This was my first trip to Skye so I was feeling very nervous having heard stories of narrow exposed ridges and references to ‘The British Alps’. However, bunkhouse accommodation was excellent, the pub sold great grub and even better drink, the location was spectacular and the company was in good spirits.

The weather had been unsettled and forecasts changeable. However, the morning dawned bright and sunny so everyone was up by 7a.m. and full of enthusiasm for an early start.

My companions decided to climb An Bastier and I was happy to go along, having no concept as to what I was agreeing to. We started up the hill at 9am; Dave Webster, Isobel Freeman, Brian McDaid, John Donnelly, Phyllis Smith, Dave Broadfoot and me. The sky was clear and the first view of the mountains was breathtaking. There were great paths through the moor with scenic rivers and waterfalls to see along the way.

We stopped at the foot of Pinnacle Ridge for a short break then started across the scree to the col. Brian raced to the top and sat enjoying the view while we caught up. We left our bags at the col and scrambled up the ridge to the summit. I was aware of the exposure but managed to ignore it by following along behind the others. They seemed calm and relaxed. Dave Webster brought a rope and everyone wore harnesses to drop down the gap. That seemed straightforward with Brian instructing me where to place my feet. Then, as I clambered onto a narrow piece of ridge, I found myself bent over the backbone of the mountain, edging along the narrow path. As my hands and feet gripped the spine I remembered that I had seen some crazy people do this on the Swartzhorn the previous year. Finally we reached the summit. Both Isobel and I were first to the top as it was a new Munro for us. We were all having a great time.

On an adrenaline high we made our way back to the col, had some lunch and were impatient to start up the next ridge – the West Ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean. Off we went up through the little chimney. Brian crossed the pinnacles and then he and Dave Webster belayed the rest of us across. By now I was finding the idea of crossing exposed ridges on a rope really exciting. Of course, I knew I was completely safe. We gained the summit about half an hour later. The view was magnificent but felt very exposed on the narrow peak. After a short lunch we made our descent by the East Ridge, oddly named ‘The Tourist Route’. It was a wonderful day.

The others had an equally great time. Roger and Anne Dean whom we had met on the ridge of An Basteir went on to climb Bruach na Frithe. Hugh Bourhill, Colin Farrow, David Farrow, Bill McIntyre and Robert B climbed Sgurr Dubh Mor. Robert had amazing photographs of strange rock formations and furry caterpillars.

John McPartlin, Allison Mcleod and Enid McPartlin climbed Sgurr Mhic Choinnich where Enid gained another new Munro. Monica Farrow, Janet Gaywood and Ingrid Parker travelled North to The Storr and The Trotternish Ridge.

Steve Owen, Kate McKean, Garrey Whyte and Rosemary Masterton were very adventurous and ascended the Eastern Gully of The Cioch.

After a wet start, the skies brightened and stayed dry until mid afternoon. Dave B, Hugh and I explored The Storr and The Quirang, another amazing day for me. Bill, Ingrid, Monica, Brian, Phyllis and Jimmy did a coastal walk from Glen Brittle exploring some caves on the way. David and Colin Farrow went off to the Red Cuillin to do the steep Corbett of Glamaig. Four groups ventured back to the Black Cuillin.

Two parties climbed Sgurr na Banachdich:

1. Arthur and Gill Whittaker and John Donnelly.

2. Ann and Rodger, Janet and Allison.

The other two parties climbed Bla Bheinn:

1. Dave W and Isobel.

2. John and Enid, with John’s sister Moira, husband Colin Baird and Maria.

This was a glorious sunny day in Portree for Dave B and me. Another four groups, still filled with enthusiasm, went on to meet more of the challenges that Skye had to offer. Roger, having saved Sgurr nan Gillean for his final Munro, had a sudden change of mind and he and Ann went to bag it on Monday. Perhaps he was saving his champagne and whisky for a somewhat less exposed challenge.

John, Moira, Colin B, Rosemary and Garrey climbed Bruach na Frithe via the scree slope and were rewarded with amazing views of the Basteir Tooth. Hugh, after much canvassing finally found a soul mate to go up Sgurr Alistair. Unfortunately, he and Brian failed to find the Stone Shoot in the mist.

Arthur and Gill wanted to round their weekend with a rock climb on The Cioch but due to inclement weather wisely decided to explore the immediate area instead.

As you can see everyone had a great weekend in Skye and I can’t wait to get back there next year.

Mary Hill

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