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

Pinnacle Ridge is among the top five Cuillin adventures, featured in our 'Best of Skye Scrambling Tour,' and for very good reasons. This route offers a bit of everything though it's standout feature must be the exhilarating abseil from the summit of the third pinnacle, seemingly endless as it deposits you onto a small and highly exposed ledge above a breathtaking drop!

This journey begins at the symbolic starting point of many Cuillin adventures, the Sligachan Hotel. You'll follow the initial footsteps of Gillian's first ascentionists for a while, then traversing some short scrambling sections, you'll ascend a broad, rocky rib that overlooks the impressive Basteir Gorge. Once the group is fitted with harness and helmet, the ascent of the first pinnacle begins. You'll navigate your way up cracks and chimneys, reaching the upper limits of scrambling but never exceeding it. Upon reaching the summit of the first pinnacle, you'll find a brief respite from steepness. This is an opportunity to pause and contemplate the journey ahead, but stray too far from the summit, and you'll quickly be reminded of the height you've gained.

Onward to the next pinnacle, the style continues in a similar fashion. It feels somewhat different from the first, as you follow grooves and ledges to its summit. A short break in a narrow notch between this and the third pinnacle is all you get before you tangle further with steep moves. The summit of the third pinnacle doesn't allow much time for recovery either. Its tiny summit marks the beginning of an impossible-looking abseil to a suspended and exposed ledge below, which is our onward route.

The final pinnacle, Knights Peak, doesn't surrender easily, and the moves from the bottom of the abseil require some care, partly due to loose rock but mainly because of the awareness of what lies below. Nevertheless, its summit is more easily traversed than the previous one. After descending its far side, some delicate but enjoyable traversing of a gendarme leads to a few technical moves on immaculate rock.

In comparison to what's come before, an easy ascent remains between you and the summit of Gillian. It was the first of the main Cuillin peaks to be conquered way back in 1836 and is just as awe-inspiring today. Following your triumph on the summit, there are several options for the descent. Our personal favorite involves another straightforward abseil and an exit through Coire à Basteir. Why is it our preferred route? Just look to the right as you walk out, and you'll soon understand why...

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:

• Information and support prior to the course
• An AMI accredited, insured, and fully qualified guide
• Professional-grade climbing equipment for each participant
• Mountain safety gear
• Memorable photos of your adventure

One person - £260

Two people - £310 (£155 per person)

Pinnacle Ridge serves as an outstanding entry point to the more challenging Cuillin scrambling routes. It offers a well-rounded experience, featuring technical and exposed movements, an abseil, intricate route-finding, and, of course, a rewarding finish on a Munro summit. Whether you're aiming to conquer top-tier scrambles or refine your mountaineering skills, there are few options better than this.

With your capable instructor leading the way, you'll have the unique opportunity to tackle the finest and most exposed sections of this mountaineering route head-on. Dive into the exploration, immerse yourself in the adventure, and experiment with the many exposed segments that this remarkable route has to offer.

It's sustained and exposed in parts, offering several changes of style during ascent and descent. The route occasionally transitions into rock-climbing terrain, necessitating a diverse skill set typically commanded by well-rounded mountaineers and rock climbers. Thankfully, your guide will take charge of all route-finding, rope work, and provide instruction and guidance throughout. This makes the day accessible to confident hillwalkers and novice scramblers.

While no technical climbing experience is required, a strong foundation in summer hillwalking and a confident approach are essential. This journey promises a full day of exploration and challenge.

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.