet Black Diamond Vision or Vector
Harness Black Diamond Zone or Couloir
Sunglasses and sun cream
30l Pack Black Diamond Speed / Arcteryx FL 30
Head torch Petzl or Black Diamond
Drinks bottle 1l
Whistle
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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