The Inaccessible Pinnacle

The Inaccessible Pinnacle sits proudly above Coire laggan, and it has the reputation of being the most notorious of Skye's Munros, it is amongst the most difficult peaks to ascend in the country. It is this magnificent rocky tower that has seen the end of many a Munrobaggers dreams, apparently there are a lot of hill goers who have done them all apart from the Inn Pinn. First climbed by Charles and Lawrence Pilkington in 1880, Charles also had the honour of having Sgurr Thearlaich (Charles Peak) named in his honour.

There is no easy way up or down from this summit and for many hillwalkers the assistance of a climber and a rope would be most welcome. The east ridge is graded moderate and is the easiest way up. The more experienced will probably climb the Pinn as part of the Coire Lagan round which involves climbing Sgurr Alasdair via the Cioch, then continuing on over Sgurr Thearlaich, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and then An Stac. By the time the Inn Pinn is reached they should breeze up its narrow crest, after such a fine and engrossing warm up. The other more adventurous way to climb the Inn Pinn is to include it as part of the Cuillin Ridge Traverse. This traverse is the finest route of it's kind in Britain and includes 10000ft of ascent in the 7 mile length of the ridge.

The Magnificent Inn Pinn

This summit should be left for calm and dry day for maximum enjoyment as the climbs can be tortuous in the wet and wind. In winter the whole Cuillin Ridge becomes the domain of the experienced mountaineer, as the peaks take on an alpine feel, and are thus best considered out of bounds to novices. The route described below only includes doing the Inn Pinn, and will probably be enough excitement for the more nervous hill walker who feels a bit out of their depth in the Cuillin.

The Inn Pinn - Facts and Figures

Distance : 5 miles

Total Ascent : 3200ft

Time : 4hrs if quiet

Route Grading : Sgurr Dearg is fairly easy to reach, some light scrambling and mostly walking. The Inn Pinn however is regarded as the hardest Munro, the easiest route is The East ridge which is a moderate but fairly polished climb, graded more for the exposure than technical difficulty, a rope may help the more nervous gain some confidence on this climb. The West ridge is graded Difficult and is a polished rock climb that would normally require a rope, this is the usual descent route by an abseil

Accommodation : Youth Hostel and Club hut (MC of S/ BMC) in Glen Brittle prior booking required. Glen Brittle campsite is in a fine location but has no pub! Camping at Sligachan has the advantage of being close to the Sligachan Inn, where accommodation can also be had. There is also the Skyewalker Independent Hostel at Porthnalong (Recommended).

Summits Visited In Our Route

	Gaelic Name	Translation	Height (ft)	Height (m)	Status
	An Stac (originally)	The Steep rock	3254ft	986m	Munro
	Sgurr Dearg	Red Peak	3234ft	978m	Deleted Top

Maps

	Publisher	Scale	Title / No
	Ordnance Survey	1:50000	Sheet 32
	Ordnance Survey	1:25000	The Cuillin & Torridon Hills
	Bartholomew's	1:100000	Sheet 54
	Scottish Mountaineering Trust	1:15000	The Black Cuillin, Skye

Sketch Diagram showing Coire Lagan © Cameron Johnston 1997

The ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle starts by following the path that leads from the Glen Brittle Memorial Hut to the Eas Mor waterfall. The path heads across boggy moor towards the western shoulder of Sgurr Dearg. As the path gains height we start to enjoy ever increasing views of the other Cuillin peaks, and eventually as the ridge narrows to a fine crest we are treated to the spectacular backdrop of Sgurr Alasdair sitting high above Coire laggan.

Looking across to Sgurr Alasdair from Sgurr Dearg

All too soon the 'Pinn' comes into sight, and as we get ever closer the more daunting it looks. Once at Sgurr Dearg don't hang around, just get your harness on, and drop down a steep slabby section, around the base of the 'Pinn', on the Coire Laggan side. The climb up the East ridge starts fairly steeply at first and one or two awkward moves lead to the crest, from here the climb is straight forward. Half way up is a nice stance and belay for those using a rope. Next comes the narrowest part of the ridge but there is no real difficulty other than the exposure.

The top is finally reached no doubt with some relief, and if the weather is fine take some time out on this most unique of Scottish summits, to enjoy the situation. The next part is the abseil down the west ridge, a wire sling is usually in place along with many others but if you don't trust these place one of your own. Once down again, climb back up to Sgurr Dearg and take some pride in what you have done. There are many Munro Bagger types who have done them all apart from the Pinn, and in a way this one goes a long way in helping complete a round of the Munros.