11 Munros on the Syke Cuillin Ridge with my son and Ken from WCM Guides Booked Ken from West Coast Mountain Guides for 3 days on the Skye Cuillin Ridge in July. Ken provided plenty of advice beforehand and booking was easy via the WCM Guides web-site. I had 11 Munros on Skye and 1 on Mull to complete my first Munro round. Met Ken at Sligachan to climb the first 3 Munros from there on Day 1 with my son and Ken. Second... read moreBooked Ken from West Coast Mountain Guides for 3 days on the Skye Cuillin Ridge in July. Ken provided plenty of advice beforehand and booking was easy via the WCM Guides web-site. I had 11 Munros on Skye and 1 on Mull to complete my first Munro round. Met Ken at Sligachan to climb the first 3 Munros from there on Day 1 with my son and Ken. Second day we climbed the middle 5 Munros including the In Pinn from Glen Brittle. Weather was misty and light rain on the first 2 days but the rock is rough and gives good holds. On the third day we climbed the last 3 Munros on the ridge from Gen Brittle including Sgurr Alasdair with superb weather and views. Ken was a fantastic guide with both my son and I feeling secure at all times. We only used ropes on the In Pinn and Sgurr nan Gillian but Ken always asked if we were comfortable or if a rope was required or content to scramble without ropes. Ken will assess you abilities and pace and adjust the routes to suit. I haven't used a guide before whilst climbing the Munros but essential if climbing the Cuillin Ridge unless you are a rock climber. Ken new the best routes. Also as a lot of the routes are on scree and rock with little or no paths further up so a guide in my... Booked Ken from West Coast Mountain Guides for 3 days on the Skye Cuillin Ridge in July. Ken provided plenty of advice beforehand and booking was easy via the WCM Guides web-site. I had 11 Munros on Skye and 1 on Mull to complete my first Munro round. Met Ken at Sligachan to climb the first 3 Munros from there on Day 1 with my son and Ken. Second day we climbed the middle 5 Munros including the In Pinn from Glen Brittle. Weather was misty and light rain on the first 2 days but the rock is rough and gives good holds. On the third day we climbed the last 3 Munros on the ridge from Gen Brittle including Sgurr Alasdair with superb weather and views.
Ken was a fantastic guide with both my son and I feeling secure at all times. We only used ropes on the In Pinn and Sgurr nan Gillian but Ken always asked if we were comfortable or if a rope was required or content to scramble without ropes. Ken will assess you abilities and pace and adjust the routes to suit.
I haven't used a guide before whilst climbing the Munros but essential if climbing the Cuillin Ridge unless you are a rock climber. Ken new the best routes. Also as a lot of the routes are on scree and rock with little or no paths further up so a guide in my view is essential especially in poor weather.
If I decide to climb the ridge again that I will definately use WCM Guides. Great Company and my thanks to Ken for a wonderfull 3 days. More read less

Fantastic ascent of the Choinnich and Inn Pinn For our first visit to the Isle of Skye we decided to look into booking a guide for a days walking in the Cuillins. Although, I have a fear of heights, we booked up the trip to the Inn Pinn, as it looked very scenic and exiting, and I was reassured by Ken at West Coast Mountain Guides that I could wait at the base while my husband did the... read moreFor our first visit to the Isle of Skye we decided to look into booking a guide for a days walking in the Cuillins. Although, I have a fear of heights, we booked up the trip to the Inn Pinn, as it looked very scenic and exiting, and I was reassured by Ken at West Coast Mountain Guides that I could wait at the base while my husband did the climb of the pinnacle, if I did not feel confident doing this at the time. Our guide, Mike Mason, was brilliant and we had a fantastic day which exceeded our expectations! Mike talked through different route options and we selected a more scenic and challenging route up the edge of a big screen slope (great stone Shute), building in some absail training on the route lower down down at my request. Mike had a very confident and reassuring presence, which made scrambling up the steep slope enjoyable, whereas I normally would have been very uncomfortable in such a terrain. The views were amazing all the way up, including views of Rhum. As we reached the ridge, the views to the surrounding Cuillin Munros were fantastic. Next we roped up for some grade 1 rock climbing going to the Choinnich. When we reached the top it felt like a brilliant achievement, as we have never attempted anything like this before and looking back at the terrain you have passed through, it... For our first visit to the Isle of Skye we decided to look into booking a guide for a days walking in the Cuillins. Although, I have a fear of heights, we booked up the trip to the Inn Pinn, as it looked very scenic and exiting, and I was reassured by Ken at West Coast Mountain Guides that I could wait at the base while my husband did the climb of the pinnacle, if I did not feel confident doing this at the time.
Our guide, Mike Mason, was brilliant and we had a fantastic day which exceeded our expectations! Mike talked through different route options and we selected a more scenic and challenging route up the edge of a big screen slope (great stone Shute), building in some absail training on the route lower down down at my request. Mike had a very confident and reassuring presence, which made scrambling up the steep slope enjoyable, whereas I normally would have been very uncomfortable in such a terrain. The views were amazing all the way up, including views of Rhum. As we reached the ridge, the views to the surrounding Cuillin Munros were fantastic. Next we roped up for some grade 1 rock climbing going to the Choinnich. When we reached the top it felt like a brilliant achievement, as we have never attempted anything like this before and looking back at the terrain you have passed through, it looks extremely rocky and treacherous at a great height. It was then time to make our way back along the ridge to the base of the Inn Pinn. When we got there we had it all to ourselves, but it looked extremely challenging and very scary due to the narrow ridge and steep drops both sides. Somehow my husband and Mike convinced me that I would be able to do it, despite my fear. Climbing it was certainly challenging, but focusing on one step up at a time and using the techniques Mike had thought us, we made it to the top. The absail down was a mental challenge, but Mikes guidance and patience helped and we both got back down safely. Heading back down from the mountains along a different route, we had stunning views across the north of Skye and all the way to the Hebredies. This is a trip we will never forget and, one of the best and most exiting experiences ever. It feels like a huge achievement and I did so many things I would never have thought I could do due to my fear of heights. We highly recommend West Coast Guiding and Mike - they are very professional and we would love to book up other adventures with them in the future. More read less

