Episode 36 - Cuillin Round Record with Finlay Wild, interviewed by Es Tresidder

Go Mountain Goats

Es Tresidder chats to me (Finlay Wild) about my record for the Cuillin Round. Set on May 1st 2024, I travelled solo and unsupported from a tent at the base of the South Ridge of Bla Bheinn, returning to finish the loop in 13hrs 04mins 13secs. The round takes in 60 summits in the Black and Red Cuillin in a route created by Rob Woodall in 1999 and rekindled by James Gibson last year with his record of 19hr 39min.

We spend some time discussing different rounds in the Cuillin, starting with the famous Cuillin (Main) Ridge traverse: the classic mountaineering journey of the 'British Alps', which has a point to point record for which both Es (2007) and then myself (2013) have held the record (currently my 2hr59mins). Longer outings are generally based around the main traverse with the addition of hills in the Red Cuillin (Glamaig, Marsco, etc) plus the brilliant Clach Glas - Bla Bheinn traverse. The Cuillin Round itself takes a slightly different route along the Main Ridge to take in outliers such as Sgurr Sgumainn and Knight's Peak, then drops to Glen Sligachan's runnable terrain before the tough climb up Glamaig and a traverse of the Red Cuillin, including outlier Belig, and a finish over Clach Glas and Bla Bheinn. It also traverses lesser known peak Sgurr Hain and the fab viewpoint of Sgurr na Stri. Much of the terrain is scrambly and exposed, with around 7300m of ascent over 53km.

I was incredibly satisfied with such an unforgettable day out in some of the best terrain the UK has to offer a runner-climber. I'm pleased to become the sixth completer of the round, and would highly recommend it to others with the skillset.

Corrections/ extra info:

Greater Cuillin Traverse record (main ridge + Clach Glas - Bla Bheinn): Tim Gomersall and Johannes Felter, 2015, 9h 24m peak to peak (also included Garbh Bheinn)

Rob Woodall's Cuillin Round concept can be seen at https://gofar997.wixsite.com/gofar/cuillin-round

Note his 59 tops were defined as having at least 50 ft drop on all sides.

More detail on various Cuillin rounds can be found at SHR Long Distance Records page at https://scottishhillrunners.uk/LongDistance.aspx

I mention a 'Sea King' helicopter, when I of course mean Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter, the Sea Kings having been retired some years ago.

James Gibson did climb King's Chimney on Sgurr Mhic Choinnich on his Cuillin Round