The Cuillin is the longest alpine mountain ridge in Scotland, stretching 13 kilometres and featuring 11 Munros, with a total of 3,000 metres of ascent. It involves a mix of walking, scrambling, climbing, and abseiling. For those looking for a true challenge, the Cuillin Ridge traverse is the ultimate prize.
The traverse is only recommended for fit and competent hillwalkers, scramblers, and mountaineers due to the difficult terrain and changeable weather. Frequent rain, wind, and sudden weather changes can make it more challenging, even during the summer months.
A successful traverse of the Cuillin Ridge requires a minimum of two long days, with one or two nights spent bivouacking. To increase the chances of success, it is best to attempt the challenge with a partner you know well. Our standard three-day programme includes an additional day to account for potential weather disruptions. Two days, are used for the traverse itself, while the third day can be used for training, logistics, or traversing other peaks such as Clach Glas and Blabheinn (the Munro on Skye that is not in the main Cuillin Ridge).
The traditional route is typically done south to north in the summer. The approach takes 3 hours, 7 kilometres, 800 metres up, to gain the ridge near Sgurr nan Eag from Glenbrittle and then to the start at Gars-bheinn. It is possible to bivvy at the start the night before. The route then backtracks north over Sgurr nan Eag; tackles the TD gap; heads onto Sgurr Alasdair; descends the exposed slabs to Sgurr Thearlaich towards Sgurr MhicChoinnich; climbs this by King’s Chimney; goes over the Inaccessible Pinnacle onto Sgurr na Banachdaich. The bivouac is between Sgurr na Banachdaich and Bidean. Then the route continues up and over Sgurr a Ghreadaidh and the four tops of Sgurr a Mhadaidh, Bidean Druim nan Ramh, An Casteal; walks the long section up to the summit of Bruach na Frithe; climbs Am Bastier via Naismith’s or Lota Coire route, then the West Ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean and the final peak. The hard sections can be bypassed in case of deteriorating weather conditions. The total moving time on the ridge is around 15 hours. The descent from Sgurr nan Gillean to Sligachan is 2 hours, 6 kilometres.
The list of Cuillin Munros from south to north, included in the traverse:Sgurr nan Eag 924 metres, Sgur Dubh Mor 944 metres,Sgurr Alasdair 992 metres,Sgurr Mhicchoinnich 948 metres, Sgurr Dearg – The Inaccessible Pinnacle 986 metres, Sgurr na Banachdaich 965 metres, Sgur a’ Mhadaidh 918 metres, Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh 973 metres, Bruach na Frithe 958 metres, Am Bastier 934 metres, Sgurr nan Gillean 964 metres.
The traverse requires careful preparation. Please use the enquiries form to discuss your booking.
