The Black Cuillin Ridge, Skye.
~ Thursday, 4th June 2009
The Isle of Skye is home to one of the finest mountain ranges in the UK. The Black Cuillin ridge provides arguably the best mountaineering outing in Britain.
My wife, Helen and I were employed by a team of super fit and strong runners from Macclesfield Harriers, to guide them along the ridge over two days.
We quickly reached the ridge on Gars bheinn, on the first day, but low cloud, drizzle and slippery conditions meant that we couldn't move fast. The Harveys map and altimeter were invaluable for keeping track of our position. Sgurr nan Eag, Sgurr dubh Mor, Sgurr Alasdair and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich all got climbed. The T-D gap was descended from. The top of An stac screes was reached by 7.30pm. Time to descend to the valley!
Our objective for day two was the Inaccessible Pinnacle. We climbed Sgurr Dearg via the west ridge, which gave us some lovely scrambling. Sadly, the cold and wet presented miserable conditions at the Inn Pin. The east ridge was definitely climbable, but nobody fancied hanging around in those temperatures for the time required. Fair enough!
We followed the ridge to Bealach Coire na Banachdich and descended into the corrie of the same name. A delightful descent route, with improving views and sightings of rarer mountain flora.
A great trip. Thanks to Dave T, Dave P, Bruce W, John K, Greg T, Digby H, Pete C and Gary C.