Ascent of the Inn Pinn The time on the Cuillins with Ollie was superb. Ollie was very knowledgable both of the area and of mountaineering in general. We picked up a lot of invaluable knowledge about mountain navigation, ropework/abseiling techniques, and also about the geography of Skye and surrounding islands that can be seen from the top of the Cuillins. 
All in all a great experience and would recommend West Coast Mountain Guides and Ollie to... read moreThe time on the Cuillins with Ollie was superb. Ollie was very knowledgable both of the area and of mountaineering in general. We picked up a lot of invaluable knowledge about mountain navigation, ropework/abseiling techniques, and also about the geography of Skye and surrounding islands that can be seen from the top of the Cuillins. 
All in all a great experience and would recommend West Coast Mountain Guides and Ollie to anyone of any experience level. read less

Aonach Eagach and Curved Ridge delight! First the Aonach Eagach in August 2018 followed a few months later on (June 2019) by the Curved Ridge ascent as a 40th birthday present 🙂
The AO traverse went perfect! Couldn’t have asked for anything more! Iain’s knowledge of the route was obvious from the outset which helped me calm my nerves a little bit (couldn’t sleep the night before from the adrenaline coupled up with my worry that I’ll... read moreFirst the Aonach Eagach in August 2018 followed a few months later on (June 2019) by the Curved Ridge ascent as a 40th birthday present 🙂
The AO traverse went perfect! Couldn’t have asked for anything more! Iain’s knowledge of the route was obvious from the outset which helped me calm my nerves a little bit (couldn’t sleep the night before from the adrenaline coupled up with my worry that I’ll either slow down the party or put anyone in jeopardy - the common worries before you are about to take on a new challenge kind of thing).
I was looking to do things outside my comfort zone and the guided traverse of the AO with Iain did just that. Iain’s patience coupled up with a pace suited for the group was a welcoming comfort for me and I’m sure the other two guys (Scot and Ian) would agree with that. All in, an awesome experience which was a few months later on replicated by the ascent of the Curved Ridge on the Buachaille Etive Mor with Ken himself as a guide. What a fun and exhilarating day from start to finish! Once again, the route knowledge and professionalism stood out from the outset which helped to calm the nerves and helped us to get into "the zone" and allowed us to enjoy the beauty of the big Big Bookle 🙂
Thank you WCMG, Skye next year!! 😉 More read less

Skye High Big thanks to West Coast Mountain Guides for getting my Canadian visitors and myself up the Cuillins and up, over and back down the inaccessible pinnacle. Our guide Josh inspired confidence every step of the way. Getting us out of our comfort zones whilst taking in some of the most jaw dropping scenery made for a fantastic adventure!

Very reassuring guide We spent two days with Ken on Skye including Sgurr nan Gillian and Am Basteir together. It was challenging at times not helped by very wet weather at the start of both days but Ken made sure the group were kept confident and safe. Highly recommended.

