To help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day, instructor Will Legon offers... Adrian Trendall, author of new Cicerone guide Skye's Cuillin Ridge Traverse, explains how to smooth the hardest edges off the ridge, making it a more realistic prospect for iffy weather or less able climbers. Leaving the village of Rhyd Ddu I ran up beside Y Garn and then out to summit Moel Lefn, Moel Yr Ogof and Moel Hebog, at any time of year a gorgeous circuit and one that I don’t feel is all that popular with walkers. Instructor/Guides Top tips would include getting used to wearing a medium weight rucksack (as you may be carrying some bivi kit) on scrambling terrain. A guided traverse along the Black Cuillin Ridge is Scotland’s most serious undertaking when it comes to scrambling and mountaineering. The traverse of the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye is arguably Britain’s best mountaineering route. Scottish Highlands based GP, Finlay Wild, has broken his own Cuillin Ridge speed record. In summer it is doubtless a classic, but in winter it has a near-mythical status where skill, fitness and good conditions must all align if one is to succeed. So I left the wall and got back to the converted Chapel I was staying at before a 06:00 alarm call gave me the hint that it was long run day. It was early on a Saturday morning, I’d gone to bed last night later than planned and alcohol wasn’t even involved. Shooting on the Cuillin Ridge. You need to be happy moving over moderately technical terrain wearing scrambling boots and a rucksack. Much better than cotton. Its called the Black Cuillin due to the colour of the igneous rocks which form the top peaks. See the equipment list on the right and the top tips and handy hints below. But a last minute change of plan left me with a free day and saw me driving up to Glenbrittle for an early start to run the Cuillin ridge. Take plenty of compeed. They made the journey from south to north in a day, having taken a little over 12 hours between Gars-bheinn and Sgurr nan Gillean. Indeed to be successful on a traverse you need to be happy at soloing around 95% of the ridge. Once you return to this point, down the extra water you carried from the burn and crack on over Bruch na Frithe and onto the middle section of the ridge. This is not something to book on a whim. A lightweight second guidebook gives the scrambler detailed maps, topos and route description for the ridge traverse itself. Show your support UKC Supporter badge on your profile and forum posts. A guided traverse along the Black Cuillin Ridge is Scotland’s most serious undertaking when it comes to scrambling and mountaineering. Cheers Mark. Gear Tips for the Cuillin Ridge. And so we find ourselves back in the present day, in Wales and in a climbing wall. The full traverse of the Cuillin ridge from south to north is regarded as one of the UK’s top mountaineering objectives. Overview of Skye’s Cuillin Ridge Traverse book. A Hard run in places, certainly going up Moel Hebog and the final pull up to the South Col was taxing, I felt it in no uncertain terms. It is no coincidence that the Cuillin Ridge is the first route in Ken Wilson’s uber tick-list, coffee table book, Classic Rock. Here's how to stay safe on the grade 1s. Firstly you have a less strenuous start and secondly you can abseil many of the technical sections. Snow fields were in evidence high up on the mountains so I had plotted a route that kept me out of the worst of it. What you can also do (highly recommended) is sections of the main ridge itself, not only to get the practice, but also to get familiar and gain valuable route finding knowledge. A curious article with some inconsistencies e.g. He won the British Fell Running Championships in 2015. Ask yourself: are you fit enough? a lightweight bivi. But with scrambling comes risk, and there's a lot to consider when you add children to the mix. Each one is a climb from sea level to 3000 ft. Through Beddgelert forest then off to meet the Rhyd Ddu Path which led me to the South Col of Snowdon, I retraced my steps here and made my way back to the car back in the village. They were old Skye campaigners with many first ascents on the Cuillin so undoubtedly used their local knowledge. Both attain a similar altitude ( 2928 feet and 2806 feet respectively). Small (<20L) rucksack. It all evens out in the end! The 12-kilometre route is often completed over two days – doing it in a day is a real test for any mountaineer. I have not drunk for hours and the sun is just relentless. Let the clock tick for a whole section rather than an individual peak or crux section. To be successful on a full traverse attempt, previous knowledge is invaluable. From thebmc.co.uk:. Please help UKClimbing continue to provide varied and free content by becoming an official UKC Supporter. For this experience to be comfortable, you want it to be dry. Cuillin Ridge Munros: The Black Cuillin Ridge has 11 Munros scattered across its jagged skyline ridge. Whatever guidebook you use, copy and laminate the sections on the ridge so you don't have to carry a full weight book with you. After a failed attempt on the Skye’s Cuillin Ridge traverse in 2019, Caroline returned this year to have another go. If possible do an equipment drop the day before your attempt. Pictured above: Running in the Isle of Skye (April 2018), with the famous Cuillin ridge looming in the distance. The Cuillin Ridge is essentially to blame. The 29-year-old, from Fort William, ran the epic 12km ridge on the Isle of Skye in just less than