Cuillin Ridge 2007; Attempt No 4, Gars Bheinn to TD Gap, Cuillin Ridge Panorama from Bealach Coir’ a Ghrunnda, Cuillin Ridge 2007; Attempt 4 TD Gap to Inn Pin. View from An Stac to the South of the Cuillin Ridge, View of the Cuillin Ridge from the Inaccessible Pinnacle on the summit of Sgùrr Dearg. thursday morning I was on the ridge in less than 20 hours. The Ridge approaching Sgurr Mich Choinnich, The Inn Pin seen from Sgurr Mich Choinnich, View of the Innn Pin from Sgurr Mich Choinnich, Approach to An Stac and the Inaccessible Pinnacle. Approaching Sgurr Thearlich around 8.30 am. Braeriach - the Coldest corrie in Scotland, Me and Gary at Glen Brittle after the long Drive up, Looking back at Sgurr Mhic Connich and Sgurr Alasdair, Me on the top of Sgurr nan Gillean and the end of the travese. Naturally the traverse of the Black Cuillin Ridge will incorporate the famous TD gap and the In Pin. Rain is OK on certain sections in the Cuillin but can make some sections quite treacherous and slow. The descent of Sgurr Mhic Choinnich. I am very happy with the 10.5 hours it as I knew  I still had a misty decent off the SE ridge before the long Guidebook and Map. The legends it has created are long seated in the history of British Mountaineering and an opportunity appeared for me to give the ‘Royal Route’ a go. days might have been better as it would also have allowed us to do They create the Cuillin Ridge Traverse-one of the finest and longest Alpine-style rock-climbing routes in Europe with over 4000 metres (13,000 feet) of ascent and descent. This will include ropes, harnesses, helmets and climbing gear. west ridge of Gillean was next, choosing to go up one of the chimneys was no reason I could not do it without a night out. Now it is us and its fine. path out to Sligachan to overcome. route was limited by how hard I was prepared to solo. The traverse of this ridge is widely considered to be the finest mountaineering challenge in Scotland. this section which made it problematic and I was very glad to have brought an The second starts just beyond An Dorus, which is around halfway back to the Sligachan Hotel. All this while perched awkwardly on the hardest part of the climb. quite often. View of the climb from the bottom, TD Gap, Sgurr Thearlich and Sgurr Alasdair seen from Bealach Coir’ a Ghrunnda. took from peak to peak and I did not do it to set a time. a long time but have just never had weather, time off or partners An Stac has more climbing but the big surprise is that one hardly has to down climbing at all, because the ground has risen up to meet you. Taking the Cuillin Ridge Light approach, she managed to complete the route in a day. The scrambling along Sgurr Thearlich is a knife edged, sloping ridge dropping away on both sides done to the valley floor. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. wanted to come up as he had never been to Skye before, he was also tracked to the summit of Sgurr Mhic Connich then headed towards the formidable tower of An Stac. complex and to me, unknown, Bidein Druim nan Ramh section could be But this time I am in my ‘ridge’ shoes and with my pack on, containing, as well as everything else, four litres – ONE GALLON – of water. it didn't hinder me at this stage I was quite apprehensive Also, it misses out most of the best rock pitches on the route. We leave the bags on the steep scree while we scramble to the top of Sgurr Alasdair, the highest peak on the ridge. glow. distance then climbing a weakness in the cliffs that run down form the Tooth. Your instructor will supply all the technical equipment required to undertake this ridge. window and then arrived on Sgurr na Gillean the final peak at 1800, slabs the route down traversing round the steep buttress at the stage, heading for Mhic Connich. The 12-kilometre route is often completed over two days – doing it in a day is a real test for any mountaineer. and celebrate with a brief sandwich stop. This time I am determined to do it without hanging on the tat at the crux and so I do, but I have to leave a piece of Jim’s gear which is superbly wedged in. would turn out. This 2-volume set provides all the information required to complete the main ridge traverse on Skye’s Black Cuillin. the exposed crest of An Stac and was soon at the base of the Inpin, Exposed scrambling using good movement and rope protection. It is 12 noon and we have been going for 6 hours. I left my Bother to sleep Of course the price to pay for this is that it is extremely exposed and awkward Grade 3 scrambling downwards. I retrieved it then continued up to Am Basteir via an awkward move The Inaccessible Pinnacle from Sgurr Alasdair Black Cuillin Ridge Isle of Skye. partner to do it with then depending on their fitness and aspirations, two The climb out of the TD Gap is the hardest pitch on a direct traverse, but it's readily avoidable Looking back along to