guided ascent inaccessible pinnacle

guided ascent inaccessible pinnacle

1 dayGrade Moderate - 5Cuillin Ridge, Isle of SkyeMax 1:4 Ratio
5.0 / 5.0•Over 211+ Five-Star Reviews
The route

What the days on the ridge involve

Tackle the most technical of the Skye Munros with a guided ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle. This airy climb demands a steady head and basic scrambling skills but is an achievable challenge for fit hillwalkers. With expert guidance, you’ll safely reach the summit and descend via abseil, making for an unforgettable day in the Cuillin.
Interactive Map

Expedition Topography & Route

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Day-By-Day Journey

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Start/Finish (Inn Pinn)

Day 1 - Sgurr Dearg/Inn Pinn (Inn Pinn)

Our journey begins at the Glenbrittle Mountain Rescue Post, where we meet at 8:30 AM before setting off towards the Cuillin. As we ascend the rugged west ridge of Sgùrr Dearg, the dramatic outline of the Inaccessible Pinnacle comes into view—an exposed blade of rock perched high above the surrounding peaks. On reaching the base, we take a moment to prepare before tackling the East Ridge, a classic and exhilarating scramble requiring steady footwork and a cool head. With expert guidance, you’ll make your way up this narrow crest, taking in breathtaking views over the Cuillin Ridge and beyond. At the summit, a moment of achievement is well earned before making a controlled abseil descent down the shorter west side. After safely returning to the base, we retrace our steps back down to Glenbrittle, reflecting on an unforgettable climb of Skye’s most notorious Munro.

Offline Preparation

Download Course Itinerary - Inaccessible Pinnacle

Includes complete kit list, daily mileage charts, and meeting point coordinates for offline access.

Gear & Provisions

Inclusions, Exclusions & Kit

What's Included

  • ✓Highly experienced & qualified guide
  • ✓Harness, helmet, ropes
  • ✓Climbing hardware
  • ✓Guidebooks
  • ✓Group shelter
  • ✓First Aid kit
  • ✓Photos from your course

Not Included

  • ✗Course Insurance
  • ✗Personal Expenses
  • ✗Accommodation

What to Bring

  • •A pair of suitable walking boots/approach shoes
  • •Quality, breathable waterproof jacket and trousers. Gore-tex or similar
  • •Spare insulating layer
  • •Walking socks
  • •Walking trousers (synthetic materials; jeans or similar are not suitable)
  • •Water bottle or flask
  • •Rucksack 30-40 ltr
  • •Hat & waterproof gloves
  • •Lunch, plus a little spare food
  • •Sunglasses & sun cream (you just never know!)
  • •Waterproof case for phone i.e. zip-lock bag
  • •Personal medications

Glen Brittle Youth Hostel

Remotely situated at the foot of the spectacular Cuillin Ridge and surrounded by Skye's rugged beauty, Glenbrittle Youth Hostel has a long t...

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Glen Brittle Youth Hostel
Glen Brittle Youth Hostel
Glen Brittle Youth Hostel

The Old Inn, Carbost

The Old Inn is a free house pub set on the shores of Loch Harport. Popular with locals as well as tourists and hill walkers, The Old Inn off...

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The Old Inn, Carbost
The Old Inn, Carbost
The Old Inn, Carbost
Official Grade StandardsGrade Moderate - 5

Scrambling - Challenging (Skye)

Suitable For

Designed for hillwalkers looking to take their first steps into more technical terrain. While some scrambling experience is useful, it’s not essential—we’ll coach you along the way. Expect multiple days of sustained effort, with big ascents from sea level and long descents. The Inaccessible Pinnacle is the most technical section, but with expert guidance and a rope for safety, it’s an achievable challenge.

Skills Required

A good level of fitness is essential. You should be comfortable on steep, rocky ground and prepared for long, consecutive days in the mountains. Scrambling skills will be developed throughout the trip, helping you gain confidence on exposed ridges and technical sections. While this is a demanding journey, it’s also an incredible opportunity to experience the Cuillin with the support of an experienced guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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£380(£380/day)
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The Highland Standard

Why scramble with us

Qualified mountain instructors, a small group, and routes chosen for the people on the day.

A person in an orange jacket sits in a sleeping bag on a rocky summit, watching the sun set over a sea of cloud.
5.0 / 5.0••TripAdvisor Verified

Scrambling trips, in their words

How other people found the ridges, the exposure, and the days with a guide.

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"Scrambling in Glen Coe"

Highly recommend Stephen and Scottish Rock and Water, I did a 2 day introduction course on scrambling in Glen Coe and Stephen made our experience highly enjoyable and very educational. Stephen is very patient and I felt extremely comfortable and safe during the course at all times. I have gained valuable confidence and knowledge from my 2 days. Had an amazing time, thank you Stephen

Craig BeveridgeVerified

"Tower Ridge Ben Nevis"

Absolutely loved the whole day, even the walk out. Stephen was a top guy, first class guide who made sure we were safe, but also allowed us to enjoy ourselves at the same time. Would highly recommend booking with him if you have any plans for a trip.

Brian Verified

"A great day out learning new tricks"

Me and my partner booked a scrambling course on the Curved ridge in Glen Coe with Stephen. Stephen is a great guide. He tailored our experience to meet our needs and to fill gaps in our knowledge we felt we beeded. We weren't totally sure where we were in terms of experience, but he gave us great confidence in our abilities, and also has great chat ! We wouldn't hesitate to book another course with Scottish Rock and Water, and it's clear that Stephen is an absolute expert at his job. We came away from the day accomplished and confident.

JessicaVerified

"Scrambling experience on Skye :)"

The perfect first time scrambling and climbing in Skye! Loved every moment. From the views to the company. Stephen is incredibly knowledgeable and professional and also a fantastic teacher, making sure I felt confident and safe throughout. Thank you for a fab day. Can't wait to book the next trip over!

Melissa MVerified

"Liathach scrambling"

Having had a brilliant experience with Stephen last summer doing an introduction to scrambling course I decided to book into a last minute guided traverse of Liathach. Once again had an amazing experience - cannot praise Stephen enough! He's a brilliant guide, makes you feel so at ease and gives you confidence in your abilities. I was terrified about this walk but felt so safe and comfortable with him. Such good company too making it a fantastic day with lots of chat and laughs along the way. Thank you so much, will definitely be booking back for in for another trip in the future.

Louise AllanVerified

"In Pin & Sgurr Mhic Choinnich combo"

Stephen helped us achieve 2 more ticks in our Munro book. He expertly made our short ridge traverse highly educational and fun at the same time. We even invested in more basic scrambling equipment within hours of completion as he made us hungry for more! We will certainly use Stephen as a Guide again or enroll on one of his many mountaineering courses, an epic day led by a top Guide! Five stars all round 👍

Ollie HVerified
Field Notes

Scrambling notes

Grades, kit, and how to prepare for a Scottish scramble.

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A voucher from £50, posted to you and valid for three years. It can go toward a course, a private day, or winter kit hired for that trip.

A climber in an orange helmet moves up a granite slab above a Highland glen.