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Its taken far to long for me to post this report.... but it was a cracking day which ended our week in capturing all the Black Cuillin munros. We were being looked after by Jonah Jones of SkyeMountainGuides (
jonah@skyemountainguides.com) who I would happily recommend to anyone for all things relating to the Cuillin. Please check his web page as he greatly enhanced our week and knows the Cuillin like the back of this hand being part of the MRT.....
The hard winter had resulted in some snow banks which needed to be taken into consideration when we made our way to the col between Am Basteir and Sgurr nan Gillean. The forecast was positive but the first part of the walk from Sligachan Hotel was in low cloud and its wasn't until we reach the col that the strong north wind started to move the clouds and expose the ridge in all its glory.
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- The col and time for the gear
The route up onto Sgurr nan Gillean was a superb gully climb & scramble with the wind and cloud added to the atmosphere. We were fortunate to break through the cloud just before the summit and were present with a spectacular view.
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- View south east from Sgurr nan Gillean
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- Sgurr nan Gillean summit
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- View to Bla Bheinn
Time to retrace our steps back to the packs and make for Am Basteir. No really difficulties getting onto the summit cairn but the swirling cloud being driven with the strong wind certainly added to the atmosphere and made ideal conditions for brocken spectre.
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- Brocken Spectre while heading back to the col
We had planned to decend Am Basteir by King's Chimney, cave route with Jonah dropping us down the vertical face. It was a dramatic and stunning way to drop off the Am Basteir summit.
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- Heading for King's Chimney
Once down onto to the main path the route out to Bruach na Frithe was straight forward and a nice end to the dramatic hills that had gone before. Our route back to the hotel was by the normal access route which allowed plenty time to reflect the days adventure.
A video of our day can be viewed below which hopefully gives you the feel and atmosphere of the Skye ridge in this mixed weather condition..... have a look it only takes 9 mins. Skye has been kind to us again with excellent weather and given an opportunity to get onto new tops and parts of the ridge missed on previous visit... what a place.