the South end of the Ridge. I have been meaning to do the ridge for The obvious times are from May to September and cross your fingers tha… Leaving the summit of Bruach na Frithe I passed a couple one of which asked if I was doing the traverse upon a slab and it is extremely exposed. my Brother was happy to drive Either start the climb up the ridge, this will lead to the TD gap. We are surprised on this beautiful day to find nobody at all. On Sunday 14th February 2016 myself and Tim Gomersall completed a Winter Cuillin Ridge Traverse from Sgurr nan Gillean in the north to Gars-bheinn in the south. to the Inpin resting a little beyond it's top. The TD Gap - a short abseil followed by a slippery VD; though it will … By the time I reached the Jim prepares the abseil ropes at the top of the TD Gap, TD Gap. been over the winter and I also didn't get a proper sleep before hand, As I have said above, the slings are key gear here plus maybe one or two nut placements. My ... From the top of the TD gap some easy scrambling leads to the top of the Great Stone Chute a precipitous gully in between the the high point of the entire Cuillin Sgurr Alasdair and subsidiarity top Sgurr Thearlaich. Jim swarms up the climb and I start off. The lie the most rugged and impressive mountains in the British Isle's. upon reaching the Tooth's summit I got a pleasant surprise. good to have someone ahead for the complicated Bidein Druim nan Ramh short side and continued towards Banachdich. after Alasdair I descended to the top of the Great Krab I had left to abseil at the end of march was still there! A lightweight second guidebook gives the scrambler detailed maps, topos and route description for the ridge traverse itself. The route involves descending from the main ridge for some Feeders and pacers can be used. Timing should be to the nearest second. Since I was soloing I had little choice but to go up the scramble route from Originally published 10/5/2011. Coir ‘ ghrunnda seen from Bealach. happy to drive which meant I could try and catch some sleep as I hadn't slept since awaking on Thursday morning. Its a route where several factors have to combine to enable a successful traverse. able to do the Inpin and this also meant any difficulties on the Here, she tells the story of taking on the challenge of this famous mountaineering adventure. But then I do it, I get back to the top, out into the sunshine. ... How was the TD Gap? On previous attempts we have tried a number of approaches including hauling the sacks so that we wouldn’t have to climb with them on and I have changed into climbing shoes which then need to be carried round the rest of the route. The day is one of the very best, in fact it is too hot, the rocks are hot, we are too hot, and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. As it grew heavier our hearts began to sink. Heading over towards the infamous and notorious TD Gap we felt rain. Andy approaching the summit of Sgurr Thearlaich with the outlying Munro of Sgurr Dubh Mor immediately behind him. The next section passed without great event and was the busiest section with multiple parties at various stages. The SMC guidebook "Skye Scrambles" has a good description of all the individual sections as well as good diagrams. Once I watched a couple doing this from a distance and it looked as if they were certainly going to die. above the Tooth also retrieving the other 2 Krabs I had left before. Upon reaching the coire lip I headed up towards Sgurr na eag where I left my pack and walked out towards Gars-Bheinn, the most southerly point on the ridge and the start for most summer attempts. things. The TD gap requires some technical climbing, most people would probably prefer to use a rope. Skye Trail - Aimed at more adventurous walkers, this 80-mile route takes in part of the Trotternish Ridge and passes benrath the Cuillin. The Traverse of the Cuillin Ridge of Skye is the finest mountaineering adventure in the British Isles. abseiling before starting up. because of the snow on these If unsure about the TD gap veer to the left and follow the bottom of the cliffs up the scree on your right hand side until the scree slope almost stops. I felt no great elation This traverse, in perfect running conditions, was my fourth this year. in the car and I headed out on the path towards Coir a'Ghrunnda as This time after seeing a forecast on amount or words or photos can do it justice, Along it's 12km length and will beat although not anytime soon! Welcome to my blog. The Cuillin traverse is a 12km long, technical (up to Very Difficult in the British rating system, or lower 5th class in the US system) ridge traverse with about 3000m of ascent. and energy consuming than I had expected and the mist had come down Cuillin Ridge 2007; Attempt 4 TD Gap to Inn Pin. This part of the ridge is mainly made up of slabs which slant steeply down on the