Complete a Cuillin Ridge Traverse in 2 days

Traverse the full 13 km of the Rugged Black Cuillin Ridge

Exciting & demanding mountain challenge
Scrambling, roped climbing & abseiling
Instruction & guiding included
Overnight bivi on the Skye Mountains
Prices from £450 per person (based on group of 2)

5 Stars - Based on 842 User Reviews

Got any questions? Try our FAQs

Traverse the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye

Complete an alpine-style traverse different from any other mountain route in the UK on The Black Cuillin Ridge, Isle of Skye.

Complete a Black Cuillin Traverse

If you’re looking for a step up in mountain scrambling, join West Coast Mountain Guides for a privately guided traverse of this challenging route in the Cuillin mountain range. The Cuillin Ridge, Skye offers fit and confident mountaineers the opportunity to experience technical scrambling, roped climbing and abseiling. Our exciting programme allows you to benefit from professional scrambling and climbing instruction, as well as witnessing some of the most spectacular views of the Inner Hebrides.

West Coast Mountain Guides generally delivers this programme as a 2-day traverse, which includes bivouacking overnight on the Isle of Skye mountains. This is a private guiding experience, arranged at a time to suit you. Full details of the programme are below, but it is important that you are confident embarking on a high ridge scramble in exposed conditions, sometimes without a rope. This is an ideal opportunity for experienced rock scramblers to achieve a full ridge traverse under the supervision and instruction of professionally accredited mountain guides.

Read Full Details

Customer Reviews

Winter Skills Training in Aviemore This is the 3rd time that we have used West Coast Mountain Guides ; the previous two times was for the Cuillins and this time was a 4 day winter skills training course. Each time our guide has been superb, putting up with my slowness with support and encouragement. We have now done all the Cuillin Ridge Munros apart from one, and also feel quietly confident to safely go out... read more read less
Roy W. 08 Mar 2022

Brilliant time with our 2 guides up in skye . Very knowledgable and professional throughout
jim c. 14 Nov 2021

Skye's Cuillin Ridge Dave, our guide, was friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging. My wife and I had a fantastic couple of days with him scrambling on Skye’s Cuillin Ridge. It has opened up a whole new set of possibilities for us. We are already planning our next expedition with West Coast Mountain Guides.
205kumarv 27 Oct 2021
Definitely recommend Brilliant time in skye with 2 west coast guides . Gained loads of experience and knowledge for our first time outdoor climbing
Jim C. 26 Oct 2021

We booked the four day Skye Cuillin Munros course to celebrate our 30 year wedding anniversary. With 155 Munros under our belt, what better way to up the ante than to tackle the Cuillin?Seriously the best decision we ever made booking a guide with this excellent company.Our guide was Mark and the word "guide" is woefully insufficent to capture the level of care, intelligence, skill, knowledge and insane levels of... read more read less
Sarah R. 14 Oct 2021

I would like to thank west coast mountain guides for a fantastic 4 days on skye even with the horrendous weather conditions.Mark, Mike and Sam were great. They were very patient and friendly and there knowledge was 1st class. I definitely would not have managed without them.Would also like to thank Sam and Mike who took time out of there free time to show 3 of us around the... read more read less
scott c. 14 Oct 2021
I would like to thank west coast mountain guides for a fantastic 4 days on skye even with the horrendous weather conditions.
Mark, Mike and Sam were great. They were very patient and friendly and there knowledge was 1st class. I definitely would not have managed without them.
Would also like to thank Sam and Mike who took time out of there free time to show 3 of us... read more read less
Scott C. 09 Oct 2021

Great experience I would like to thank west coast mountain guides for a fantastic 4 days on skye even with the horrendous weather conditions.
Mark, Mike and Sam were great. They were very patient and friendly and there knowledge was 1st class. I definitely would not have managed without them.
Would also like to thank Sam and Mike who took time out of there free time to show 3 of us... read more read less
FrequentFlier242166 09 Oct 2021

