Guided Ascent of the In Pinn, Skye
We will guide you safely up the most technical of all the Munros,
The Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Black Cuillins of Skye

Guided ascent of the In Pinn, Skye

The narrow blade of rock that forms the summit of Sgurr Dearg, or the Inaccessible Pinnacle as it’s more commonly known as, presents a formidable challenge to those wanting to reach the summit of this Munro.

Inaccessible Pinnacle Outline

Standing proudly atop Skye’s mighty Cuillin Ridge sits The Inaccessible Pinnacle. To a rock climber its shark fin profile and narrow crest is one of geological beauty but to an avid Munro collector it can be a daunting prospect. First climbed in 1880 by Lawrence and Charles Pilkington The Inaccessible Pinnacle (or In Pinn for short) as it is more commonly known as, is the true summit of Sgùrr Dearg; a 986 meter tall mountain and one of the Isle of Skye’s twelve Munros. Climbing to the airy summit of this iconic Skye Cuillin landmark is not an experience to be missed! The standard ascent is via the East Ridge of the In Pinn and is graded a ‘moderate’ rock climb.

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Back safely after our trip to Skye last week. We had a great time and it is a memorable experience. Both of our guides, Bruce & Ken, were excellent- professional and personable and they made our trip safe and enjoyable. I miss the mountains already. Outstanding views one day with grey summits for the rest! Hard to believe it’s over now-we are already looking forward to our next escape.

Marion JCuillin Munros Course, Skye (May 2014)

We spent three brilliant days with Ian our guide from West Coast Mountain Guides. Our plan was to gain experience of the Cuillin Ridge over two days as well as the Clach Glas to Blaven traverse on the third day.
What a fantastic experience. I am so grateful to Ian who kept us safe and provided excellent guiding. There is so much more to learn and experience on this fabulous island so we will definitely be back for more! Thank you Ken and thank you Ian.

Steve SPrivate Guiding, Skye Cuillins (May 2016)

I had 2 days on the Skye Cuillin Munros on the weekend 22/23 October 2016. I tried to organise the trip to suit a favourable weather window at short notice and the guys couldn’t have been more helpful and knowledgeable to make this happen for me. My guides knowledge of the ridge and the views where also first class as was his skillful rope work. Days never to be forgotten thanks to West Coast Mountain Guides.

Kenny RPrivate Guiding, Skye Munros (Oct 2016)

Full Description

Course Outline:

An ascent of The Inaccessible Pinnacle is achievable for a fit hillwalker with very little scrambling experience. That said; a good head for heights and lots of trust in your experienced mountain guide is imperative as the crest is exposed and potentially hazardous especially in anything but dry and windless conditions. West Coast Mountain Guides have the experience and knowledge to assess your ability then make safe and calculated decisions for the best day, time or route to take to its airy summit.

The most popular route of ascent is via the longer but less steep East Ridge. Viewed side on this 68 meter route forms the shape of a sharks fin and is characterised as one of the narrowest scrambles of its type in the UK. However, it thankfully has large hand and foot holds that allow progress even for the less experienced climber who persist with a confident approach. Once triumphant on the once inaccessible summit, a short but simple abseil returns us to the ground.

If you are new to scrambling or anxious about using technical climbing equipment please don’t worry we are here to help. Throughout your time with West Coast Mountain Guides we will endeavour to teach you the technical skills needed for an ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle and offer tips and advice on how best to climb and safely descend this challenging but rewarding summit. Your guide will instil confidence in your equipment and manage all of the ropework in ascent and descent allowing you to enjoy this exciting and unique experience.

For the more experienced climber, the Inaccessible Pinnacle holds several more challenging routes to its summit. If you can demonstrate ability and capability to tackle a harder rock climbing route, we can provide a West Coast Mountain Guide to challenge even the most accomplished climber.

