I guided Jon. 3 days, 2 nights bivvy. Total time 16 hours. Bivvy at Grunda and Clac mor. Here is his feedback:
I have so much to think about over the last three days that I don't really know where to start. Fantastic, brilliant and awesome spring to mind and quite an emotional feeling afterwards especially as I wasn't entirely sure if I would be able to complete the task at hand. But now it's done and I could say it's taken 31 years and it has been worth the wait.
If Daniel and I hadn't been mock MCI clients for you a few years ago none of this would have happened. If I hadn't gone climbing with you since and if you hadn't just happened to mention the ridge traverse to me, in I think September 2023, I wouldn't be here today looking at a sunny Sgurr nan Gillean and Am Basteir having just completed the traverse with you. One small moment has made such a big difference to me.
Thanks to the poor summer last year I reckon we have probably had the best ever possible conditions for the traverse. A bit warm maybe for some of it but the views were just spectacular right through with such a memorable sunset on the second bivvy. One that couldn't be missed for the world and will stay with me the rest of my days I hope.
Yes it was tough physically at times but your pace was just great. Never too fast so I was able to just keep plodding along enjoying the moment and all that scrambling with a few rock pitches added along the way. TD gap was definitely tough with a big pack, no doubt, but fun to have done as were Kings Chimney and The Inn Pinn. I checked last night and my last ascent of the Inn Pinn was 26th May 2013 so almost exactly 12 years ago. Perhaps I should try again in another 12 years at the age of 77. Now there's a challenge!
The best bit of all maybe was the scramble on the three tops yesterday up the basalt staircase to the middle top was it? But that is such a difficult choice to make as so much of it was just so enjoyable even if my old body was asking why are you doing this to me at times.
It just had to be done Alex and not looking too far ahead and thinking have I really got to go there today and just getting on with it made it all possible.
So once more Alex, such a big thankyou, it was hard , it was memorable and will be for many years to come, I loved it and I wouldn't have given it up for the world, especially that cheeky Raven yesterday!
Area :
Skye - The Cuillin (Summer)
The Cuillin mountains of Skye are justifiably admired as having the most alpine-like atmosphere of all the ranges of the British Isles, and perched elegantly above the sea they have an especial charm. The traverse of the main ridge is of course a highly prized expedition, but the flanks of the Cuillin contain a very large number of crags of excellent gabbro, offering long multi-pitch climbs throughout the grade range.