Great experience I would like to thank west coast mountain guides for a fantastic 4 days on skye even with the horrendous weather conditions.
Mark, Mike and Sam were great. They were very patient and friendly and there knowledge was 1st class. I definitely would not have managed without them.
Would also like to thank Sam and Mike who took time out of there free time to show 3 of us... read more read less
FrequentFlier242166 08 Oct 2021
Cuillin Munro Course Had a cracking week with WCMG , climbing the Cuillin Ridge Munro's.
From start to finish the organisation was first class , from the booking process to the last day back at the cars.
The ratio is one guide to three people , to attempt all 12 peaks on the ridge in four days . The guides were reassuring , informative , knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful . This all combined... read more read less
pedge 08 Oct 2021

I've just completed 4 days on the Cuillin of Skye. Our Skye mountain guides Mark Sam and Mike were excellent - very knowledgeable, approachable, skilled and reassuring. I’m an experienced Munro’er but a climbing novice and Mark led me over Grades 1-3 scrambles on the Cuillin Ridge Munros including the InPin and Sgurr nan Gillean via the west ridge. No way could I have done that without West... read more read less
Steve L. 05 Oct 2021

Sun rain hail snow cloud and gales on the Misty Isle Our Skye mountain guides Mark Sam and Mike were excellent - very knowledgeable, approachable, skilled and reassuring. I’m an experienced Munro’er but a climbing novice and Mark led me over Grades 1-3 scrambles on the Cuillin Ridge Munros including the InPin and Sgurr nan Gillean via the west ridge. No way could I have done that without West Coast Mountain Guides and their calm, reassuring professionalism. A brilliant... read more read less
W5790UDstephenl 05 Oct 2021

Full Description

Overview

The Cuillin Ridge, Scotland provides a unique challenge to ambitious mountaineers. The ridge itself is around 13 km long with a 7 km approach and descent, and never dips below 726 metres. Along the length of the ridge there are some 20 peaks of 914 metres (3,000 and traversing the ridge in a single outing involves around 3,000 metres of ascent.

The traverse along the Cuillin ridgeline is designed for very fit hill walkers with experience of scrambling. You will be undertaking 2 days of demanding physical activity, and should expect to spend 13 hours on the move on day 1, and 9 hours on day 2. In addition to technical scrambling – some without a rope – there will also be opportunities for simple rock climbing and abseiling. All activity is undertaken under the direction and instruction of your qualified mountain guide.

Fitness is also key as you will be required to carry all overnight kit as well as a sleeping bag, waterproofs and gloves, hat and spare clothing, food and water and a rope. A typical traverse rucksack should weigh no more than 9 kgs (20lb). This reduces as water (2 litres) and food is consumed and we can provide advice on kit on booking.

As this is a privately guided activity, you can choose the dates that suit you. However, due to the need for 2 days of good weather in order to complete the traverse, ideal conditions are usually found between the beginning of May and the end of September.

Note: A traverse of the main ridge over two days with a bivouac is only attempted with individuals or pairs who know each other, on a private guiding basis in order to achieve the greatest chance of success.

There are 11 peaks on the ridge that have Munro status, however the primary aim of this challenge is not to bag Munros. If this is your goal, we suggest that you consider our Skye Cuillin Munros programme.

Experience needed

You do not need experience of roped climbing; however you should have experience of scrambling and be fit enough to complete 2 full days of mountain hiking, scrambling and climbing.

Guide-to-participant ratio

The traverse is offered on either a one-to-one basis, or for a pair with a guide to participant ratio of 1:2. This is for your safety and increases the likelihood of a successful traverse.

Costs

Prices include guiding and instruction, You will also need to take accommodation (before and after the traverse), food, personal equipment and insurance costs into consideration.

Prices are based on booking a 3-day window, of which the best 2 days will be used for the traverse. The third day will be used as a rest day, unless otherwise arranged. In the event of the weather being unsuitable for a travers, your booking will be converted into 3 days of private guiding. During this time you will be able to tackle some of Skye’s classic scrambles. such as the Clach Glas-Blaven Traverse, Pinnacle Ridge on Sgurr nan Gillean, The Dubh Ridge or sections of the main Cuillin Ridge. Rock climbing at one of the sea-cliff crags is also an option, as quite often, better weather can be found outwith the Black Cuillins.

Additional days can also be booked. This will give you a longer weather window, as well as the opportunity to warm up, refresh your mountaineering skills, stash your bivi kit ahead of the traverse and/or climb additional routes. Additional days can be added at a cost of £270 for a single participant or £300 for a pair climbing together.

Your guide will work with you to make the best use of how many days you decide to book.