So much more than simply showing us the way. Twice I've now been on the Cuillin ridge & used Ken & the guys from West Coast. Their knowledge of the ridge is excellent & they make sure routes chosen are suitable for the group. Their attention to everyone's safety is a priority & although on some pretty exposed areas, I never felt unsafe. They also considered each days weather & chose our days route accordingly.
I would have no hesitation... read moreTwice I've now been on the Cuillin ridge & used Ken & the guys from West Coast. Their knowledge of the ridge is excellent & they make sure routes chosen are suitable for the group. Their attention to everyone's safety is a priority & although on some pretty exposed areas, I never felt unsafe. They also considered each days weather & chose our days route accordingly.
I would have no hesitation in recommending these guys & shall use them again next time I'm on the ridge. read less

Traversing the Cuillin ridge My husband and I were thinking about the Cuillin ridge traverse for a year and decided to finally give it a go. We looked into it and quickly realised that it might be quiet tricky so to increase our chances of success we booked it with West cost Mountain guides. And we were absolutely delighted when Ken contacted us to let us know that he found a guide for us.... read moreMy husband and I were thinking about the Cuillin ridge traverse for a year and decided to finally give it a go. We looked into it and quickly realised that it might be quiet tricky so to increase our chances of success we booked it with West cost Mountain guides. And we were absolutely delighted when Ken contacted us to let us know that he found a guide for us. The contact with Ken and Andy, our guide, was absolutely brilliant. So well prepared we started the ridge with Andy in the morning with a windy but dry weather forecast. Andy was absolutely amazing and we couldn't have asked for anything more. We moved together on a short route when it was exposed or technically more tricky. That helped us so much to maintain a steady good pace and kept us safe. Unfortunately by the time we reached our bivi spot we had lots of rain with really strong winds and we decided to drop down at An Dhorus. After 15 hours hiking we were back down. We had the greatest mountain adventure in the Cuillins and loved every minute. And we definitely will come back and try it again with Andy and West cost mountain guides next year. More read less

The Cuillins in early June Excellent and exciting trip completing the main Cuillin ridge over 4 challenging days led by Ken Applegate and Jamie. We experienced mixed weather - heavy rain, sunshine and mist.
Ken and Jamie are excellent leaders with the ability to always adopt a calm and methodical approach to the more difficult sections which inspires confidence and keeps things moving at a safe and sensible pace. Their knowledge of the mountains and the... read moreExcellent and exciting trip completing the main Cuillin ridge over 4 challenging days led by Ken Applegate and Jamie. We experienced mixed weather - heavy rain, sunshine and mist.
Ken and Jamie are excellent leaders with the ability to always adopt a calm and methodical approach to the more difficult sections which inspires confidence and keeps things moving at a safe and sensible pace. Their knowledge of the mountains and the routes is first rate. They also have good knowledge of the fauna, flora and geology of the area.
This is easily the most safe and sensible way to complete the ridge - and enjoyable too. I would strongly recommend West Coast Mountain Guides. More read less

The Cuillins in Mist and Some Rain My first trip to the Cuillins was in mixed weather four years ago so I had always intended to return in the hope of some better views. Sadly the weather was worse this time but Ken Applegate and Jamie Bankhead from West Coast took my group of 5 clients to the top of the 11 munros despite the wind and rain and mist. There may have been few... read moreMy first trip to the Cuillins was in mixed weather four years ago so I had always intended to return in the hope of some better views. Sadly the weather was worse this time but Ken Applegate and Jamie Bankhead from West Coast took my group of 5 clients to the top of the 11 munros despite the wind and rain and mist. There may have been few fine views but the experience was none the worse for it with four days good walking and scrambling.
Ken and Jamie are obviously very experienced and knowledgeable. In their company I felt safe and confident at all times even when in exposed places and on slippery wet rock. The climb and abseil from the In Pinn and similarly Sgurr nan Gillean were highlights of the four days but every day had its great moments.
I would heartily recommend West Coast Mountain Guides to anyone who is considering ticking off the Skye munros. read less

A Day out on Skye's Inaccessible Pinnacle We spent the Day with Ken Applegate, getting myself and children (17 and 15) up Sgùrr Dearg and the Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn). We had a lucky weather day and lucky people day, no queues.
We've got some basic rock climbing skills and gear (brought our own helmets, harnesses, carabiners, and slings), but the gear wasn't necessary, Ken and his Transporter van can supply & carry gear for the party.
Ken was... read moreWe spent the Day with Ken Applegate, getting myself and children (17 and 15) up Sgùrr Dearg and the Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn). We had a lucky weather day and lucky people day, no queues.
We've got some basic rock climbing skills and gear (brought our own helmets, harnesses, carabiners, and slings), but the gear wasn't necessary, Ken and his Transporter van can supply & carry gear for the party.
Ken was great company and spent time explaining everything we were going to do, and when on the top of the In Pinn, a tour of the Cuillin ridge peaks.
I will be booking West Coast Mountain Guides again, for some Winter adventures, maybe without the teenagers 😉 More read less

west coast mountain guides - Skye Had a great couple of days on the Cuillin ridge on Skye with this company - finally completing some tricky routes that defeated me over 30 years ago. the guides were friendly, knowledgeable and utterly professional - and very patient with 3 middle aged blokes on the edge of their comfort zone. I wouldn't hesitate to book again with them.