Guided Ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle

Climb the Inaccessible Pinnacle with Our Guided Ascent of Sgùrr Dearg

Scale the In Pinn safely
Maximum 1:4 guide-to-client ratio
Instruction & safety equipment included
Full day with a private mountain guide
Prices from £111 per person (group size dependent)

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Guided ascent of the In Pinn, Skye

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.

Inaccessible Pinnacle Outline

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.

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Full Description

Course Outline:

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.

Course ratio: 1:4:

We can accommodate groups of up to 4 participants with 1 guide. During the climb, there will be a maximum of 2 guests on the rope at one time. For larger groups of 3 or 4, the guide will do two rounds, ensuring everyone gets the opportunity to ascend the In Pinn. However, please note that we are unable to take groups of 3 or 4 onwards to Sgurr Mhichchoinnich, and a second peak is unlikely.

Costs and equipment:

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.

Accommodation:

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

Prices and Dates

1 Day Course

We offer these days on a private guiding basis, so on dates to suit you.
Costs are for one guide.
With groups of up to 2 people per guide, there may also be the opportunity to tackle Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and/or Sgurr na Banachdich.
With groups of 3 people per guide, there may also be the opportunity to tackle Sgurr na Banachdich.
With groups of 4 people per guide, the In Pinn will be the sole objective of the day.

1 person £300
2 people £325 (£162.5/person)
3 people £345 (£115/person)
4 people £355 (£88.75/person)

Kit Requirements

Kit Ideally in a 20-45ltr Rucksack

Rucsac –A medium volume sac (20 -45 litres) is best. 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.

Bivvy Bag –A large person sized poly or foil survival bag is the minimum requirement, essential.

Meals –Lunch, snacks and spare food.

Waterbottle –1 to 2 litres, maybe more during hot weather.

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

Insulated jakcet – Down jacket or synthetic/primaloft for emergencies

Regular scrambling kit on your body

Socks –Go for a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks (no need for spares)

Boots –For scrambling we recommend Mid Top Approach shoes, for general Munro hiking away from the Cuillin something more waterproof like a leather boot is recommended.

Long Sleeve Thermal/Base Layers –A thermal or wicking top is far better than cotton.

Midlayer Synthetic or Fleeces –At least one mid 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 for the bivi in the evening.

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.

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.

Climbing Equipment (We can supply all items below)

Helmet –Please bring one along if you can.

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

• Speak with your West Coast Mountain Guide roughly four days prior to your ascent
• Meet your guide (either at Sligachan, Carbost or in Glenbrittle) at 8/8.30am and be provided harness and helmets whilst discussing a plan for the day
• Ascend the Inaccessible Pinnacle
• Possibly attempt a further summit if time, weather and energy allow
• Expect to be out on the hill between 6 – 9 hours

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