Advanced scrambling

Cuillin Ridge Traverse

The ultimate challenge for any scrambler or mountaineer on the awe inspiring Isle of Skye, Scotland. The Cuillin traverse is a 12km continuous ridge that is completed in 2 days, it is no small undertaking and is reserved for confident scramblers who can move efficiently on exposed terrain.

The Cuillin Traverse is perfect if you are a confident scrambler and wants to be guided over the Cuillin Ridge. Previous experience of scrambling on grade 3 terrain is required and we may require a training weekend to ensure you are ready for the traverse.

The ridge itself has 22 summits, 11 of which are munroes and has a height gain of 4,000m with plenty of grade 3 + scrambling terrain and 3 pitches of graded climbing that can be avoided.

The traverse includes a bivy (camp) high on the ridge where you get to enjoy a spectacular sunset and sunrise.

Run by a highly experienced, qualified, insured and first aid trained Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor.

Helmets and all safety and technical equipment provided.

Maximum ratios of 1:2 to ensure your safety on the ridge at all times.

Bespoke dates available throughout June and July,

Price starting from £480 per person (Based on 2 people); £850 for one person

What do I need to bring?
A full list of kit will be given on booking the main items are:
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belay plate
- 120cm sling
- 2 x hms carabiner
- Gloves
- Mountaineering boots
- Full Waterproofs with taped seams
- Base layer (not cotton)
- Mid outer layer (windproof) lightweight down / synthetic jacket Headtorch (spare batteries) Lightweight sleeping bag
- Bivi bag
- Sleeping mat / thermarest
- Jetboil (one between you)
- Gas
- Water bottles collapsable (minimum 2 litres)
- Plastic / collapsible mug
- Spoon
- Tea / Coffee / hot chocolate
- Food for two days (see below) Suncream
- Sunglasses
- Midge spray
- Small personal first aid kit
- Toilet roll (small amount)
- Rucksack (40l)
What food should I take

You will need 2 x dehydrated meals - brands like Firepot are good, you will need one evening meal and one breakfast.

You will need enough lunch and snacks for two days, anything goes from gels to sandwiches and choc. Make it a good mix of stuff you want to eat and don't overpack.
What sleeping system do I need

You want to be warm enough and comfortable to get a good nights sleep, something with a range of 5-10 degrees and weighs no more than 750g.

A bivy bag will stop you getting wet from showers or dew.

Sleeping mat can either be of the roll mat variety or self inflating.
What experience do I need?

To ensure your safety and stand the best chance of a successful traverse it will be required that you are a confident scrambler, this is something that we can build on with training prior to an attempt.
What dates are the traverses?

Bespoke dates are available throughout June and July.
What happens if there is bad weather?

When we take bookings for a Cuillin Ridge Traverse we always book in 3 days this gives us a bit of wiggle room. However if the weather is not suitable for a traverse then we will provide 3 days of mountaineering around the Cuillin using our knowledge to provide you with the best experience while maintaining your safety.

Email To Book

By purchasing a space on this experience you are agreeing to the Booking Conditions. Please read them as your participation on the course will be subject to them.

Dean Russell is an active trail runner , climber and mountaineer with over 20 years experience. He is a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and has the British Athletics Fell Leadership in Running Fitness (FLiRF) award. Dean has climbed all over the world, enjoying long adventurous routes in the mountains such as North face of Piz Badile (TD)but is equally comfortable on sea cliffs, boulders, sports crags and quarries with ascents such as Bloody Sunday, Pembroke (E4, 6A) Honk Down and El Chorro (7c). You can read his blog here.