Scottish runner Finlay Wild broke his own record on the Cuillin Traverse this month. The Fort William GP ran and climbed the 12km ridge with a total of 3000m of ascent in just two hours, 59 minutes and 22 seconds.
Setting a new Cuillin Traverse record
It takes the average walker two days, a mountain guide, good climbing skills and a great deal of guts to traverse the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye.
Some experienced mountaineers might pull off the 12km feat, with 3000m of ascent and descent, in one day if the weather is on their side.
Yet this month, Scottish fell runner Finlay Wild crossed the ridge in less than three hours.
In doing so, the GP from Fort William, Highlands, broke his own previous record of three hours, 14 minutes and 58 seconds (3:14:58).
He also took more than 17 minutes off the previous Cuillin record holder Es Tresidder’s, which was set in 2007.
Finlay, 29, said: “I am elated. I have had this traverse record in my sights for several years.
“It feels great to have achieved it and to have gone under the three hours is brilliant.”
The infamous Cuillin ridge is claimed as Scotland’s toughest Alpine-style climb.
The Black Cuillin form a lofty and jagged series of mountain tops that characterise the high-rise landscape of Skye.
The ridge includes 11 Munros, which are Scottish mountains with a summit of more than 3000ft.
The Cuillin speed attempts are measured from the southernmost summit of Gars-bheinn to the northernmost peak of Sgurr nan Gillean.
And the “rules” dictate that all of the main climbing pitches, including four notoriously challenging climbs, must be completed.
The most difficult climbing sections include down-climbing into the Thearlaich-Dubh Gap and the famously tough Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn).
To achieve the solo traverse, runners travel unsupported and climb and descend without use of ropes.
Mountain expertise
For Finlay, the record-breaking traverse has come a decade after his first experience on the Black Cuillin.
Back then, he hiked the route with his mountain guide dad Roger Wild.
Fin, a member of Lochaber Athletic Club, said: “On that first go, we finished in around eight hours, so we weren’t slow.
“But ever since, the Cuillin has been something I have thought about.”
As an experienced climber and an accomplished mountain runner, Fin knew that a fast traverse was within his capabilities.
He has won the Ben Nevis Race four times and competed in a British vest mountain running in the Italian Dolomites.
Fin said: “The Cuillin ridge doesn’t scare me and while it can be dangerous I have the expertise to do the climbs well.
“But there are still risks and you need the conditions to be on your side to make good progress.”
Fin admits that his previous “failed” attempt made him even more determined to score a good time on the traverse.
He said: “In June I did a very fast time of three hours and 10 minutes but unfortunately I missed touching one of the summits.
“The traverse record is based on trust and I knew I hadn’t quite completed the route, even if I was only metres from that summit cairn of Sgurr Mhic Choinnich.
“I think that it actually made me more determined to go back and do it again this month.”
Recceing the traverse
Many hours have been spent practising sections of the ridge.
Fin said: “I have been very focused on this project this year and have repeatedly run and climbed sections.
“Every time you go up you learn new wee bits and it all adds up to make time savings.
“I know the whole traverse in parts very well and I knew that if the conditions were right then I was capable of going faster.”
On the day, superb autumnal conditions meant the Cuillins were clear and dry.
Fin said: “When I set off at noon, I knew that the Cuillins were in almost the best condition they can be.
“It wasn’t too cold or hot and my trail running shoes stuck really well to the rock.
“I was relaxed and really enjoyed the run, then around two-thirds in I knew that a sub-three hour attempt was possible.
“I just stayed focused and kept on pushing it and at just before 3pm I arrived at the finish point.
“The knowledge that I have run the Cuillin Ridge in a record-breaking time feels very good.”
How to hike the Cuillin Ridge
You need to be fit and have a good head for heights to complete the Cuillin Traverse. A mountain guide is also essential for most walkers. To find out more:
- Skye Guides at skyeguides.co.uk
- Abacus Mountaineering at www.abacusmountaineering.com
- Skye Mountain Fever at www.skyemountainguides.com