Saturday 1 May 2010

Cuillin Ridge of Skye traverse including 7 nights self catering accommodation for £350.00!

Kendal Mountaineering Services has one space available on this course running between Saturday 15th & Saturday 22nd May 2010.

The cost is £350 which includes seven nights self catering accommodation near Carbost and a guided traverse of the Cuillin ridge from end to end carried out over two or three days - either that, or two days of guided scrambling on classic scrambles of your choice, in the area.

Highlights of the traverse include an ascent of the famous Inaccessable Pinnacle (see right) and a traverse of the Thearlaich Dubh Gap (currently graded severe) on what is overall 16 kilometres of sustained mountain scrambling which is largely grade one but with some two, three. There is some rock climbing mostly at Diff standard and a number of abseils although there are ways around most obstacles encountered on the ridge.

The group in the picture below have just summited Sgurr Nan Gillean - marking the end of their traverse.

Our traverse starts at the south end of the ridge from Glen Brittle generally heading up into Coire A Grunndha taking in the Munro of Sgurr Nan Eag before heading west over the highest top of Sgurr Alasdair via (or bypassing) the famous TD Gap.

Day one ends with either a descent from Sgurr Dearg or a bivouac on Sgurr Na Banachdich depending on whether on the two or three day traverse. Around this point we also try to make an ascent of the Inaccessable Pinnacle - the true summit of Sgurr Dearg.

The 3rd picture shows the ridge from near Sgurr Alasdair west towards Sgurr Dearg and the tops of Sgurr A Ghreadaidh and Sgurr A Mhadaidh - the central section of the ridge.

Throughout the traverse you will be guided by Iain Gallagher, Mountaineering Instructor, of Kendal Mountaineering Services who has led 8 traverses of this - the most classic of mountaineering challenges anywhere in the UK. As part of the fee you are also provided with a helmet & harness as well as the accommodation & guiding making this trip truly exceptional value for money.

The final shot shows our accommodation near carbost. You will be sharing the accommodation with the rest of the group taking part in the traverse and will be living on a friendly communal basis for the week. Provision of evening meals for the group is shared by everyone whilst lunch and breakfast will be your own affair.

In order to come on this trip you need to be a fit and experienced hillgoer, prepared to work as part of a team and you will have some experience of scrambling and a head for heights and some exposure. You will have your own personal all weather outdoor equipment and a rucksack of at least 40 litres. Stout walking boots with a vibram or equivalent sole and ankle support are recommended for the traverse. Approach shoes are not recommended.

If you are interested in this fantastic package contact Iain at info@kendalmountaineeringservices.co.uk  or call him on 07761 483364. Further pictures from previous Skye trips can be viewed in our gallery or in the recent pictures section of the Kendal Mountaineering Services Website at http://www.kendalmountaineeringservices.co.uk/

No comments: