SGURR DEARG
SCOTLAND / 986m
Not the highest peak in Scotland, on Skye, or even on the Cuillin Ridge where it’s perched, the Inaccessible Pinnacle on top of Sgurr Dearg though is the most technically challenging Munro in Scotland, which means it’s one of the hardest summits to reach in the UK. Reaching the top requires a moderate rock climb and getting back down necessitates an abseil. You could do it as a relatively simple day out, or as part of the entire Cuillin traverse
– a worthy mountaineering project for anyone who loves airy ridges and
engaging scrambling.
In terms of a true mountain experience, the peaks on the Cuillin bear more likeness to an Alpine expedition than a Lake District walk. Precipitous, spiralling, confusing, made of rock that can demolish your boots within three days and send your compass spinning, it is not a ridge to be played with. But it is one that can become intoxicating. If this is the start of your mountaineering progression, you’ll probably want to hire a guide and get some basic climbing skills under your belt before setting off. Moves can
be tricky and the consequences of a fall don’t bear thinking about.
Let’s not forget that this is a trip of international standard and on a fine day will deliver an unparalleled experience. The sea glittering on either side, eerie rock shapes emerging from the mist, a certain sense of enchantment and danger... Lots of people love Skye, and they do so for a reason.