The Cuillin Ridge Traverse: One of the most sought-after mountaineering expedition in the British Isles
10km. 3000m. Very Difficult/Hard Severe
(Classic Rock, Ken Wilson)
Route: Traverse of the Cuillin Ridge
Mountain: The Black Cuillin (definition (Cuillin): the rocks)
Stars: ****
Grade/Difficulty: Difficult to Hard Severe (depending on the route chosen) 
Time: 2 days (though for the ultra fit a 1 day traverse may be a possibility)
Distance: 32+/-km / 20miles
Ascent: 4000m / 13000ft
The Cuillin Ridge Traverse is the most famous mountaineering expedition in Britain. With over 3000m ascent spread over 10km on the ridge itself, and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the UK, the Cuillin Ridge Traverse truly is an incredible achievement for those who choose to undertake the challenge. It should be on the tick list of climbers, mountaineers and adventurous hill walkers alike. Book a guide with McKeever Mountain Guiding and you will give yourself the highest chance of success when you go for your traverse.
"Just wanted to sing your praises Caspar for getting me along the ridge. Tremendous effort in less than perfect conditions. A physically and mentally draining experience but well worth the effort." Gordon S.
A guided traverse of Skye's Cuillin Ridge is a major undertaking involving two long days, each in the region of 8-12 hours under good conditions, and should not be underestimated. To aid success it is advised that you have good ‘hill-fitness’, be comfortable on exposed terrain and have good upper body strength to cope with the technical ground and long days. We also advise that you book three or four days in order to enable us to use the best weather for a traverse. 

If you're looking to climb all the Cuillin Munros, but perhaps not as a continuous ridge traverse, we also guide the Cuillin Munros as day hits tackling 2 or 3 at a time and catering to your ability. Check our Cuillin Munros or Skye Cuillin pages for more details and feel free to get in touch to discuss what you would like to achieve.
                     "Few peaks, in the British Isles call for rock climbing on their easiest routes. Most of those that do are located in the Black Cuillin of Skye. The main Cuillin Ridge extends from Gars-Bheinn, in the south, to Sgurr nan Gillean in the north. In a sigmoid sweep of six miles, it emcompasses some ten peaks of over 3,000ft. and several others just below this height. Most sections of the ridge involve scrambling, often of quite a serious and exposed nature, and several involve rock climbing, two of them of up to Very Difficult standard [now three]. The ridge offers magnificent views of the sea and loch, and at no point along its length does it drop below 2,500ft."
                                                              Ted Maden (Classic Rock, Ken Wilson)
COST
3 Days £885 1 Person / £1125 2 People (£525 each)
4 Days £1180 1 Person / £1500 2 People (£700 each)
5 Days £1475 1 Person / £1875 2 People (£875 each)
Course
3 Days: Traverse on the best two days of three allowing flexibility for the best weather.

​4 Days: Traverse on the best two days of four, a rest day for flexibilty for the best weather, plus an additional day on the Cuillin where we can attempt the Clach Glas - Bla Bheinn traverse completing all the Skye Munros or another classic Cuillin scramble such as Pinnacle Ridge or even some rock climbing.

5 Days: Traverse on the best two days of five, a rest day for flexibilty for the best weather, plus two additional days on the Cuillin where we can attempt the Clach Glas - Bla Bheinn traverse completing all the Skye Munros and another classic Cuillin scramble such as Pinnacle Ridge or even some rock climbing.

Course Disclaimer:
Traversing the Cuillin Ridge is a major undertaking which should only be attempted in favourable conditions. Consequently it is not always possible to attempt or complete a traverse. If conditions are not favourable for a traverse we will still endeavour to have a great time out in the mountains for the duration of your course date. For example: in poor conditions a three day booking would become three individual days on the Cuillin ridge rather than a traverse on the best two days of the 3 day booking.
What's included
Fully qualified, insured and experienced Mountain Instructor/Guide
​Evening meal on the ridge
Helmet and harness for the duration of the course
Ropes and technical equipment
​Safety brief
Action photos
​£10 per guided day donated to The John Muir Trust
Kit list

You will have to organise accommodation, food, personal equipment and insurance.

For larger groups we can arrange extra guides at a corresponding cost.
timing and meeting
You will meet your guide on the morning of your start date. Where possible we will try to meet you the night before but this is not always possible. Your guide will be in contact the week before your start date to discuss final arrangements and the prevailing weather conditions.
Equipment
We will provide harness and helmet for each day. If you are not used to this technical equipment your guide will ensure it is used in the correct manner. They will also assess the groups abilities and the prevailing weather and use a rope when they see fit. We are here to make your experience as safe and fun as possible.

Please see the Kit List for a comprehensive list of what you will need to bring.
5 top tips for a successful cuillin traverse
For some of my top tips for a successful Cuillin traverse check out the following blog post ​