Single Day Traverses

Doing the ridge in one day is a significant undertaking and presents a challenge that is unique in the UK. The amount of stamina and fitness and agility required is massive. Our guides are more than happy to guide single day traverses with up to 2 people, however, the level of challenge cannot be over-emphasised. Costs are the same as our two-day traverses and the best day in a three-day window will be used. If conditions are not suitable for a traverse, then the booking will become three separate days of private guiding. If you are considering a single day traverse, it is expected that you have plenty of scrambling experience and ideally some trail/hill running experience, too. Please contact us if you’re unsure whether you have enough suitable experience.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options close to the Cuillins, below is a list of recommendations:

Dates & Prices

2 Day Full Cuillin Ridge Traverse £810 for one person or £900 for two people

Cuillin Ridge Traverses are arranged on a private guiding basis, so on dates that suit you
The price includes 3 days put aside for a suitable weather window
We will only guide teams of 2 who know each other, otherwise, it needs to be on a 1:1 basis
1:2 price is the total price, so £450 each for 2 people for two days

Kit Requirements

Overnight Bivi Kit

Bivi Bag –Ideally a lightweight Gore-Tex or other breathable fabric bivi 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.

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. Remember that even in the height of summer, with a bit of rain and wind, it will still be quite chilly.

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.

Rucsac –A medium volume sac (40 -50 litres) is best for traverse with an overnight bivi. Use a strong plastic rucsac liner to keep the contents dry. External Rucsack covers have a habit of blowing away and don’t work as well as an internal liner. Everything needs to fit inside your sac.

Gaiters or Stop-tous –Not really necessary on the Skye Cuillins.

Head Torch –Even in summer it’s good practise to carry a small headtorch.

First Aid kit –A small personal pack including medication for blisters. Suncream and sunglasses if good forecast.

Compass/Map –(OS or BMC/Harveys)
Harvey maps produce the best map for Skye. The map should be weather-proofed in a clear plastic map case or covered with clear sticky back plastic.

Whistle/Watch

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 –Please bring one along if you can. We have DMM helmets available.

Harness –Please make sure the harness fits over all clothing and can be put on over boots and crampons. Adjustable leg-loops are preferable for ease of fitting.

Belay device, two HMS Carabiners –We can provide you with these if you don’t have your own.

Programme Outline

There are a number of ways to start a Cuillin Ridge Traverse, including catching a powerboat from Elgol to then be dropped off at the foot of Gars-bheinn.  The more traditional way starts from Glenbrittle and gains the ridge near Sgurr nan Eag.  We are more than happy to discuss various options, but whichever way you choose, an early start is highly recommended.

Once established on the ridge, conditions, fitness levels and determination will influence where you bivi for the night.  There are a number of suitable sites in the central section of the ridge, many with access to freshwater springs.

Where you spend the night will determine the start time and length of the final day, so it’s generally advised to have a longer first day, leaving hopefully a shorter final day.

Booking Enquiry Form

Please fill out the form below if you would like to book or have any enquiries. Most common enquiries are dealt with in our FAQs – try there first.

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Private Guiding

If the dates or contents of a course are not exactly what you are after, we also offer private guiding, which makes up a large part of our working year. Private guiding can be arranged on dates to suit you, and we can tailor the course or guiding to match you needs and aspirations. There are no limits for the number of participants on privately guided day, so whether you are an individual after 1:1 guiding or tuition, or a group or club looking to develop their collective skills or reach a particular summit, please get in touch.

Find out more about Private Guiding

Complete a Cuillin Ridge Traverse in 2 days

Traverse the full 13 km of the Rugged Black Cuillin Ridge

Traverse the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye

Complete a Black Cuillin Traverse

Customer Reviews

Overview

Experience needed

Guide-to-participant ratio

Costs

Single Day Traverses

Accommodation

2 Day Full Cuillin Ridge Traverse £810 for one person or £900 for two people

Overnight Bivi Kit

Regular scrambling kit

Booking Enquiry Form

Private Guiding

Other Summer Courses

Climb the Skye Cuillin Munros

Guided Ascent of the In Pinn

Ben Nevis Guided Walks

Guided Ascent of Curved Ridge

Guided Ascent of Tower Ridge

Guided Traverse of the Aonach Eagach

Isle of Skye – Cuillin Ridge Traverse

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