Orion M.C.

done the ridge a few times now. south to north is the common way in summer.

there are a few technical sections with the most difficult being the TD gap and the scariest being the tooth. even if you are happy soloing at severe or above you would still want a rope for the Rap off the top of the IP. a #1 wire is gear to not leave without, if you do plan on roping the TD gap it protects the crux nicely. there are also a few other areas where you may want to be good with height or rappel.

where you bivi depends on how fast you move. water is more of a concern either its falling from the sky and there is too much or its too hot and not enough.

Rob

Martine, I thought you were going to a wedding? Have they moved the venue to Skye? - thats convienent?

.....I had mentioned also having a stab at the ridge after a few pints in the pub the other night. After now looking at more info on the web I am thinking my absence of any climbing experience may make me very slow and may make this difficult? I think I may end up doing a couple of smaller sections of the ridge on day trips.....

....I came across a PDF version of reasonably good 'ridge guide' I will email it round those interested.....

I am planning to take a half day on the Friday and maybe leave at lunchtime. Anyone else interested?

The ridge is quite wide, finding places to bivvy isn't a problem. There are loads of pre-made bivvy spots all along the ridge, or there were last year. People just pile stones up to give some shelter from the wind. When I did it with Rob last year, we took a light sleeping bag each, a roll mat each and a double plastic bivvi bag between us. We arranged the bivvi bag over us like a tarpaulin, although we did have good weather and getting wet wasn't an issue. I think we were carrying more gear than is standard though.

Kathryn

I'd be up for a ridge traverse too. There's a secret spring below the Inn Pinn btw. I think you can bypass the TD gap (and the crowds). Not sure if I can be arsed with the Inn Pinn. Would like to keep the weight to a minimum so try not to carry rocks and harness. A rope would be handy though. Then there's the Dubhs ridge..

Alistair, I cannae make this Skye meet, but I'm keen to camp round at Loch Coruisk and do the Dubhs later on in the summer.

Sounds good to me - give me a shout!

If there are any spaces left, please count me in! Heading up to Skye has been on my list for a while now. I would definitely love to have a go at the ridge too.... (climbing skills are a little rusty but would be prepared to committ and scramble together a bivvy etc). ....thats if you can put up with a crazy Aussie again!

Hi Jennifer, how were the Atlas Mountains You should put up a wee posting about your trip to Morroco

Morocco was great. All successfully got up the highest peak. Not a technical climb but had good weather up to the summit, returned to the 3500 hut, had lunch and then got hit with a hail storm as we descend down the valley to our next bed.

Have certainly had intentions to put up pictures....but I just haven't stopped until the last few days! ...travelling is hard work!

Whats the go with Skye....is anyone going up earlier than the Friday? Is everyone returning Sunday afternoon?

Hope its still going ahead. I really want to go.

It's a holiday weekend Jennifer so most folk are off on the Fri and Mon

Apart from that I don't know who is going when.

I will do a check on about wednesday as to who is going and I will try and keep the cars to a minimum especially after filling up my car the other day and watching the price dial on the pumps was like playing a one arm bandit.

I am not fussed about doing the In Pinn either. But if there is a big enough group going we could justify taking a rope between all of us but wold have to be on the basis of whoever takes it has some of their stuff carried by the rest. A 8' sling and a krab each should be enough gear, but I don't mind carrying a set of wires too for contingency.

What's needed for bivvying depends on weather. Will review on wednesday. There are indeed loads of bivvy spots on the ridge.

I meant to say that with a sling and a krab you can make a sit harness, it's really easy and as long as you are not leading or hanging upside down it is almost as good as a proper harness.

Monday PM the forecast is v good all weekend. Game on, I think.

Tuesday: forecast is still good for the weekend. Andy sent a pigeon to say that he is definitely going. I will do the rounds tomorrow evening.