The Inaccessible Pinnacle is often described as Scotland’s most difficult Munro. It is the only Munro that requires some rock climbing to reach the summit and the easiest way to descend is via a short abseil.
This blade of rock perched high on the Cuillin ridge is one of the most sensational Munros and a memorable day is guaranteed for those wishing to climb it.
This is our most guided peak on the Cuillin and you’ll be in safe hands with us as we help you to acheive this difficult summit.
We start our day in Glen Brittle and from there we normally ascend the West Ridge of Sgurr Dearg. This route in itself involves some grade 2 scrambling and is a good warm up for the climbing on the Pinn. Upon reaching the crest and summit of Sgurr Dearg, we’ll get a breathtaking view of the Inaccessible Pinnacle. A tricky descent down some Basalt slabs leads us to the base of the Pinn and the start of the climbing. We’ll climb the route in 2 or 3 rope lengths (pitches) with the hardest moves being about a third of the way up. After reaching the airy summit and enjoying the exposure , we’ll coach you through the 17m abseil to get back to soild ground!
You’ll get a chance to look back on what you’ve acheived before we either move on to bag another Munro on the ridge or start our descent back to Glen Brittle.
Is this for me?
You should have a good level of fitness to do this route with previous hillwalking recommended- days on the Cuillin are physically tough. A good head for heights is desirable as there is some serious exposure on this climb. Some previous scrambling (Grade 2 or above) is highly recommended but you don’t need to be a rock climber or have abseiled before to tackle the ‘In Pinn’!
Ratios : Up to 1:2
Larger groups please contact us for price
Prices
| No. of People | Inaccessible Pinnacle guiding |
|---|---|
| 1 | £330 |
| 2 | £360 |
Kit List
- TECHNICAL KIT
- Helmet
- Harness – both of these can be supplied
- PERSONAL CLOTHING/KIT
- Walking boots/Approach Shoes
- Wicking baselayer – keeps moisture away from your skin and reduces how cold you feel as a result. Cotton is not suitable.
- Trekking trousers– Lightweight, fast drying trousers are ideal.
- Mid layer– to be worn on top of baselayer in cooler conditions, for example a lightweight fleece or Primaloft top.
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof over trousers
- Warm hat– e.g. Woollen beanie
- Gloves– minimum 2 pairs (at least one waterproof pair). Leather gardening style gloves are good for scrambling
- Spare warm layer– e.g. fleece, synthetic insulation like primaloft,
- OTHER KIT
- Food and water – around 1-2 litres of water and plenty of snacks and high energy foods to get you through the day.
- Rucksack – 30 litres- recommended
- Rucksack liner/Drybags– rucksacks aren’t waterproof so either a large poly-bag liner or several smaller dry-bag type bags recommended.
- Sun screen, sun glasses – mountain sun can be fierce and the sun does come out occasionally in the Highlands!
- Small Personal First Aid Kit– e.g. blister plasters, painkillers, medications
- Whistle
- Head Torch– for Late Summer/Early Autumn (August onwards)
- Trekking poles (Optional) – can take 3 tonnes of loading off of your knees over the course of a day- recommended for the Cuillin in particular!
What’s Included/Not Included
What’s included
- Qualified and Experienced Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) with extensive knowledge of the Cuillin
- Hire of helmet and harness
- Action photos of your climb!
What’s not included
- Personal kit
- Transport/Accommodation/Meals
- Cancellation/Personal Injury Insurance
Meeting Time/Location
We’ll meet at the Sligachan Hotel between 0730-0800hrs. We can then take one vehicle down to Glen Brittle. Times will be confirmed in advance.
FAQ’s
What if the weather is bad?
The In Pinn does require reasonable weather to attempt. If conditions are not suitable for this, we can usually offer an alternative day out in the Cuillin tackling a more appropriate route/peaks.
If you don’t want to do any alternatives, then you’re best to check the weather 3 or 4 days in advance and if you see a favorable forecast, you can get in touch to check our availability. We’re often booked up but this is the only feasible way to make sure we will attempt a particular peak/route.
