Tim takes a weekend off the skis to traverse Cuillin ridge

On Sunday 14th Feb Finlay Wild and Tim Gomersall pulled off probably the fastest ever traverse of the Cuillin main ridge in full winter conditions, taking in 11 Munros and all the obstacles on the crest between Sgurr nan Gillean and Gars-bheinn in a time of 6hrs 14mins and 17secs.

The pair set off at 5:25 AM on Sunday Morning. They packed light, only taking the bare minimum of food and equipment. At times they felt they were carrying too much and when things got techy, too little. In the great winter conditions, some sections were nearly going as fast as summer.

'The weather was clear and we could gradually make out the familiar mountain masses as the dawn developed. Popping out on the South East ridge and seeing the main Cuillin spread out before us in its winter coat lit by early morning light was breathtaking.'

'Setting off from Sgurr nan Gillean we were incredibly excited. Tim set a blistering initial pace and fell back on his alpine experience to rig the first abseil extremely quickly. From then on we developed an efficient partnership, soloing and running between the more technical short sections or abseils.'

'We... picked up the pace slightly and enjoyed a brilliant romp up Sgurr Dubh Mor. Racing down the snowy gully towards Caisteal a' Garbh-Choire was certainly easier than ascending it in summer, although we had to make a few minor route changes in these winter conditions. From Sgurr nan Eag we stayed close, pushing each other on, and finally reached Gars-bheinn and its eagle's eerie view in a pretty knackered state.'

'We took in the ridge and that favourite view across to a snow topped Bla Bheinn, before stumbling our way down the south west screes to the track and some water. A friendly family on holiday squeezed us into their car at Glen Brittle and dropped us back at Sligachan, for a much needed cup of tea.'