Guided Cuillin Ridge Traverse
Isle of Skye , Scotland
5 out of 5: Hard
3 Days (2 Day Traverse)
1:2
From £980
Course Overview
Embark on the ultimate adventure with a Cuillin Ridge Guide on the Isle of Skye, the UK’s most challenging mountaineering route. The Cuillin Ridge Traverse spans 12 kilometers of technical scrambling, 11 breathtaking Skye Munro summits, and over 3,000 meters of ascent and descent, offering unparalleled views across the Highlands and Islands. This iconic journey demands good mountain fitness, confidence on exposed terrain and favourable weather conditions. With expert Skye guides from Northwest Mountaineering, you’ll receive professional support tailored to your abilities, maximising your chances of success whilst ensuring your safety.
Course Length
Our Cuillin Ridge Traverse attempts are 3 days in total. We allow an extra day for either a weather window or to stash kit prior. The traverse is 2 days.
Cost
The cost for a Cuillin Ridge Traverse is £980 for a 1:1 guided experience or £1080 for a 1:2, accommodating up to two participants.
Experience Needed
The Cuillin Ridge Traverse is renowned as one of the most challenging mountaineering routes in the United Kingdom. To ensure a successful experience, we highly recommend having prior scrambling experience paired with a strong level of mountain fitness.
When
Private courses can be arranged at your convenience. For the best chance of success, we recommend planning your traverse between April and June, when the weather tends to be more settled. However, we offer Cuillin Ridge Traverses from April through to late September.
As the UK’s premier mountaineering challenge, the guided Cuillin Ridge Traverse is offered as a minimum 3-day course to maximise chances of success.
This flexible approach allows us to choose the best two days for the traverse, with an extra day available to either stash bivvy gear on the ridge for a lighter carry or to retrieve vehicles at the end of the course.
If weather conditions are not suitable for a full traverse, our experienced Skye guides will make the most of your time by leading you on alternative day trips to iconic objectives such as Pinnacle Ridge, Inaccessible Pinnacle or Clach Glas-Blaven. These outings not only provide incredible adventures but also build valuable skills and experience for future success on the ridge.
The best opportunities for settled weather typically occur in May, early June, and September, though short-notice availability during the summer months can also offer excellent conditions. With the guidance of a professional Cuillin Ridge guide, your adventure on Skye promises to be safe, rewarding, and unforgettable.
With safety as a top priority, your North West Mountaineering guide will use ropes where necessary to assist on the most challenging parts of the ridge.
Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you take on the UK’s most dramatic and iconic mountaineering journey.
Our Guided Cuillin Traverse course utilises a conditions-based approach to ensure the best possible experience in Scotland’s diverse weather.
Your expert instructor or guide will select the optimal two days (if the weather allows) for safety and experience, maximising your adventure on the iconic Skye Cuillin Ridge.
Below is a sample itinerary to provide insight into the magical Cuillin Ridge Traverse.
Example Itinerary
Day One (Kit, Food & Water Stash )
The weather conditions will determine whether we can plan a kit stash before attempting the Cuillin Ridge Traverse.
If we have a two-day weather window at the end of the three-day course, we would often use the extra day to lighten our load for the traverse. Our goal is typically to reach at least Sgurr na Banachdaich, or ideally further, as it’s roughly halfway along the ridge and has an easily accessible approach. This makes it an excellent location to stash essential gear, food, and water.
Alternatively, this day can be used as a rest day, providing valuable recovery time before the early alpine start the following morning for the traverse attempt.
Days Two & Three (A Two Day Traverse of the Cuillin Ridge)
If conditions are favourable and time allows, your Cuillin Ridge Traverse attempt will begin with an unforgettable journey via Boat from Elgol to the stunning Loch Coruisk, creating an exhilarating expedition-like start to your adventure. The boat drops us near the Coruisk Memorial Hut, where a steady three-hour hike brings us to the summit of Gars-bheinn, the true starting point of the ridge. Alternatively, we can start from Glen Brittle approach the ridge via the western slopes of Gars-bheinn.
From Gars-bheinn, prepare for a full day of exciting scrambling and climbing along the Cuillin Ridge. Carrying all essential gear ensures flexibility in choosing bivouac locations, and your experienced Northwest Mountaineering Cuillin ridge guide will select the best spots for resting and accessing water.
During the two days of the attempt, you’ll encounter some of the finest climbing, scrambling, and abseiling opportunities in the UK. For rock climbers, sections like the TD Gap, King’s Chimney, and Naismith’s Route provide thrilling challenges, whilst hillwalkers can bypass these technical sections and focus on iconic Munros such as the legendary Inaccessible Pinnacle.
