Author:  Bodil

With only 43 Munro’s to go, the end is coming in sight. In week 9 Lisa and Libby faced one of their biggest challenges, the Cuillin Ridge. For many people a continuous traverse is a lifetime goal, with the ridge providing tricky navigation (magnetic rock makes your compass useless), scrambling and sections of rock climbing all at dazzling altitude. Lisa wrote about week 9:

We started the week with a much needed rest day in Inverness. We stocked up on supplies, sampled a selection of coffee shops, and replaced yet another walking pole that Lisa has broken! On Monday night we ended up camping at the end of the Strathfarrar road (a private road with odd opening times) before bagging Carn nan Gobhar, Sgurr na Lapaich, An Riabhachan and An Socach on Tuesday. Duncan worked hard on Tuesday by cycling to collect our tent then driving round to Killilan and also dropping the mountain bikes off near the iron lodge for us. Can’t thank him enough for his amazing support!

Another feast prepared by Duncan

Wednesday and Thursday we took two easier days cycling to Skye and bagging Bla Bheinn while waiting for the best weather window to do the Cuillin ridge.

On top of Bla Bheinn

On Friday our weather window arrived and we set off at 4am from Glenbrittle accompanied by our friend Matt Harmon who guided us along the ridge. The ridge is an intimidating undertaking and it is the longest and most challenging day out either of us have ever done! All credit to Matt for his super slick ropework, navigation and encouragement – huge thank you! We are really proud of ourselves for completing it in one and are suitably tired.

Rations for a long day out on Cuillin ridge

On top the the In Pin, Cuillin rigde

To recover from Fridays efforts we took a slow cycle up to Craig stopping at various pubs and cafes along the way. We said goodbye to Duncan who has finished his support stint with us. Thank you so much for all your help! On Sunday afternoon we bagged Morsuig, had a long planning/weather forecast pondering session (it looks very wet!) and an early night. It feels very odd that the end is in sight with only 43 munros left to climb.

Libby abseiling a section of the ridge