SCOTLAND: ISLE OF SKYE
Cuillin Ridge Traverse
ADVANCED
The pinnacle of British mountaineering
This should be on every mountaineer's bucket list: a 14km scramble ranging from grade I to grade III, with 3500m of ascent and descent, optional rock climbs and breathtaking views out to sea.
The Cuillin Ridge Traverse is a demanding yet rewarding adventure, testing your mountaineering skills and endurance. It includes roped and unroped scrambling, rock climbing, and abseiling. The traverse typically spans two full days, with an overnight alpine-style bivvy. Whether you're a walker or rock climber, we will tailor a traverse to your abilities and objectives, with flexibility in route choice and starting point. Hiring a professional, experienced Guide will remove the stress of planning, logistics and route finding.
PRE-REQUISITES
Before a booking is confirmed, we ask guests to summarise their climbing, mountaineering, and scrambling experience. We assess each booking form individually to ensure suitability for a traverse attempt.
You don't necessarily have to be a rock climber, as all the technical rock climbs can be avoided. However, there is a lot of exposed scrambling (up to grade III), combined with loose rock and long days (8+ hours). Therefore, you need to be confident on this terrain and able to move efficiently carrying a rucksack with your bivvy equipment, clothing, food and water.
Summary:
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A very good fitness level, capable of scrambling for eight hours per day with your rucksack
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Some mountaineering experience in the UK and/or abroad, preferably with some on the Cuillin, but not essential
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If you want to climb the TD Gap (Severe), Kings Chimney (VD) and Naismith's Route (Severe), you must be capable of seconding up to severe
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A ridge traverse requires two full days of dry weather. The more days you can commit, the higher your chance of completing it. Therefore, we offer a 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day package (see below). We take the two best days for a traverse. The other days are used for training, packing, or rock climbing
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If the weather prevents a traverse, we will revert to day excursions, either scrambling, Munro bagging, rock climbing, or a combination
WHAT'S INCLUDED
The following is included in your booking:
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Your Guide (Experienced, insured & first aid trained)
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A bespoke plan based on your goals
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All technical climbing equipment
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A harness & helmet
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Bivvy bag (if needed)
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Cooking equipment
Exclusions:
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Personal clothing, food & drink (kit list provided)
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Accommodation
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Any parking fees
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Boat from Elgol (if taken) + Guides ticket (£20/person)
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Personal insurance (medical, cancellation & belongings)