three hours. He has a strong CV as the British fell running champion for 2015, a regular winner of the Ben Nevis race, and the current record-holder for the Cuillin Ridge (2.59.22) in summer. You can help us by becoming a UKC Supporter. Remember you need the calories down your neck. The first choice you have to make is are you going to do it in one day or as a two-day exped? One of our ex-trainees Finlay Wild currently holds the record for running the Cuillin ridge on Skye from end to end in the unbelievable time of under 3 hours! Edita made … This coire works well for a bivi because you have a very high burn so you don't have to drop to far from the ridge, but also a fast descent out to the valley if the weather, mind or body breaks. Describing the Cuillin Ridge as a scramble would be like billing K2 as an exciting mountaineering route – true, but fatally understated. Hmmm, he mentions Severe exactly twice (once as a general guide to ability for the traverse, and once for the pitch up the short side, which seems consistent with currently accepted practice?). The Krab I had left to abseil at the end of march was still there! Have fun and be safe. Make sure you get your feet used to wearing your scrambling boots all day in potentially warm temperatures: basically break your feet in. I have seen just as many people fail through wall-to-wall sunshine as I have from rain and wind. Explore the best trails in Maple Valley, Washington on TrailLink. Last winter Will Rowland pulled off an incredible traverse of the Black and Red Cuillin in a two day journey starting and finishing at Sligachan. Doing the ridge from south to north is equally as satisfying plus gives more climbing options if you wish, such as the climb out of TD Gap (V Diff) and King's Chimney (Diff) on Sgurr Mhic Choinnich. The ridge contains 11 Munros and 16 other summits, the highest being Sgurr Alasdair at 3,255 feet. The traverse of the Cuillin Ridge has been described as the finest mountaineering adventure on the British Isles, containing 3,000m of ascent and descent and crossing 11 Munros (peaks over 3,000 feet). So I'm with the SMC here in seeing Hart as a significant and very capable contributer (for this, amongst other things) who deserves his due when Collie generally receives his. The ridge contains 11 Munros and 16 other summits, the highest being Sgurr Alasdair at 3,255 feet. To sum up: 2 days, 1 bivi out in the elements, Scottish weather, and one of the best mountaineering routes in Europe Generally considered Britain's finest mountaineering challenge, a traverse of the Black Cuillin ridge requires crossing over 30 summits, 11 of them Munros. Map: The best map is currently Harvey's Skye, The Cuillin, though if you can find a second hand copy of the SMT map The Black Cuillin, that is worth buying too. Ames proposed Vine Maple Valley, but Russell thought Maple Ridge to be a better name. [2] Lightweight trousers such as Ron Hills or some of the pertex type trousers. For the tops of the Rum Cuillin are all that remains of a giant volcano which must have exploded with quite some ferocity to leave such a trail of destruction in its wake. The weather was crisp and cold with the promise of sunshine. Looking North from the summit of Sgurr Alasdair. This article was originally published in 2008, but has been revamped for 2011. Both attain a similar altitude ( 2928 feet and 2806 feet respectively). Cuillin experts reckon that perhaps only 10% of climbers succeed on their first attempt. Low grade scrambles may be too easy for ropes, but the consequences of a fall can still be high. When on the traverse, break it down into sections. The Rum Cuillin offer arguably one of the most exciting hill days out in the Scottish Islands. The Cuillin Ridge seems to be a never-ending source of interest. Sgurr nan Gillean to Bruach na Frithe, from Bruach na Frithe to the Inaccessible Pinnacle, then from here to Gars Bheinn. The peaks of the Black Cuillin are mainly composed of gabbro, a very rough igneous rock which provides a superb grip for mountaineers; and basalt, which can be very slippery when wet. ... Running shoes such as Walshes are much more comfortable than full walking boots. The next day demands a 6am start again, which means the 'In Pin' for 7am and no Kids are natural climbers, and scrambling as a family can be great fun. Stash the food you want for day two at the bivi site to save carrying two days worth of hill food on the first day. They placed their choices on slips of paper, and placed them in a hat. It involves 4000m or ascent and descent. Leslie Shabolt and Alastair McLaren completed the first continuous traverse of the Cuillin ridge on The 10th June 1911. This could include either rock routes if you're wanting to hone your rope skills or these could include ridge lines up some of the peaks to hone your scrambling skills. run SWIMRUN Guiding SHOP Blog contact Swimming Over The Cuillin. