Isle of Skye
These routes are among the greatest hands-on days in Scotland – perfect prep for a Cuillin ridge traverse, says Dan Bailey.
Rearing out of the sea to a hard-bitten crest of jagged Munro summits, the Skye Cuillin are uniquely ferocious. This is a landscape of bared teeth, a chunk of the Alps marooned in a watery island setting. A scrambler’s head for heights is essential almost everywhere, while the best routes also require rock-climbing skills and equipment. The famous Cuillin Traverse may be the ultimate prize, but the slightly more manageable rounds here are no less stunning. From the spires of Sgurr nan Gillean’s Pinnacle Ridge to the airy challenge of the Clach Glas-Blabheinn traverse, these Moderate/Difficult grade rock routes are two of the best mountain adventures on Skye. TRANSPORT For Pinnacle Ridge the starting point at Sligachan is a stop on the Glasgow-Portree bus route. For the Clach Glas–Blabheinn traverse take the BroadfordElgol bus and alight just after Torrin. www.travelinescotland.com 0871 200 2233
PUBS/GRUB Sligachan Hotel (01478) 650204; Old Inn, Portnalong (01478) 640205; Waterfront fish & chip shop, Broadford (01471) 822158; Portree Hotel, Portree (01478) 611286
ACCOMMODATION Sligachan bunkhouse 07500 837186; Skye Basecamp hostel, Broadford (01471) 820044; Broadford Youth Hostel (01471) 822442; Glen Brittle Youth Hostel (01478) 640278; Waterfront Bunkhouse, Carbost (01478) 640205; Slapin View B&B, Torrin (01471) 822672
PRACTICALITIES If easy rock-climbing in a serious setting is beyond your skill level (or if in any doubt), hire a climbing guide. Local outfit Skye Guides come highly recommended www.skyeguides.co.uk (01471) 822116.
For groceries, banks and other essentials, Portree is Skye's commercial hub. Fuel and food can also be had at Broadford.
TOURIST INFO Information Centre, Portree (01478) 612992