Inaccessible Pinnacle Guide
Isle of Skye , Scotland
4 out of 5: Difficult
Up to 7 Hours
1:2 per Instructor
From £320
In Pinn Overview
The Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn), perched atop the dramatic Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye, is the most technically challenging of Scotland’s 282 Munros. Standing as a narrow blade of rock at 986 meters, it requires both a climb to its summit and an exhilarating abseil descent, making it a bucket-list achievement for Munro baggers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
This one-day course is designed to make the ascent of this iconic Munro achievable and safe, even for those with limited climbing or scrambling experience. At Northwest Mountaineering our expert Inaccessible Pinnacle guide will lead you up the airy East Ridge, ensuring your climb is as enjoyable as it is memorable.
Length
Guided days on the Inaccessible Pinnacle ' In Pinn' are usually around 6 - 7 hours, often meeting at 08:00 and finishing by 15:00
Cost
Our private guided Inaccessible Pinnacle ascents start at £320 per day with all technical kit provided (helmet & harness)
1 Person - £320
2 People - £350
3 People - £640
4 People - £670
Experience Needed
Prior experience in mountain walking, climbing, or mountaineering is necessary. Good level of fitness is recommended.
When
Whenever suits you. Guided ascents of the Inaccessible Pinnacle are possible between April and October
Booking Information – Guided Inaccessible Pinnacle Days
Join our guided climbs of the Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn) from April to October. We provide all necessary climbing hardware, including helmets, harnesses, and technical equipment.
Contact us with your preferred dates, and let’s conquer Scotland’s hardest Munro together!
The Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn) on Skye’s Cuillin Ridge is widely regarded as the hardest Munro in Scotland, both for its technical difficulty and its exposure. This iconic fin of rock rises sharply above the summit of Sgurr Dearg. At Northwest Mountaineering, our expert guides are here to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey to the top of this legendary Munro summit.
Completing the In Pinn is a must for anyone 'bagging' the Munros, but its sheer exposure and climbing requirements often make it the most intimidating summit on the list. That’s where our experienced guides at Northwest Mountaineering come in. From start to finish, we’ll look after you, providing clear instructions and support to keep you safe and at ease. Your guide will be by your side every step of the way, helping you gain confidence as you tackle this exciting ascent. The adventure doesn’t end at the summit—you’ll also enjoy the unforgettable experience of abseiling back down..
If conditions allow, you may also have the opportunity to climb an additional summit on the same day, depending on the weather. Contact Northwest Mountaineering to plan your In Pinn adventure and let us help you achieve this incredible milestone in Scotland’s breathtaking Cuillin mountains.
Northwest Mountaineering also offers private guiding for the Skye Cuillin Munros, starting at £320 per day at a maximum 1:2 ratio. We can guide you across all the main ridge Munros over four days or arrange individual days to complete specific Munros. Book one of our Skye Guides for an unforgettable adventure on the Cuillin Ridge and experience other Skye Munros at their best.
Guided experiences on the iconic Inaccessible Pinnacle, often referred to as the ‘In Pinn,’ typically last between 6 to 7 hours.
This unforgettable experience usually begins around 08:00, allowing individuals to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Cuillin Ridge. Most guided climbs are completed by 15:00, making it a manageable yet rewarding day out. Whether you’re an experienced climber or climbing this Skye classic for the first time, hiring an Inaccessible Pinnacle guide ensures a safe and memorable ascent to one of Scotland’s most challenging Munros.
Example Itinerary
Often meeting around 07:30/ 08:00, your In Pinn guided experience begins in the scenic Glen Brittle, where we embark on an ascent of the West Ridge of Sgurr Dearg. This approach involves exhilarating grade-two scrambling, making it the perfect warm-up for the iconic climb ahead. Upon reaching the crest and summit of Sgurr Dearg, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the incredible Inaccessible Pinnacle—a highlight of Skye's Cuillin Ridge.
From here, we'll navigate a descent down basalt slabs to the base of the In Pinn, where the true challenge begins. The climb is often completed in two to three rope lengths (pitches), with the trickiest moves about a third of the way up.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll experience the unforgettable thrill of standing atop this narrow, exposed pinnacle. Your guide will then expertly coach you through the abseil to return safely to the floor.
After reflecting on your incredible achievement, we can either continue to another Munro on the ridge or begin our descent back to Glen Brittle, wrapping up a day full of adventure and spectacular scenery.
This Inaccessible Pinnacle climbing adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Scotland’s most famous Munros with the safety and expertise of a Skye mountain guide.
The Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn) on the Cuillin Ridge, ideally requires a good of fitness, as days on the Cuillin can be physically demanding.
Previous mountain hillwalking experience is highly recommended, and a good head for heights is recommended due to the significant exposure on this route. While you don’t need to be an experienced rock climber or have prior experience abseiling, having some scrambling experience at Grade 2/3 will be a huge advantage.
At North West Mountaineering our expert In Pinn guides will ensure you’re supported every step of the way.
Our flexible scheduling approach we can work around your availability—simply let us know your preferred date(s), and we’ll take care of the rest.
1 Person - £320
2 People - £350
3 People - £640
4 People - £670
In addition to our Guided Inaccessible Pinnacle Day, we also offer a range of Cuillin Ridge courses. Check out our Guided Cuillin Ridge Traverse and Four-Day Skye Munros Course for more details.
