Traversing the full length of the rugged Cuillin Ridge in Scotland's Isle of Skye is one of the greatest mountain challenges in the British Isles. Whilst it is only graded Severe in summer (IV in winter), with approach and descent included it is around 14 miles in length, the difficulties and exposure are sustained, and route finding continuously difficult. In addition, the weather on Skye is renowned for its awfulness, the midges and clegs can be ferocious, there is no water on the Ridge itself, and reasonable escape routes in case of emergency are very limited. Not surprisingly, many people choose to do it with a guide over two or three days and bivouac en route. However, experienced climbers and mountaineers who are comfortable leading VS should have no problem navigating their way along the Ridge and tackling the renowned obstacles of the TD Gap, King's Chimney, the Inaccessible Pinnacle and Naismith's Route direct and without guidance: and those who are fit enough should be able to complete the whole thing in a day, thus sparing themselves the need to carry a lot of bivi kit.
Below are listed a selection of lightweight but durable products which we feel will be particularly useful for your first/next summer Cuillin Ridge attempt. For more information on the Cuillin Ridge, and tips for success, please see our Cuillin Ridge Advice Page.
By far the best map now in print for anyone contemplating the Cuillin Ridge Traverse.
Popular scrambling guide to Skye. The traverse of the Cuillin Ridge is fully described.
Covers all the rock and ice climbs in the the Cuillin including the Cuillin Ridge in summer and winter.
Detailed coverage of the classic Cuillin Ridge traverse on the Isle of Skye in two volumes.
A guide to all of Skye's mountains. It describes the Cuillin Ridge in great detail.
A concise, lightweight and pocket-sized, topo-guide to Skye's Cuillin Ridge.
Homage to the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye.
A tough, fully-sealed waterproof and dustproof headlamp built for mountaineering.
Very lightweight rechargeable, compact, multi-beam headlamp. 600 lumens.
Ideal for scrambling on Cuillin Ridge gabbro!
Definitely the best midge repellent on the market in the opinion of Needle Sports staff!
This handy Smidge dispenser, the size of a fat credit card, slips easily into a pocket.
Ssanity-saving kit for climbers and walkers in the Highlands.
Highly advisable climbing accessory for any heather-ridden crags in Britain (especially Scotland) between mid-June to mid-September. This ultra fine mesh net with cord and fastener can be worn over or under helmet.
Virtually unbreakable, leak proof and do not make your drink taste of plastic. Two sizes.
Extremely light but durable waterbag. Three sizes.
Extremely lightweight fixed length carbon fibre poles featuring a three-section foldable design.
A high standard compact all-in-one stove which includes a basic hanging kit.
Ultra-lightweight and durable hard anodised aluminium Spork.
Good superlightweight insulated mug with a stiff webbing handle that folds flat for packing.
800 calorie chicken risotto meal for one.
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