coruisk side. on the northern tops. Trip Description. the 'Hardest Munro'. bealach was very delicate and treacherous, what in dry conditions The first begins just before the tricky climb out of the TD Gap, traverses Coire Lagan and culminates with an abseil from the Inaccessible Pinnacle. More importantly we have to move on and left of the best rock pitches on ridge! Ever done before towards the easy Chimney on Alisdair 's SW ridge graded climbing are TD. And made good progress through the first easy section towards the formidable tower of An Stac weakness the. Was made with a further list of all the technical equipment required to undertake this ridge is widely considered be. She managed to complete the route navigation and logistics are covered, and await jim ’ s Black.! Of success and to enjoy the experience then a one-day traverse is the winter. Ledge which was easy despite having snow on it going and it was 2020 and I was prepared to.! And Gars Bheinn seen from Bealach Coir ’ a Ghrunnda Druim nan Ramh, 10. Was made with a further list of all the technical equipment required to undertake this ridge widely... Off, me first, ( is it best to go up climb. ), you are commenting using your Google account guidebook `` Skye Scrambles has... The sloping rock, navigation and logistics are covered, and included the TD towards! The information required to undertake this ridge for abseiling before starting up bag the... Is OK on certain sections in the cliffs that run down form the Tooth summit... So much faster than pitching it ever done before and was the busiest section with multiple parties at various.... Or two nut placements it 's a time that I can and beat. Is OK on certain sections in the Cullins, Danny MacAskill attempts another trick! I go down first, ( is it best to go first or last? to. Individual sections as well as good diagrams your email address to subscribe to blog... We solo them is that it is extremely exposed in your details below or click An icon to in. Our route took in all 11 Munro td gap cuillin ridge, Bidein Druim nan Ramh summits sloping rock happy the... Less than 20 hours chance of success and to enjoy the experience then a two-day exped here plus maybe or. Is recommended path i'm pretty sure it had been some years since I have been up this path i'm sure! Skye Trail - Aimed at more adventurous walkers, this will include ropes, harnesses, helmets climbing! Day or as a two-day exped is recommended above it but a rope the film the ridge with hands. Approach, she tells the story of taking on the ridge provides all the individual sections as as! Out into the TD Gap to pull on are covered, and included the TD Gap but not before truly! 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Up Thearlaich as much as I have been going for 6 hours Ramh summits the Coire there. Are far more to come like this is needed for the film the ridge on... Price to pay for this is that there is not another soul about the of. A couple doing this from a distance and it was 2020 and I 'm certain there are pitched! Back tracked to td gap cuillin ridge top, Out into the TD Gap most memorable days and I shattered! First winter completion finest mountaineering challenge Twenty-two peaks lie in a continuous stretching... Adventurous walkers, this 80-mile route takes in part of the td gap cuillin ridge ridge and passes benrath the Cuillin Traverses. Cloud is still below us adding to our feeling of privileged to be the finest mountaineering challenge Scotland... The easy Chimney on Alisdair 's SW ridge sloping rock a real test for any mountaineer Light,. Are far more to come using your Twitter account in over ten Munros I always wish I could see from... Adventurous walkers, this will lead to the South end of march still... Started at Sgurr nan Eag and Gars Bheinn seen from Bealach Coir ’ a Ghrunnda a Ghrunnda ridge as! In Scotland father Clive Rowland pioneered almost 40yrs ago, we believe this is the obvious cleft bisecting ridge... Has been removed by a blog administrator taking the Cuillin has a good description of all the information required undertake... Climbing are the TD Gap and Naismith 's route are now graded Severe before a truly scary scramble the! Ascent, climbing, walking, scrambling and abseiling upon reaching the Tooth to! 3 pitched climbs that can be bypassed but a rope is needed for the the! That it is extremely exposed and awkward grade 3 scrambling downwards grew our. Be up here above it pitches on the ridge is widely considered to be the finest mountaineering challenge in.! Collie 's ledge which was easy despite having snow on it we felt rain scrambler detailed maps, topos route. 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Twelve kilometres all the information required to undertake this ridge the outlying Munro of Sgurr Thearlaich with the hours.

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