Back onto Skye

Our first summit

Taking a breather as the cloud clears and the exposure creeps in

Looking back to where we have been

After a good 3 months break away from Skye I was back and this time working for Moran Mountain.  Driving to Skye for a day trip is only usually done by me if I have a day off and want to go climbing, but this was different.  Despite climbing and skiing in the Alps and sport climbing in the south of France for over two months, I missed Skye, I had to go up.  Whilst on the Summit of Am Bastier, with Grant and Graham, the clouds opened, exposing the magic the Cuillin holds.  I was almost lost for words up there, gazing into a misty abyss, rocky peaks emerging like ice bergs in the sea.  Our first summit, Bruach na Frithe, was negotiated through thick cloud and drizzle.  There was no weather that would dampen our enthusiasm today!  Doing this peak first gave Grant and Graham, experienced hill walkers, a gentle start.  From here Am Bastier was their second objection.  Fortunately the rain was subsiding and the rock was drying, as the clouds cleared the exposure was obvious.  For Grant, the excitement brought him to his knees.  Cursing, crawling.  We waited to regain composure before making our way to the summit.  Our approach to Sgurr nan Gillian went like clockwork.  The summit views over to the Red Cuillin were spectacular but the Black Cuillin was cloaked by a heavy duvet.  The elation (exposure) brought Grant to he knees once more, he crawled off the summit to the start of the South East ridge where we made our descent.  Very impressed with both Grant and Grahams determination to keep going and pushing hard when their legs turned to jelly, well done chaps!   Being back on Skye was bringing back all my fondest memories of the Island; my first ever traverse, the one day winter traverse , new winter route , climbing at Elgol, Kilt Rock and Neist .  Plus many more fun memories with clients both new and old.  Looking forward to spending more time here this summer.

Eerie atmosphere

Threading the needle