Climb The Inaccessible Pinnacle - Skye

The Inaccessible Pinnacle (AKA The In Pinn), is renowned for being the hardest of all the Munros in Scotland to reach the top of - It’s the only Munro that requires you to climb a graded rock climb to reach its summit. However, by hiring a guide it is also a very achievable objective!

If you are working your way through all of the Munros but the prospect of tackling those on Skye concerns you then why not hire a professional mountaineering instructor to keep you safe? Or perhaps you just fancy a really good day out on one of the most iconic and spectacular mountains in Scotland?

I can lead you to the top of the In Pinn by a variety of routes depending on how adventurous you are feeling (and how good the weather is!).

““I just wanted to say thanks again for a trip of a lifetime. That was Anna’s first multi-pitch climb and needless to say she is hooked and I’m inspired. You were patient, knowledgeable, and great fun to climb with. This was a highlight of our trip and we couldn’t have done it without you.””

— Lauren - Inaccessible Pinnacle, Skye 2018

The East Ridge

The normal route is via the East Ridge and is graded ‘Moderate’ in rock climbing terms. The route is ~65m long and we will tackle it in 2 short sections - known as pitches in climbing terminology. No previous experience of rock climbing or using ropes is required as I will teach you everything you need to know prior to your ascent. The climbing is never too hard so hopefully I can put you at ease to allow you to enjoy the experience!

The West Ridge

Also known as “The Short Side” this route ascends close to the line of the abseil descent. It’s a steep rock climb graded Severe that is best suited to those with some previous climbing experience. It can be a good option if large queues exist on the standard East Ridge.

The South Crack

This route is an excellent alternative to the standard east ridge if we get to the pinnacle and find large numbers of people waiting to climb. The South Crack route is a couple of grades harder than the East Ridge at Severe. It is ~30m long and can be done in a single pitch to the top plus a very short section of easy scrambling to the lower off point. This route is best suited to those with previous rock climbing experience, either indoor or outdoor. It’s not the best route in the wet so even if this was our primary plan we may end up doing the East Ridge if conditions dictate.

Descent

Getting back down again is often the part of climbing the Inaccessible Pinnacle that worries people the most…but it really needn’t! The top is equipped with a chain which we can use to either abseil or lower you back down. Those who are extremely nervous may prefer to be lowered, however, abseiling is very easy to learn and puts you in control of your rate of descent which often takes your mind off the rest! I will also provide a back-up system to ensure that even if you make a mistake you will not plummet to the ground. I will discuss the options for descent with you at the time and make a decision with you based on the conditions, your experience and your comfort levels.

cost

A guided ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle costs £400 1:1, £450 1:2, £500 1:3 or £550 1:4. This includes the use of ropes, harnesses, helmets and all other necessary technical equipment. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to guarantee your chosen dates.