free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
After many years talking about it, the day finally came for me, Simo & my son Darren to head to Skye and tackle the In Pinn. With the weather being poor for the Monday, we travelled up during the day, landing at Glenbrittle YH at 1730. This is a very well presented YH, but beware, the advertised Alcohol license isn't in place yet, so take your own supplies!!
I had booked with
http://www.skyeadventure.co.uk/ and we were met on Tuesday morning by John ( Business partner & lead guide) and Andy, who was getting some guiding time in the hills. A bit of cloud covered Sgurr Dearg as we set off on the path past Eas Mor waterfall.
- Eas Mor waterfall.
It was feeling quite warm as we quickly gained height, with good views out to sea at Rhum & Canna.
- Rhum.
As we approached the main body of Sgurr Dearg, it was time to get ready for the Pinn by donning our hats & harnesses. As we got closer to the crest of Sgurr Dearg, the realisation that we were finally here began to hit home, and then, there it was, the mythical In Pinn!!!
- First view of In Pinn.
We hurried on, knowing there was a few people ahead of us, so a bit of a wait was on the cards. We weren't bothered though, the cloud was lifting, showing the Cuillin in all it's glory.
- Sgurr Mhic Chonnich & Sgurr Alisdair.
- Sgurr na Banachdaich to Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh.
- In Pinn.
- Waiting our turn.
- John telling us not to fall off!!
Watching John make his way up, I was struck by the grace and almost feline way he moved up the rock. I guess that's experience and training for you. He made it look so easy. We got the shout and began to move in unison, Simo leading the way.
- Above us only sky.
To be fair, as long as you have a head for heights and are not concerned by exposure, then the ascent is fairly trouble free. Having the rope on helps of course, but if we hadn't had to wait for the group in front, we could have all been on the top in less than 10 minutes. The views all around were stunning, i could have sat up on the summit for ages. However, there was traffic coming up behind, so time was limited.
- Along the ridge to Sgurr nan Gillean.
- The top if the In pinn.
Not that we really wanted to, but John informed us that people didn't get on the lump of rock that forms the summit, though i was surprised that i stood higher than it anyway
After a quick abseil refresher course, we all made it safely down with the hardest to summit Munro finally conquered.
- Busy up there.
From here, we collected the bags, and set off down the slabs, aiming for Munro 2 of the day, Sgurr Mhic Chonnich.
- Heading down the slabs, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich in background.
This proved to be great fun too, with good bits of exposed scrambling to keep us on our toes.
- Distant Bla Bheinn, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich & Sgurr Alisdair to right.
- In Pinn pops out above An Stac.
We reached the summit of Sgurr Mhic Choinnich, with little drama; except for Andy the guides' walking shoe and sole coming apart
meaning he had to descend the large scree slope with a floppy foot
- Sgurr Mhic Choinnich summit and ridge leading to Sgurr nan Gillean.
- Looking over to our route down.
All that was left now was to re-trace our steps off SMC, and head back.
- Red Cuillin.
- Sgurr Dubh Mor.
- Coire Lagan.
After a mad dash down the scree slope, it's a nice eay walk back to Glenbrittle House. John droppped us back at the Hostel, after what had been one of my most memorable days ever in the mountains. The Cuillin are truly unique and i am pretty certain this won't be my only time visiting them. A big thanks to John, who got us safely round; I would not hesitate to use him again; a no-nonsense sort, but with an easy manner and good banter, what more could you want.
No visit to Glen Brittle would be complete without a Fairy Pools shot!!!
- Fairy Pools.