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Skye's Cuillin Ridge Traverse

Strategies, advice, detailed topo booklet and 10 classic scrambles

This 2-volume set provides all the information required to complete the main ridge traverse on Skye's Black Cuillin. Strategy, gear, training, navigation and logistics are covered. 10 classic Cuillin scrambles are described to use as practice routes. A lightweight second guidebook gives the scrambler detailed maps, topos and route description for the ridge traverse itself.

Seasons

Most people visit the Cuillin Ridge in summer. Regardless of season, wet, windy weather and bad visibility can make the Ridge difficult and dangerous. This guide also covers the traverse in winter, which can offer excellent climbing in good snow conditions.

Centres

The Cuilllin Ridge is located in a triangle between Glen Brittle, Sligachan and Elgol. Nearby centres include the towns of Broadford and Portree.

Difficulty

Tough walking, abseiling, scrambling to grade 3 and rock climbing to Severe. Cuillin Ridge Light alternative bypasses reduce the climbing level to Moderate.

Must See

The ridge on the boat approach from Elgol; Thearlaich Dubh Gap; Inaccessible Pinnacle; King's Chimney; views across Loch Coruisk and Loch Scavaig; Naismith's Route to Bhasteir Tooth; Sligachan Hotel and Seumas' Bar to celebrate a successful traverse
ISBN
9781786310439
Availability
Published
Published
19 Mar 2020
Reprinted
7 Mar 2023
Edition
First
Pages
144
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x .90cm
Weight
320g
Overview

A guidebook to the Isle of Skye’s Cuillin Ridge Traverse. This 2-volume set is a comprehensive guide to planning and completing this challenging and technical 12km scramble, typically done in 1-2 days. With a route that includes scrambling sections to Grade 3, technical climbs to Severe and a handful of abseils, a head for heights, technical skill and mental and physical stamina are needed.

Volume 1 contains planning and logistics information, training notes, recommended gear list and safety tips. Volume 2 focuses on the traverse itself, across 10 sections a step-by-step guide to traversing the ridge is given with full route description, Harvey mapping and photo topos. The two volumes are sold together.

  • Harvey mapping and photo topos
  • In-depth route description and advice for completing the traverse in winter
  • Volume 2 is perfectly sized to carry with you during the traverse
  • 10 classic Cuillin scrambles are also included that can be used as practice routes
  • Easier climbing alternatives (Cuillin Ridge Light) are provided for the harder climbing sections

Table of Contents
Updates
Reviews

By Adrian Trendall

Adrian is a mountain guide and photographer living on Skye. He has been climbing since the 1980s with a CV that includes Alpine north faces, big walls in Yosemite and first ascents on the White Cliffs of Dover.After a very traditional schooling and a BA in history from King's College, London, Adrian devoted himself to climbing and photography. Jobs were often temporary and a means to finance climbing trips. His work in the outdoor industry included 12 years at Ogwen Cottage in Snowdonia, one of the few places in the UK to regularly take secondary school students multi-pitch climbing.Adrian and his wife, Bridgette, live at the foot of the Cuillin and feel they are living their dream life. Together, they run a guiding and photography company, All Things Cuillin, and have set up the very popular Facebook group of the same name.

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