The narrow blade of rock that forms the summit of Sgurr Dearg, or the Inaccessible Pinnacle as it’s more commonly known as, presents a formidable challenge to those wanting to reach the summit of this Munro.
Standing proudly atop Skye’s mighty Cuillin Ridge sits The Inaccessible Pinnacle. To a rock climber its shark fin profile and narrow crest is one of geological beauty but to an avid Munro collector it can be a daunting prospect. First climbed in 1880 by Lawrence and Charles Pilkington The Inaccessible Pinnacle (or In Pinn for short) as it is more commonly known as, is the true summit of Sgùrr Dearg; a 986 meter tall mountain and one of the Isle of Skye’s twelve Munros. Climbing to the airy summit of this iconic Skye Cuillin landmark is not an experience to be missed! The standard ascent is via the East Ridge of the In Pinn and is graded a ‘moderate’ rock climb.
Scrambling on the Skye Cuillin. I’m getting close to compleating the Munros, but these Cuillin Hills are a big step above anything I’d previously climbed. Went for a couple of visits in September. Despite my advancing years (70+) our guide, Dave Fowler, saw us over seven Munro summits, including Sgurr nan Gillean via the West Ridge (wow!), and the In Pinn. Couldn’t have even got near these without his encouragement, cajoling and humour (and his... read more
Scrambling on the Skye Cuillin. I’m getting close to compleating the Munros, but these Cuillin Hills are a big step above anything I’d previously climbed. Went for a couple of visits in September. Despite my advancing years (70+) our guide, Dave Fowler, saw us over seven Munro summits, including Sgurr nan Gillean via the West Ridge (wow!), and the In Pinn. Couldn’t have even got near these without his encouragement, cajoling and humour (and his... read more
4 day Cuillin Munro Bagging Couldn't recommend WCMG enough, despite being an experienced hiker/scrambler I was aware the Cuillin was another level...but with help and confidence inspired by Mehmet it was an amazing experience. He was thoroughly professional, patient and good company at all times
4 day Cuillin Munro Bagging Couldn't recommend WCMG enough, despite being an experienced hiker/scrambler I was aware the Cuillin was another level...but with help and confidence inspired by Mehmet it was an amazing experience. He was thoroughly professional, patient and good company at all times
Unforgettable 4 days in the Cuillin! Just climbed all 11 Skye Cuillin Munro’s over 4 days with our fantastic guide Mehmet. It was a truly unforgettable experience having previously only tackled grade 2 scrambling! Mehmet was extremely professional and also great company. We learned so much about the Cuillin themselves and how to move confidently around them; we always felt 100% safe. My technique vastly improved as a direct result of his coaching and I am... read more
Skye Cuillin Munros Having only climbed 8 munro's, the 11 Skye Black Cuillin Munro's felt like a daunting task. Our guide Mehmet, who was professional, enthusiastic and knowledgeable throughout, made this possible. He built my confidence by taking on the easier climbs/scrambles first before moving onto the more challenging approaches, providing hints and tips in safe areas so that I was prepared when it mattered. Mehmet went out of his way to provide... read more
Dream Cuillin Ridge Traverse Earlier this week we did it - with the expert guidance of Dave Fowler we completed the Cuillin Ridge Traverse!!! The views, the scrambling, climbing and abseiling in such a spectacular location is mind blowing.A dream come true and a fantastic experience which I will always remember as two of the best days of my life. We had Dave booked for four days and were able to realise the ideal... read more
Dream Cuillin Ridge Traverse Earlier this week we did it - with the expert guidance of Dave Fowler we completed the Cuillin Ridge Traverse!!! The views, the scrambling, climbing and abseiling in such a spectacular location is mind blowing.
A dream come true and a fantastic experience which I will always remember as two of the best days of my life.
We had Dave booked for four days and were able to realise the ideal... read more
Guided Up the Inaccessible Pinnacle - Total Success As an experienced hill walker, and Munro walker, but not a climber, I thought that the Inn Pinn was out with my abilities. Gifted a trip we had no option to try it and it was complete success, even in wet and windy conditions, our guide Dave effortlessly guided us to the to top of Sgurr Dearg, kept us calm and gave us the right instruction and confidence to... read more
11 Cuillin Munros I was a little apprehensive about tackling the 11 Skye munros in 4 days, especially the Inaccessible Pinnacle. However, Andy, our leader, was very skilled in dealing with any anxieties by calmly explaining what we would be doing, step by step- I surprised myself at how calm I felt! I absolutely loved the scrambling and the views, when the clouds swept over, were incredible- well worth the climb. We experienced... read more
11 Cuillin Munros I was a little apprehensive about tackling the 11 Skye munros in 4 days, especially the Inaccessible Pinnacle. However, Andy, our leader, was very skilled in dealing with any anxieties by calmly explaining what we would be doing, step by step- I surprised myself at how calm I felt! I absolutely loved the scrambling and the views, when the clouds swept over, were incredible- well worth the climb. We experienced... read more
Thank You Sam We wanted to write to thank you for organising for Sam Percival to be our guide in the Cuillin this week. We had the most fantastic time with him.
As complete climbing beginners, he taught us from scratch and enabled us to do things we never thought would be possible. His clear technical ability made us feel safe at all times.
He added to the experience by being extremely good company. He... read more
An ascent of The Inaccessible Pinnacle is achievable for a fit hillwalker with very little scrambling experience. That said; a good head for heights and lots of trust in your experienced mountain guide is imperative as the crest is exposed and potentially hazardous especially in anything but dry and windless conditions. West Coast Mountain Guides have the experience and knowledge to assess your ability then make safe and calculated decisions for the best day, time or route to take to its airy summit.
The most popular route of ascent is via the longer but less steep East Ridge. Viewed side on this 68 meter route forms the shape of a sharks fin and is characterised as one of the narrowest scrambles of its type in the UK. However, it thankfully has large hand and foot holds that allow progress even for the less experienced climber who persist with a confident approach. Once triumphant on the once inaccessible summit, a short but simple abseil returns us to the ground.
If you are new to scrambling or anxious about using technical climbing equipment please don’t worry we are here to help. Throughout your time with West Coast Mountain Guides we will endeavour to teach you the technical skills needed for an ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle and offer tips and advice on how best to climb and safely descend this challenging but rewarding summit. Your guide will instil confidence in your equipment and manage all of the ropework in ascent and descent allowing you to enjoy this exciting and unique experience.
For the more experienced climber, the Inaccessible Pinnacle holds several more challenging routes to its summit. If you can demonstrate ability and capability to tackle a harder rock climbing route, we can provide a West Coast Mountain Guide to challenge even the most accomplished climber.
We can accommodate large parties for an ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle. We do this by providing 1 guide for every 4 participants. Whilst ascending the Inaccessible Pinnacle we guide on a maximum of 1:3 ratio meaning each guide will ascend with up to three people attached to the rope. Your guide will then re-ascend the In Pinn a second time with the remaining participants.
Prices include guiding and instruction and the use of a helmet and harness.
You will also need to take accommodation, food, personal equipment and insurance costs into consideration.
There are plenty of accommodation options close to the Cuillins, below is a list of recommendations:
Bag Munros of Scotland with West Coast Mountain Guides 