Course ratio: 1:4:

We can accommodate large parties for an ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle. We do this by providing 1 guide for every 4 participants. Whilst ascending the Inaccessible Pinnacle we guide on a maximum of 1:3 ratio meaning each guide will ascend with up to three people attached to the rope. Your guide will then re-ascend the In Pinn a second time with the remaining participants.

Costs and equipment:

Prices include guiding and instruction and the use of a helmet and harness.
You will also need to take accommodation, food, personal equipment and insurance costs into consideration.

Accommodation:

There are plenty of accommodation options close to the Cuillins, below is a list of recommendations:

Prices and Dates

1 Day Course

We offer these days on a private guiding basis, so on dates to suit you.
Costs are for one guide.

1 person £210
2 people £230
3 people £250
4 people £270

Kit Requirements

Socks –Go for a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks.

Thermal/Base Layers –A thermal or wicking top is far better than cotton.

Fleeces –At least one fleece layer for your upper body. If you get cold easily perhaps add a fleece gilet/vest to your layering. Having an extra fleece top or synthetic layer in a waterproof liner at the bottom of your rucksack is useful if cool conditions are likely to be encountered.

Windshirt or lightweight softshell jacket –Ideal for dry conditions.

Walking trousers –Polycotton, polyester or softshell is ideal.

Warm Hat & Gloves –A warm hat can still be very useful even in summer. For Skye, leather work or gardening gloves, which are cheap and durable are ideal. Remember that even in the height of summer, with a bit of rain and wind, it will still be quite chilly.

Waterproof jacket and over trousers ( Outer shell clothing) –The trousers should have at least a knee length zip enabling them to be fitted over boots. Lightweight waterproofs are ok.

Rucsac –A medium volume sac (30 -40 litres) is best for mountaineering. Use a strong plastic rucsac liner to keep the contents dry. External Rucsack covers have a habit of blowing away and don’t work as well as an internal liner. Everything needs to fit inside your sac.

Bivvy Bag –A large person sized poly or foil survival bag is the minimum requirement, essential.

Gaiters or Stop-tous –Useful, but not essential. Not really necessary on the Skye Cuillins.

Head Torch –Even in summer it’s good practise to carry a small headtorch.

First Aid kit –A small personal pack including medication for blisters. Suncream and sunglasses if good forecast.

Compass/Map –(OS or BMC/Harveys)
Harvey maps produce the best map for Skye. The map should be weather-proofed in a clear plastic map case or covered with clear sticky back plastic.

Whistle/Watch

Waterbottle –1 to 2 litres, maybe more during hot weather.

Lunch & Spare Food

Trekking Poles -These are optional, but useful particularly in descent.

Boots –For scrambling, boots which have good lateral stiffness, such as B1 rated boots, are useful.

Helmet –Please bring one along if you can. We have DMM helmets available.

Harness –Please make sure the harness fits over all clothing and can be put on over boots and crampons. Adjustable leg-loops are preferable for ease of fitting.

Belay device, two HMS Carabiners and one 120cm sling –We can provide you with these if you don’t have your own.

Programme Outline

• Speak with your West Coast Mountain Guide roughly four days prior to your ascent
• Meet your guide (either at Sligachan, Carbost or in Glenbrittle) at 8/8.30am and be provided harness and helmets whilst discussing a plan for the day
• Ascend the Inaccessible Pinnacle
• Possibly attempt a further summit if time, weather and energy allow
• Expect to be out on the hill between 6 – 9 hours

Booking Enquiry Form

Please fill out the form below if you have any questions or would like to book.
We’ll be in touch soon!

Private Guiding

If the dates or contents of a course are not exactly what you are after, we also offer private guiding, which makes up a large part of our working year. Private guiding can be arranged on dates to suit you, and we can tailor the course or guiding to match you needs and aspirations. There are no limits for the number of participants on privately guided day, so whether you are an individual after 1:1 guiding or tuition, or a group or club looking to develop their collective skills or reach a particular summit, please get in touch.

Find out more about Private Guiding