Bag 11 Skye Munros in 4 Days on Our Guided Hike/Scramble
Spend 4 days Hiking, Scrambling & Climbing on the Cuillin Ridge & Bag 11 Munros
Want to know more, got questions?
Want to know more, got questions?
Take the next step in Scottish scrambling with 4 days of guided hiking & instruction. Join our Skye mountain guides for Munro climbing & scrambling
Give your Munro bagging a boost with our 4 day guided scramble and hike in the Cuillin Mountains. Make the most of your time in the Isle of Skye mountains with this tailored programme led by our professional mountain guides. More than a hike or scramble, you’ll also get personalised mountain skills training from Association of Mountaineering Instructors approved guides.
While you don’t need to have experience of roped climbing for this hike, you will need to be physically fit with a good head for heights. Your 4 day mountain experience will take you to the highest points of the Black Cuillin Ridge, and you will frequently be traversing steep and exposed routes.
This trip is scheduled to run in May, June, July, August and September 2023
If none of the below dates are suitable for you, please click here to get in touch. We may be able to offer an alternative date or we can arrange a private guide for any time.
Select your preferred course from the dates available below, then complete & send the form. You will have made a provisional booking. We will then get in touch to confirm and to arrange payment.
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 moreI’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 knowledge of suitable routes - absolutely essential). Very hard work, but I’ll be back to bag the final four next year. Thank you. read less
C275PYmartinh 29 Sep 2022Scrambling 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 moreI’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 knowledge of suitable routes - absolutely essential). Very hard work, but I’ll be back to bag the final four next year. Thank you. read less
Martin H. 29 Sep 20224 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
David F. 28 Sep 20224 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
davidfD6819OM 28 Sep 2022Unforgettable 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 moreJust 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 now looking forward to building on this with more climbing. Great communication from West Coast Mountain Guides in advance of the trip and would highly recommend them. read less
finmum 28 Sep 2022Skye 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 moreHaving 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 additional information on the flora/fauna, history and navigation skills which made this a complete experience. Even though my heart was racing on the Inn Pinn, I always felt safe. Thanks for providing such a great experience and knowledge that will be useful on future Munro's! read less
maconthemap 26 Sep 2022
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 moreEarlier 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 scenario of stashing our bivy gear and doing some rope practise on day one, resting on day two, then the traverse on days three and four in sublime conditions. Dave’s knowledge of the ridge is extensive, meaning that we were never short of water and the bivi was in just the perfect location when we were in need of a recharge and to enjoy the sunset over the outer Minch. With a calm and confident presence, as well as a number of good stories to share, Dave was the perfect guide to help realise our dream.
Our mountaineering journey leading up to the traverse started three years ago when we made our first booking with West Coast Mountain Guides (WCMG) because I had heard that route finding on Skye was hard. At the time I had a lifelong fear of heights, never heard of scrambling, let alone attempted an abseil. We had a fantastic time, including summiting the In Pin. Since then we have had a number of brilliant days out with WCMG whenever we have been able to get up to Scotland, including both summer scrambling and winter climbing. With every trip out we have learnt something new from our guides and our confidence with mountaineering has grown. If you are looking for a mountain guide, look no further than WCMG. All of their guides that we have either used or met whilst out on the hill over the years are really solid, experienced and professional guides that work super hard to give their clients amazing days out! read less
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 moreEarlier 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 scenario of stashing our bivy gear and doing some rope practise on day one, resting on day two, then the traverse on days three and four in sublime conditions. Dave’s knowledge of the ridge is extensive, meaning that we were never short of water and the bivi was in just the perfect location when we were in need of a recharge and to enjoy the sunset over the outer Minch. With a calm and confident presence, as well as a number of good stories to share, Dave was the perfect guide to help realise our dream.Our mountaineering journey leading up to the traverse started three years ago when we made our first booking with West Coast Mountain Guides (WCMG) because I had heard that route finding on Skye was hard. At the time I had a lifelong fear of heights, never heard of scrambling, let alone attempted an abseil. We had a fantastic time, including summiting the In Pin. Since then we have had a number of brilliant days out with WCMG whenever we have been able to get up to Scotland, including both summer scrambling and winter climbing. With every trip out we have learnt something new from our guides and our confidence with mountaineering has grown. If you are looking for a mountain guide, look no further than WCMG. All of their guides that we have either used or met whilst out on the hill over the years are really solid, experienced and professional guides that work super hard to give their clients amazing days out! read less
Lindis D. 04 Sep 2022
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 moreAs 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 climb to the top of the Inn Pinn. An absolutely amazing experience.
I was worried about about the abseil off the top as my hands aren't great in the cold, but again our guide was superb, lowering me and my wife simultaneous down, so all we had to do was walk backwards and keep each other right. For all the Munro walkers like me that thought the Inn Pinn would need to remain undone, I'd say give it go. With a guide like Dave, it seemed like a very achievable outing. Out of the comfort zone for sure, but we never felt unsafe or unsure we'd be complete successfully.
I'm already planning the next trip to try get guided round a bit more of the Cuillin. read less
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 moreI 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 mixed weather but swapping the order of ascents allowed us to complete all 11 munros. What a memorable trip! read less
GetOutThereAndWalk 15 Aug 202211 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 moreI 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 mixed weather but swapping the order of ascents allowed us to complete all 11 munros. What a memorable trip! read less
Intrepid 15 Aug 2022
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 moreWe 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 taught us a lot about the history of climbing in the Cuillin, the social history of Skye and lots of interesting Gaelic. We have come home inspired to find out even more.
