Cuillin Ridge Traverse

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The Cuillin Traverse is a demanding and iconic mountaineering route on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Spanning roughly 12 kilometers, it covers nearly the entire Black Cuillin ridge, featuring continuous scrambling, rock climbing, and exposed ridges. The traverse requires technical skills, route-finding expertise, and good weather conditions. Typically completed in one or two days, it includes ascents of 11 Munros and offers breathtaking views of Skye's rugged landscape. Due to its difficulty, many climbers opt for a guided attempt to ensure safety and success.

Step 1: Approach & Start at Gars-bheinn
Route: Begin from Glen Brittle, hiking up to Gars-bheinn (895m)—a long ascent but an essential start point.
Time: ~2-3 hours from sea level.
Tip: Start before dawn for a single-day attempt.
Step 2: Traverse the Southern Section (Gars-bheinn to Sgùrr Alasdair)
Scramble along ridges with early exposure and navigation challenges.
Key sections:
Sgùrr nan Eag – easier scrambling.
Sgùrr Dubh Mòr – first significant challenge, some route-finding required.
Thearlaich-Dubh Gap (TD Gap) – a severe rock climbing pitch (best done with a rope).
Sgùrr Alasdair (992m) – the highest peak in the Cuillin.
Step 3: Middle Section (Sgùrr Alasdair to Bidein Druim nan Ramh)
Some of the toughest scrambling and downclimbing sections.
Key challenges:
King's Chimney – A Moderate-grade climb on Sgùrr MhicChoinnich.
Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn) – The most famous peak, requiring a Diff rock climb and an abseil descent.
Sgùrr a' Ghreadaidh & Sgùrr a' Mhadaidh – Sharp, exposed ridges.
Step 4: Northern Section & Final Peaks (Bidein Druim nan Ramh to Sgùrr nan Gillean)
Rough, exposed scrambling continues.
Key challenges:
Bidein Druim nan Ramh – Notorious for tricky downclimbing.
Am Basteir – Requires a difficult abseil or bypass.
Sgùrr nan Gillean (Final Munro, 964m) – The last major climb, finishing with a technical scramble to the summit.
Step 5: Descent via Sligachan
Follow the Tourist Route down from Sgùrr nan Gillean to Sligachan.
Time: ~2-3 hours descent.
Tip: Many climbers arrange transport from Sligachan back to Glen Brittle.