With a highly adaptable approach, your Skye Ridge Traverse guide will customise the experience to suit your abilities and ensure you and the team enjoy the journey to its fullest.
By the end of your guided traverse, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the Cuillin Ridge and its vast array of climbing and scrambling adventures. Guided by a professional Skye guide, this incredible journey will leave you with lasting memories of one of Scotland’s most iconic and challenging mountaineering ridge lines.
The Cuillin Ridge Traverse is renowned as one of the most challenging mountaineering routes in the United Kingdom. To ensure a successful experience, we highly recommend having prior scrambling experience paired with a strong level of mountain fitness.
Comprehensive Kit List for the Cuillin Ridge Traverse
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure on the impressive Cuillin Ridge Traverse with North West Mountaineering. This outlines all the essential clothing, equipment, and technical gear (supplied by guide) you'll need to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Essential Clothing for the Cuillin Ridge Traverse
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Base Layers: Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms to keep you dry and comfortable during challenging conditions.
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Mid Layers: Insulating fleece or synthetic jackets to stay warm in cooler temperatures.
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Outerwear: Waterproof jackets and trousers that offer protection from rain and wind. Durable, breathable materials are ideal.
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Legwear: Lightweight, quick-drying walking trousers; avoid heavy fabrics like denim.
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Headwear: A warm hat and gloves, plus spare gloves for emergencies.
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Footwear: Reliable, well-fitted walking boots or approach shoes with excellent grip. Ensure they're broken in to avoid discomfort.
Must-Have Equipment for a Safe Traverse
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Rucksack: A 35-45 litre backpack with a waterproof liner to protect your belongings, this can be dry bags.
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Sleeping Bag: Lightweight 2-3 season sleeping bag, suitable for an overnight on the ridge.
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Sleeping Mat: Compact foam or inflatable mat to enhance comfort and insulation.
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Bivvy Bag: Waterproof, breathable bivvy bags are essential for weather protection during overnight stops.
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Head Torch: Bring a reliable head torch with spare batteries.
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Hydration: Carry a minimum of 2 litres of water using bottles.
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Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Protect your skin and eyes from UV exposure from the Scottish sunshine.
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Bug Protection: A midge net is invaluable during summer.
Technical Mountaineering Gear
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Helmet and Harness: Essential pieces of kit that can be supplied by your guide.
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Technical Gear: Rope and hardware will be supplied by your guide.
Food and Hydration Tips
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Meals: Pack lightweight, high-calorie foods for two days, including snacks and energy bars.
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Cooking Equipment: Stoves and fuel ideally lightweight, also bring your own lightweight eating utensils.
Additional Safety and Navigation Items
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Personal First Aid Kit: Include essential medications and basic supplies.
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Navigation Tools: A map and compass are critical for safety, we always suggest having your own, just in case anything happens with your guide.
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Emergency Whistle: A small but vital piece of equipment for signalling in emergencies.
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Prepare for Your Cuillin Ridge Traverse Adventure
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful Cuillin Ridge Traverse. With the right clothing, gear, and mindset, you'll be ready to tackle this iconic Scottish mountaineering challenge.
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Our Guided Cuillin Ridge Traverse Course runs throughout the spring and summer, offering multiple dates to suit your schedule, we do offer bespoke bookings too.
This course is ideal for those with a good level of mountain fitness and previous scrambling experience on some of Scotland's classic routes, such as Aonach Eagach or An Teallach or similar. If you’d like more information or have questions about your suitability, feel free to get in touch. The course cost is £980 for one person or £1080 for two, with a maximum of two people.
Northwest Mountaineering also offers bespoke bookings for Cuillin Ridge Traverses, including a challenging one-day traverse or if you fancy the penultimate challenge, perhaps having an attempt at the Greater Traverse.
Guided Cuillin Ridge Traverse – What’s Included
Our Cuillin Ridge Traverse package includes expert guiding, instruction, and essential climbing hardware such as helmets and harnesses. We also provide advice on personal gear like rucksacks, bivvy bags, and sleeping bags, with equipment hire and some loan options available.
What’s Not Included
Participants must arrange their own accommodation for the first and last nights, as well as provide their own food and personal equipment. While we are fully insured, personal insurance is highly recommended for added peace of mind.
Flexible 3-Day Schedule
To maximise your success on the Cuillin Ridge Traverse, we use the best 2 of 3 days. The extra day serves as a rest day or a low-level guided activity, tailored to the group’s needs.
