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 £300 for a single participant or £325 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: