Skye Cuillin Ridge Traverse Guides

Skye Cuillin Ridge Traverse Guides

Book a Skye Cuillin Ridge Traverse Guide from Elite Guides for a challenging and memorable experience on Britain's greatest Ridge.

A Cuillin Ridge Traverse is considered to be one of the greatest routes in the country. It is 12km end to end and every bit of it requires your full concentration. It is usually done over a two day period with an overnight bivvy on the ridge, this is a big challenge. Hiring an experienced Skye Mountain Guide can help improve your chances of success but it is never a sure thing, there are 11 Skye Cuillin Ridge Munros on the main ridge and a Skye Cuillin Ridge Traverse can take in all of these as part of your journey

We offer flexible dates to suit you through the summer with qualified and experienced, Skye Cuillin Guides.

People thinking about a Skye Cuillin Ridge traverse should be experienced hillwalkers and scramblers with a high level of fitness, previous experience of Skye is a big bonus. Your Skye Cuillin Ridge Guide will help you every step of the way but does not guarantee your success, it is up to you to be as fit and capable as you can so as to improve your chances.

Skye Cuillin Ridge Traverse Guide Prices

Below is a full list of prices for a Skye Cuillin Ridge Traverse Guide. If the weather allows a traverse to happen, one day of your course will be a rest day. e.g a 3-day course will just become a 2-day traverse if the forecast is appropriate. Prices are the same for 1 or 2 people.

If the weather does not allow a traverse then you will have 3 separate days of guiding. These may be sections of the ridge or classic routes, or even be some rock climbing elsewhere on Skye or the surrounding area.

• 3-day traverse course - 1 person - £950, 2 people - £1000
• 4-day traverse course - 1 person - £1150, 2 people - £1200
• 5-day traverse course - 1 person - £1400, 2 people - £1450

You can view a full kit list here

There are many variations on the Skye Cuillin Ridge Traverse but traditionally it is done South to North in the Summer months, starting at either Gars Bheinn or Sgurr nan Eag. From here you continue north, either tackling the TD gap or bypassing this and heading onto Sgurr Alasdair.

Next up is some of the best and most exposed slabs of the route as you descend Sgurr Thearlaich towards Sgurr MhicChoinnich. Either climb this by Kings Chimney or by heading around and under using the very famous Collie's or Hart's ledge. Next is a quick hit over the Inaccessible Pinnacle and onto Sgurr na Banachdaich.

On a South, to North traverse, it is normal to bivvy somewhere between Sgurr na Banachdaich and Bealach na Glac Mhor. These have some of the larger and more comfortable spots to bivi along with easier access to water. Sit down recuperate, eat and drink and watch the sun go down.

An early start on day two sees you up and away and over the tops of Sgurr a Ghreadaidh and the four tops of Sgurr a Mhadaidh (depending on where you bivi). The complex peak of Bidean Druim nan Ramh, involving graded rock climbing and abseils, An Caisteal and the long section back up the hill to the summit of Bruach na Frithe. The end is in sight but there is still a lot more scrambling and climbing to be done. Either climb Am Bastier via Naismith's or Lota Coire route and then on and over the West Ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean and the final peak.

A big well done, high 5's and pats on the back but don't forget you have to get back to the Sligachen before it is all really over.

Our Skye Cuillin Ridge Traverses are a minimum of three days with the two best days being used if the weather is right for a traverse. If a traverse is not possible you will have three full days out instead. The weather on Skye like anywhere on the West coast of Scotland is changeable and the more time you can put aside for your traverse the higher chance of a weather window.