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Access to a year's subscription to Rockfax Digital. Take in all the advice in these pages and good luck! Also, it misses out most of the best rock pitches on the route. Don't forget the six P's. Stash plenty of evening food so you can munch to your hearts content all night. This traverse, in perfect running conditions, was my fourth this year. Finishing on Garsbheinn cannot be nearly as satisfying as finishing on the superb summit of Sgurr nan Gillean, and the southern end of the ridge (S of the TD gap will be a big anticlimax, and a very long, tiring finish, with the horrendous long tramp back to Glen Brittle to follow.) Over the centuries that followed, the peaks - which began their life close to the equator - were weathered by time and changing climates to leave the ridge as it is today. The Cuillin - Isle of Skye For those of you not familiar with the Cuillin, here is a bit of info about them to start with. Seasons Most people visit the Cuillin Ridge in summer. Do not even consider an attempt if it is raining, you will be slow and never make to the end in daylight! View Dubh Ridge - Skye Cuillin in a larger map Getting To The Start from Glen Brittle For a direct approach you have two alternative options available in order to cross the main ridge. The Cuillin Ridge. So far, all we've asked of you is that you visit and interact with the site but we are in uncertain times. Water, there has got to be some somewhere? To be successful you have to be feeling 100% on top of your game and performing at your fighting weight. Pictured above: Running in the Isle of Skye (April 2018), with the famous Cuillin ridge looming in the distance. We run private guided courses for Skye Cuillin Munros starting from £250 a day and can offer all main ridge Munros over four days or individual days if there are certain Munros you need to finish off. If you have ever taken part in any kind of marathon or endurance event then you're well on your way to understanding what to expect. by Geoff | Mar, 2016 | Uncategorized | 0 comments. Going to the gym to jump on the treadmill once a week is not going to do it. Strategy, gear, training, navigation and logistics are covered, and 10 classic scrambles are described. Rock n Ridge runs a number of the most requested Cuillin Ridge trips and uses experienced, friendly and knowledgeable Mountain Guides for your trip. Get out there and enjoy! - A successful traverse team on the summit of Gars-bheinn!© Jon Jones. I had seen the snow up here from the road and considered I could simply avoid it if needed, however it wasn’t thick and I reckoned the descent would be fun, so I cracked on to the top. Range: Black Cuillin, Isle of Skye, Scotland. Lots to catch up on and get used to using. the TD Gap is described as both Severe and V.Diff (when really it is generally agreed to be the former). Scotland boasts the highest mountains in the UK and has produced some of the greatest ever mountain runners that Britain has ever seen – Angela Mudge, Robbie Simpson, Andrew Douglas and Finlay Wild, to name but a few. You still ascend the Munros, climb the Inaccessible Pinnacle, do a few abseils and… Pitch out of the Gap on the North face at around 'Severe' (fairly thin). Wild has the fastest known time for the Cuillin Ridge traverse on the Isle of Skye, completing the crossing in 2:59:22 in 2013. It included six of the most northerly Munros on the much-revered and gnarly ridge. Your email address will not be published. This can be in a small way or in a larger package that includes discounted products from our sister-publishing company Rockfax. You need to prepare body and mind for complete and utter full body exhaustion. On Monday, 24-year-old Uisdean Hawthorn trotted across Skye's iconic Cuillin Ridge in 4 hours 57 minutes, knocking more than 1 hour 15 minutes off the previous winter record, set by Finlay Wild and Tim Gomersall in February 2016. Your email address will not be published. You can show your support in one of two ways; both come with rewards, and one includes discounted products from Rockfax. I also not convinced about two days rather than one day with a light sac - I wasn't especially fit when I managed the traverse in a day and he doesn't mention your book :-), I don't mind about that at all - it's out of print now, for one thing (though another reprint is presently being discussed) Yes, general consensus is that a one-day push is the best bet with optional classic bivvy on Gars-bheinn (i.e. The main Cuillin ridge is also known as the Black Cuillin to distinguish it from the Red Cuillin, which lie to the east of Glen Sligachan. 12km long, 3000m of ascent, 11 Munros (peaks over 914m or 3000ft), over 30 summits and technical rock climbing up to Very Difficult (if the easiest line is taken) makes the Cuillin ridge traverse the most challenging mountaineering journey in the United Kingdom. Remember whatever kit you stash at your bivi site will need to be carried with you the next day. A guided four-day course aimed at people who want to get onto the Black Cuillin Ridge. Thermal vest or t-shirt. Forget the rock shoes, it is big boots all the way. I suggest you use it in conjunction with the Rockfax Miniguide and the SMC Skye Scrambles Guide. Enabling them to tick off all of the 11 Munros along the ridge. The Munros of the Skye Cuillin are some of the most prized and challenging summits in Britain with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the UK. What I mean by this is two fold. In doing so he smashed his own previous two records, both of which he achieved earlier this year. In this article he shares his experiences on the famous Skye ridge, and explores what is required for a successful traverse. Next you need to decide when you are going to do it. After a previous day of awkward rope-work on the Cuillin Ridge, myself and Tom awoke at Glen Brittle campsite to a beautifully clear blue May sky. The iconic ridge of the Black Cuillin is the UK’s most challenging mountain range, being over 3,000 feet high in places. Read the labels on your bivi food, some only have the same calorie content as a mars bar!
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