Above all his manner was encouraging and supportive at every stage.
We really could not have asked for more in a mountain guide and we feel very lucky to have met him, and to have been guided by him. We would definitely recommend him to our friends.
Thank you for arranging this for us read less
Bagging a Munro is top of many hikers’ bucket list. With West Coast Mountain Guides, you can tick off all of the 11 Skye Munros on the main Black Cuillin Ridge in one 4-day guided mountain hike and scramble. Taking in walking, scrambling and climbing, this mountain adventure is the ultimate way to experience the full beauty of Skye’s dramatic mountain range.
Throughout this demanding mountain adventure you will be in the safest of hands. West Coast Mountain Guides are highly qualified and knowledgeable with extensive mountain experience on Skye and beyond. Our familiarity with the Cuillin Mountains allows us to help you navigate the peaks safely, while still experiencing the thrill of this breath-taking landscape.
This is more than Isle of Skye hiking, as the 4 days include scrambles from grade 1 to grade 3, as well as some roped climbing. You will be supervised throughout and will receive instruction as appropriate to allow you to make the most of your time in the Cuillins on Skye. This format maximises your chances of success of completing all 11 Munros in the Cuillin Mountains.
Experience needed:
Experience of roped climbing is not essential; however, the course is aimed at fit hill walkers and you’ll need a good level of fitness. You’ll also need a head for heights, enthusiasm to visit steep and exposed mountain areas, and ideally have done some scrambles before.
Course ratio: 1:2
Much of the hiking on the ridge involves rock-scrambling, some of which is exposed and technical. A few sections including the Inaccessible Pinnacle are classed as Moderate Climbing and as such our maximum guide-to-client ratio on this event is 1:2. In our experience, this means that all clients booked on the week have the maximum opportunity to summit all the peaks in complete confidence.
Costs and equipment:
Prices include guiding and instruction and the use of a helmet and harness. See Dates and prices section for full details.
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:
If the course dates don’t work for you or your group but you still like the look of the programme then please get in touch as we are able to provide guides for all weeks of the year and private mountain guiding may be an option for you.
Additional Route Information:
During your 4 days you will be climbing these Munros:-
Sgurr Alasdair – 992 metres
Sgurr Dearg – The Inaccessible Pinnacle – 986 metres
Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh – 973 metres
Sgurr na Banachdaich – 965 metres
Sgurr nan Gillean – 964 metres
Bruach na Frithe – 958 metres
Sgurr Mhicchoinnich – 948 metres
Sgurr Dubh Mor – 944 metres
Am Bastier – 934 metres
Sgurr nan Eag – 924 metres
Sgurr a’ Mhadaidh – 918 metres
There is a 12th Munro on Skye – Bla-bheinn. This is a fairly easy Munro, but we can offer guided trips including the Clach Glas-Blaven traverse by request.
You can find additional information and GPX files of the routes on the following two pages:
Beginning at the southern end of the Cuillin Ridge and heading into Coire Ghrunnda, the scale of the Cuillin becomes apparent. Our first peak is Sgurr nan Eag which introduces scrambling on gabbro rock and is one of our easier peaks before moving on to Sgurr Dubh Mor and Sgurr Alasdair to finish the day with a walk out via Coire Laggan.
Walking into Coire Lagan and up the An Stac screes onto the ridge at the col between the Sgurr Dearg and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich we tackle Sgurr Mhic Choinnich before the highlight of many people’s trip the ‘Inaccessible Pinnacle’ – a vertical blade of rock resting on Sgurr Dearg! Next is some slightly easier scrambling to take us over to Sgurr na Banachdich before the day finishes with a pleasant walk out through Coire a’Ghreadaidh and some beautiful waterfalls.
This is our easier day to give (sometimes) tired legs a rest and begins with a walk up Coire a’Ghreadaidh heading for ‘An Dorus’. From the bealach between Sgurr a’Mhadaidh and Sgurr a’Ghreadaidh we scramble up to the Munro summits and return back through Coire a’Ghreadaidh.
This northern section of the ridge is tackled from Sligachan where we head up into Coire a’Bhasteir before climbing up a chimney to gain Sgurr nan Gillean’s summit via its West Ridge. We then return to the col to then head up Am Basteir, negotiating its infamous ‘bad step’ on the way. The day finishes with a walk over to Bruach na Frithe, the only summit on the Black Cuillin with a trig point.
Experience of roped climbing is not essential, however, the course is aimed at fit hill walkers and you’ll need a good level of fitness. You’ll also need a head for heights, enthusiasm to visit steep and exposed mountain areas, and ideally have done some scrambles before.
Much of the hiking on the ridge involves rock-scrambling, some of which is exposed and technical. A few sections including the Inaccessible Pinnacle are classed as Moderate Climbing and as such our maximum guide-to-client ratio on this event is 1:2. In our experience, this means that all clients booked on the week have the maximum opportunity to summit all the peaks in complete confidence.
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
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.
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.
This is the enquiry form for questions about the Climb the Skye Cuillin Munros course.
Most common enquiries are dealt with in our FAQs – try there first.
If your question isn’t answered there, please complete the form , we will get back to you as soon as we can.
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.
To get in touch, please complete the Contact form.