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Get High on Skye - Walking on The Isle of Skye and Lochalsh

The outdoor challenges found on the Isle of Skye can be amongst the most demanding in Europe, with the legendary Black Cuillin offering every possible degree of difficulty to even the most experienced climber.

Some of the highest and most dramatic sea cliffs are also part of this unique Island environment, offering the walker, scrambler and climber a range of superb outdoor adventures for every skill level.

Experienced walkers and climbers regard the Black Cuillin as the most impressive and distinctive range of hills in the UK, offering exhilarating scrambling, often with extreme exposure, and sensational situations requiring knife-edge balance. Once atop the ridges offer breathtaking views extending to the edges of the world.

Even experienced climbers take time out to view the memorable ridge of jagged peaks twelve kilometers in length that curves around the great hollow containing Loch Coruisk. Towering bare rock, smooth slabs, plunging cliffs, scree runs and small corries sculpted by the elements enclose beautiful blue-green waters. These mountains intimidate and entice in equal measure.

Early guidebook recommendations of the Dubhs Ridge, Coire Lagan round and Pinnacle Ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean as routes that capture the very essence of this sensational mountain environment still hold true.

Climbers still regard these as major mountaineering routes, especially in Winter conditions when even a short scramble along part of the ridge is beset with difficulty. The traverse of the entire ridge is regarded as a major mountaineering prize - three thousand meters of ascent, technical and route finding difficulties, exposed sections, lack of water and unpredictable weather lie in wait for the adventurer.

For Munro baggers, Skye will challenge and exhilarate with 12 prominent peaks to tackle as your fitness and determination allows. Without doubt, some of the hardest but most rewarding Munros in Scotland are to be found here, including the Inaccessible Pinnacle.

The Skye Munros include:

Sgurr a' Mhadaidh, 918m
Sgurr nan Eag, 924m
Bla Bheinn (Blaven), 928m
Am Bastier, 934m
Sgurr Dubh Mor, 944m
Sgurr Mhic Choinnich, 948m
Bruach na Frithe, 958m
Sgurr Nan Gillean, 964m
Sgurr na Banachdich, 965m
Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh, 973m
Sgurr Dearg (a.k.a. The Inaccessible Pinnacle), 986m
Sgurr Alasdair, 992m

Hiring an experienced mountain guide will help you safely develop your skills on the hill, or simply enhance your enjoyment of the outing. A wealth of local knowledge and colourful anecdotes can be yours - but be sure to book well in advance!

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