Skye's Cuillin Ridge Traverse

Experience one of the most iconic and technically demanding mountain traverses in the British Isles with Skye’s Cuillin Ridge Traverse, a continuous 12km alpine-style crest along the heart of the Black Cuillin on the Isle of Skye. This legendary ridge combines sustained scrambling, exposed knife-edge crests, dramatic rock pinnacles, and unforgettable views over Loch Coruisk, Loch Scavaig and the surrounding rugged Skye landscape.

This comprehensive two-volume Cicerone guidebook equips motivated scramblers and experienced walkers with the skills, strategy, and confidence to plan and complete the technical traverse, typically in 1–2 days depending on pace and conditions. The first volume covers preparation, training, gear, weather, navigation, logistics, and ten classic Cuillin scrambles for practice, while the second lightweight volume carries detailed Harvey mapping, numbered photo topos, and in-depth route descriptions for the ridge itself.

• Comprehensive planning and logistics guidance is provided, including training notes, recommended kit lists, weather and safety advice to help you approach the Cuillin Ridge with confidence
• Step-by-step route description for the full 12km Cuillin Ridge Traverse across ten sections, supported by Harvey mapping and photo topos for complex terrain navigation
• Ten classic Cuillin scrambles are detailed as practice routes to build skills and familiarity with the ridge terrain before attempting the main traverse
• Easier climbing alternatives (Cuillin Ridge Light) provided for harder sections, offering options to reduce technical difficulty where needed
• Guidance on tackling winter conditions, including escape routes, extends the book’s usefulness across seasons

Tackle Scotland’s ultimate scramble and crossing, from sharply exposed crest lines and technical moves to the jaw-dropping panoramas that make the Black Cuillin legendary. With expert advice, detailed mapping and dependable route descriptions in your pack, Skye’s Cuillin Ridge Traverse is the indispensable guide for scramblers and mountain walkers aiming to conquer one of the UK’s most dramatic ridge traverses.

Adrian Trendall and his wife live at the foot of the Cuillin: they run a guiding and photography company, All Things Cuillin and have set up the popular Facebook group of the same name. Adrian has been climbing since the 1980s with a CV which includes first ascents on the White Cliffs of Dover, Alpine North Faces and Big Walls in Yosemite.