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The Islands

Skye

[Image] The Black Cuillin(19k), from Bla Bheinn
Stretching for only 7 miles and yet containing 11 Munros (mountains over 3000 feet), Skye's Cuillin ridge is without doubt the most difficult ridge in Britain. The rough Gabbro rock gives a good grip, however the relentless scrambling is both physically and mentally tiring. The complete traverse of the main ridge in one day is a feat which many have attempted, but which most have failed to achieve.
[Image] Sgurr Alasdair(13k), from the West ridge of Sgurr Dearg
Situated on a spur slightly off the main Cuillin ridge, Sgurr Alasdair is the highest peak on Skye. The famous Great Stone Shoot can be seen in this picture, starting in the col just left of Sgurr Alasdair and stretching all the way to the bottom of Coire Lagan on one vast sweep of unstable scree. Also in this photo are Sgurr Thearlaich (just left of the Great Stone Shoot) and Sgurr Mhic Coinnich (far left.)
[Image] Sgurr Alasdair(10k), from Coir' a'Ghrunnda
The notch in the skyline towards the right-hand side of this picture is the Thearlaich-Dubh Gap, so called because it lies between Sgurr Thearlaich and Sgurr Dubh na Da Bheinn. The T-D Gap, as it is known, is one of the toughest obstacles on the ridge. It is possible to bypass it by following the base of the cliffs to reach Sgurr Alasdair's West ridge, before crossing Sgurr Alasdair to regain the main ridge at Sgurr Thearlaich.; this route can be clearly seen in the picture.
[Image] Sgurr Dearg(10k), from the top of the Great Stone Shoot
Sgurr Dearg is the left-most peak in this photo; the black lump at the top is the Inaccessible Pinnacle, viewed sideways-on. The peaks to the right are Sgurr na Banachdich and Sgurr Thormaid.
[Image] The Inaccessible Pinnacle(12k), from the East
This is the long side of the Inaccessible Pinnacle. The ascent comprises a 200m Moderate climb. The scrambling is no harder than elsewhere on the ridge, however at one point the ridge is only one foot wide. This, coupled with the drop of two thousand feet (yes, two thousand feet) to Coruisk on the right, gives the Inaccessible Pinnacle its name.
[Image] The Inaccessible Pinnacle(13k), from the West
This is the short side of the Inaccessible Pinnacle. The ascent of this side is not so easy, being a Difficult climb. The climb is only 60m however, making this route equally popular. Both ascent routes involve an abseil off the West side.
[Image] The Inaccessible Pinnacle(11k), from the West again
Well, it is rather impressive!
[Image] Sgurr na Banachdich(9k), from the South
Sgurr na Banachdich is the most Westerly Munro, and is the most accessible peak on the Cuillin ridge. Sgurr Thormaid is also visible to the right.
[Image] Sgurr Thormaid and Sgurr a'Ghreadaidh(11k), from South of Sgurr na Banachdich
The ridge near Sgurr a'Ghreadaidh is arguably the most enjoyable part of the Cuillin. The short stretch between Sgurr a'Ghreadaidh and its South Top is particularly difficult, however, and requires caution.
[Image] Sgurr a'Ghreadaidh(10k), from the South
The three peaks in the distance are (from left to right) Bruach na Frithe, Am Basteir and Sgurr nan Gillean.
[Image] Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Basteir and Sgurr a'Fionn Choire(12k)
Taken from the North ridge of Bruach na Frithe, this photo shows the Northern peaks of the Cuillin partly hidden by the headwall of Fionn Choire.
[Image] Bla Bheinn, from South of Sgurr na Banachdich(11k)
Separate from the main Cuillin ridge yet composed of the same Gabbro rock, Bla Bheinn is an excellent viewpoint for seeing the main ridge.

Rum

[Image] The Isle of Rum, from Coir' a'Ghrunnda on Skye(10k)
The mountains of Rum are not especially high but have a special charm of their own, and are definitely worth the ferry journey to get there.

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