Location: Skye
Duration: 1 day
Client to Instructor Ratio: 4:1 Max
The Inaccessible Pinnacle, affectionately known as the InPin, stands as perhaps the most renowned piece of rock in the Scottish Highlands, and for very good reason...
Before Your Course
Your EverydayClimbing mountain guide will be in touch one to two days before your course commences. This pre-course contact serves to introduce your guide, confirm meeting details, and provide insight into the expected weather conditions. Our guides are readily available to address any queries you may have, ensuring you're well-prepared for your upcoming adventure.
On the Day
Your adventure begins in the picturesque Glen Brittle, where both seasoned walkers and climbers typically commence their ascent. The easiest route unfolds past the beautiful Eas Mor, the highest, most impressive and most beautiful waterfall on the Isle of Skye. The trail then steepens as we navigate the screes of Sron Dearg, which will guide you to the narrow and rocky south-west ridge of Sgùrr Dearg—a Grade 1/2 scramble that promises both excitement and stunning views.
Dependant on guiding ratios, its also possible to tackle this formidable peak as part of a circuit of the Coire Lagan skyline, approaching the Inaccessible Pinnacle via the ridge from Sgùrr MhicChoinnich to the southeast (Grade 2). Additionally, Sgùrr Na Banachdich can be combined with one or both of these summits to make a long but rewarding mountain adventure.
Known as An Stac in Gaelic, The pinnacle has earned colloquial names like 'In Pin' or 'In Pinn' among seasoned mountaineers. Its storied history dates back to 1880 when it was first conquered by Lancashire brothers Charles and Lawrence Pilkington. Guided by a local legend, John Mackenzie, the Pilkington brothers undertook their ambitious journey from Sligachan, via Coruisk and Bealach Coire na Banachdich, ultimately ascending via the challenging east ridge. Their ascent was a thrilling adventure that included dislodging loose rocks along the way.
The most common ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle is through its lengthy east ridge, a vertical climb of 50 meters, involving two roped pitches of 30 meters each. While it's graded as Moderate; the lowest grade in the British climbing grading system, the narrowness and extreme exposure of the ridge make it a remarkable challenge. An early climber aptly described it as "a knife-edged ridge, with an overhanging and seemingly infinite drop on one side, and a drop on the other side that's even steeper and longer!" Some climbers, seeking an alternative adventure, opt for the shorter west ridge (20 meters), a route graded as Very Difficult. However you ascend, prepare yourself for panoramic views that encompass not only the Cuillin of Skye, but the entire Highlands and Islands.
For descent from the summit, abseiling from the west end is the norm, facilitated by a permanent anchor thoughtfully positioned at the pinnacle's summit.
Ready to embrace the ultimate challenge of the Inaccessible Pinnacle? Join us for an adventure that promises to test your mettle and reward you with stunning vistas.
Not quite what you're seeking? No problem! We specialise in organising climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering guides for any route in the Scottish Highlands or islands. From the dramatic sea-stacks to the legendary Skye Cuillin, we've got your adventure covered. Feel free to drop us a line with your specific requirements, and we'll promptly respond to your inquiry.
Dates
This course is available year-round and can be scheduled on any day that suits your plans.
Feel free to reach out with your specific requirements or contact us using the form below, and we'll promptly respond to your inquiry.
Prices
Our prices are comprehensive and cover the following:
One person - £260
Two people - £310 (£155 per person)
Three people - £360 (£120 per person)
Four people - £400 (£100 per person)
Embark on an 'accessible' day, perfect for walkers and scramblers with a strong head for heights.
This adventure is well-suited for those with some prior hillwalking experience and a robust level of mountain fitness, as the journey does require endurance. While experience in scrambling or rock climbing is advantageous, it is by no means essential. Our expert guides are here to support and instruct you every step of the way, making this a memorable and attainable experience for participants of various skill levels.
Required
• 25-35l backpack
• Mountain walking boots
• Walking poles
• Water bottle or hot drink flask (1 litre)
• lunch (around 1000cals.)
• Head torch + spare batteries
• Thick socks
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Thin fleece or light insulated jacket
• Thick fleece or mid insulated jacket
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Hiking trousers
• Synthetic/merino base layers
• Personal medication
• Sun lotion & midge repellent/head net
• Waterproof stuff sacks for everything
Optional
• OS map
• Waterproof map case
• Compass (Silva type 4 recommended)
• Gaiters
Provided
• Harness
• Climbing helmet
• Belay device and karabiner
• Emergency shelter (Orange bag)
To guarantee your comfort and security throughout our activities, we strongly advise all participants to come prepared with the complete equipment listed. While our activities may proceed even if participants do not have the entire kit list, please be aware that EverydayClimbing and our instructors retain the right to modify the itinerary or conclude the activity early should the absence of essential equipment pose an elevated risk to the group, exceeding acceptable safety standards.
As part of our unwavering commitment to eliminating barriers to outdoor adventures, we offer a selection of equipment available for use by anyone, with no questions asked. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.
Just drop us a line to let us know what you require.