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A spectator of the Inn Pinn.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 6:43 pm
by IainG
This was a trip which WJ and I had planned since we were first guided up the Inn Pinn. WOuldn't it be nice to take up a few beer, sit on the ridge opposite the Inn Pinn and watch others ******* it, just like we did? Too right!

With the weather forecast of 80% cloud free and light winds, we headed up to Glenbrittle for a nostalgic trip back up Sgurr Dearg. Here's hoping it would be absolutely mobbed with the reputed 3 hour queues of guided walkers, clambering up and down the Pinn like a giant carousel. This had all the makings of a cracking trip.

Worryingly, the Glenbrittle campsite was surprisingly quiet for a summers day. We parked up getting one of the few pitches with electricity. Fine for chilling the beer.

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In the morning we had a lazy start. A good fry up, a bit of a gibber, then up and away, unlike our previous experience of Sgurr Dearg, with a spring in our step!!

A great path as we headed into Coire na Banachdich. A new path has been constructed almost all the way to the foot of the hill.

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The weather was reasonable, but the Cuilling just refused to shake off the cloud and mist. A glimpse of Sgurr Alasdair on the way up the shoulder of Sgurr Dearg.

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Approaching the last scrambly section, we got a peek at the tip of the Inn Pinn over Sgurr Dearg. This is what we'd come to see.

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It was still very misty when we arrived, giving a very eerie appearance to climbers on the Pinn.

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For short periods, the cloud broke giving stunning views. The scale of the Cuillin is incredible.

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The mist just hung around.

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It was surprisingly quiet, but it was fascinating watching climbers go about the business. There was only one guide with one guided walker.

Two climbers clamber up from below.

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Others prepare at the base of the Pinn. The scale of the Pinn can be seen.

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Climbers start up the 'short side'.

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After enjoying the views, we headed back down the surprisingly scrambly route we'd come up.

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A rewarding experience.

Re: A spectator of the Inn Pinn.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 9:35 pm
by kevsbald
Okay, you'll wonder why I'm asking this but is it possible to climb the short side, unaided i.e. what grade of climb is it?
Consequences of a slip? Positive holds?

Re: A spectator of the Inn Pinn.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 9:48 pm
by foggieclimber
Current grade: Diff, but it might? be increased to VDiff in new edition of SMC Skye Climbing guide (which is due out by end of 2009 - SMC are currently seeking photos).

All the difficulties are in the lower section. Holds are very polished.

As to what damage you would do to yourself if you come off, I suppose it depends how high up you are when you fall, how you land, ... It will definitely range from between ouch to helicopter and body-bag.

Re: A spectator of the Inn Pinn.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 10:05 pm
by IainG
My understanding (I'm not a climber) is that it's considered a Vdiff. I wouldn't or rather couldn't do it.

If you fell, the base is very, very solid :D

Re: A spectator of the Inn Pinn.

PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:40 am
by Paul Webster
I went to the base of the In Pinn with the same idea last year... in similar weather... and there was no-one climbing it at all. Rather annoying after hearing so much about hours long queues! It's a bizarre place though, and I'm not going up it again :shock:

Re: A spectator of the Inn Pinn.

PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 6:38 pm
by IreneM
Funnily, I didn't find the Inn Pinn nearly as scary as Sgurr Mhic Coinnich, which I thought was horribly exposed. :?
I love Skye and would happily climb the Pinnacle again, but I don't think I will EVER be persuaded to go up Mhic Coinnich again!

Re: A spectator of the Inn Pinn.

PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:25 pm
by Paul Webster
I did also find Sgurr Mhic Choinnich terrifying, but then that is partly due to the lack of a rope! I did straight after the In Pinn and again, don't expect to repeat :D .