As the UK’s premier mountaineering and climbing challenge, Scotland’s Cuillin Ridge earns its stripes. Nestled in the remote Isle of Skye, the “Holy Grail of British scrambling” has a lot to offer—it stretches nearly 8 miles (12km) in length, with almost 3 miles (4km) of ascents, 11 Munros (separate mountains), and a whopping 20 summits! And it’s not just about the numbers. Climbers from all over the world are queueing to experience Cuillin Ridge’s grueling but infinitely rewarding scrambles. While the traverse may be technically simple, the ledges are scary, the drops deep, and you’ll often feel like you’re walking and climbing on the knife’s edge. The fantastic views of the surrounding mountains are just the thing to seal the deal. Hop on over to Scotland for one of the most satisfying adrenaline-filled traverses in Europe.
An unparalleled abundance of routes to choose from
Test your courage on some of the best scrambling routes in Europe
Marvel at the magnificent views of the Black Cuillin Mountains
Meet your guides, and go over the course itinerary, equipment, and weather conditions. This is your chance to share your aspirations and goals for the trip. Head into the mountains to complete a classic scramble such as Amphitheatre Arete on Sron na Ciche. This will allow you to learn new techniques and develop efficient movement and ropework skills in preparation for the traverse.
Enjoy a speedboat ride from Elgol across to the Loch Coruisk side of the Cuillin Ridge and catch a glimpse of seal colonies there! Ascend the slopes to the summit of Gars Bheinn, the true start of Cuillin Ridge. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for more climbing, you can climb the immaculate Dubh Slabs, the longest rock climb in the UK! Continue along the ridge over munros and classic climbs including the TD gap, Collies Ledge and the famous Inaccessible Pinnacle. After a long and rewarding day, reach An Dorus Gap, your stop for the night. Relax and enjoy dinner surrounded by incredible views at sunset, before a good night’s sleep in your bivi bag.
Day 3 starts early, with a sunrise summit of Sgurr a Mhadaidh. Today’s climbs are shorter, but just as demanding. Ascend the brilliant Am Basteir and go for a final scramble up on the summit of Sgurr nan Gillian. On your way back, take a dip in the beautiful, cool plunge pools before a well-earned stop at the Sligachan Hotel Bar for a drink.
Adjust your traverse attempt forwards or backwards to take advantage of the best weather window. This dramatically increases your chances of a successful traverse. Alternatively, spend the day climbing, scrambling, sea cliff climbing, or even make an attempt on the famous Clach Glas-Bla Bheinn Traverse, maximizing your time on Skye before you head back home.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Cuillin Ridge, Scotland please refer to Scotland’s guidance for travel and transport.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
This tour is quite challenging, and you need to be in good physical condition to attempt it. You will spend four days on your feet, hiking, scrambling, and rock climbing, encountering some mentally and physically draining technical routes. Rock climbing is all about using good movement techniques rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
This tour requires prior climbing experience. Traversing Cuillin ridge requires a decent level of familiarity with technical scrambling, abseiling, rock climbing, and other techniques. For intermediate to advanced climbers, Cuillin Ridge has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best-hidden gems the area has to offer.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Climbing days in Cuillin Ridge can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Elgol, Scotland, the starting point of your tour, most people fly into Inverness International Airport northeast of Elgol. From there, you should take a bus or a taxi to the city of Inverness. Afterwards, from Inverness, you can rent a car and take a 2,5-hour drive to Elgol. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus to Broadford, then take another bus to Elgol, which will take you around 4 hours total, or take a train ride to Kyle of Lochalsh and an hour-long train ride from there.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
