Archive for September, 2013

2 Classic rounds to finish September

27/09/13

I’ve been having far too much fun in the beautiful weather this week and it has been great to finish such a good season with 2 of the uber classic rounds.

Our Coire Lagan Round revealed

Best known is the round of Coire Lagan which takes in the Cioch, Bad Step to Alasdair, King’s Chimney and climaxes with the In Pinn. Local enthusiast Gerry has explored quite a bit of the Cuillin alone but wants to explore further. Our super pure and fast (8.5hrs) round on Wednesday gave him plenty of tips and encouragement for the future and loads of enjoyment for both of us.-

 

Next day regular John Seal got unusually good weather for a man with a surname that invites dampness:-)Coire a' Bhasteir Skyline

We started on Sgurr a Bhasteir (with a 20 year jump ambition finally put to bed for me across a certain intimidating step),

Nail it

 

climbed Naismith’s Route on the Tooth (2nd time for John),

El Tooth

 

a new line up onto Am Basteir (not easier sadly), Lota Ledge onto Gillean and then a classic descent of Pinnacle Ridge to finish (8.5hrs as well).

Gallery here-

 

Am Basteir with Skye Guides on TV 28th October

22/09/13

Just a quickie to let you know there’ll be some footage of the Cuillin on 28th October at 7-30pm on Beeb 1- see below. It’s BBC Scotland so elsewhere in UK will possibly need to adjust your sets 🙂

Filming in the Cuillin is always a challenge trying to mix the usual challenges of weather with artistic content and improvisation. Working with Paul Murton who runs TimeLine Films was a pleasure. A keen mountaineer himself he understood his project very well, brought a fit and able crew of 3 others. Lou Reynolds was helping  guide and we all reached Bealach a’Bhasteir in just 2.5hrs despite the big camera & sound equipment. This gave an hour before the predicted rain arrived and we nailed it just in time. Highly intrigued to see how it has all panned out……

Busy few weeks. 21 September

21/09/13

Apologies for not blogging so far this month; plenty going on but very little reliable broadband still!

There’s been a mixed bag of weather and a late surge from the midgies but the majority of missions have been accomplished with the use of cunning tactics and a great attitude by clients and guides alike. Monday last was only the fourth day this year that has been lost to the weather completely!

The work has varied from Ridge Traverses, stag dos and showing travel journalists the stunning Cuillin to stunt filming for a new Gaelic soap. Clients have come from as far away as New Zealand, Majorca and Colorado; ranged in age between 11 to 70 years old. Major achievements include Jenny Dunn climbing her last Munro, Laura climbing the Pinn for her first ever mountain in full “Scottish” conditions and Marcus completing his long-held dream of a Cuillin Traverse.

Oisgill Bay - Rock Climbing 20130826 006

Basking sharks and Orcas, eagles Golden and White-tailed and the last of the alpine flowers like Devil’s Bit Scabbius have all added to the enjoyment.

Here are some images-