Kilt Rock

Today we decided to head to Kilt Rock.

It's been somewhere I've wanted to go ever since I got the Cubby Logbook and started climbing properly. There is a four star E1 called Grey Panther that takes a stunning line up a stunning piece of rock in a stunning position and just looks incredible, it was one of the pictures that really inspired me when I got into climbing. Bomber had done it before on second but was keen to lead it, but I was super keen to try and get the full experience by attempting to onsight it, so Bomber kindly agreed to belay me, I could ab and strip the gear and then second him back up it, win win; he still gets the flash and I get the onsight.

We warmed up on an HVS which was quite funky, good to be feeling comfy on the rock again as the environment was incredible but a bit intimidating, very Lost World-esque! Great fun though. As we topped out a rain shower passed over head and we weren't sure if it was a game stopper. We hung around for a bit getting wet and having lunch before the rain passed and it was time for me to man up, put down the nerves, and send Grey Panther.

We abbed in and I was trying not to look at the holds/gear but I doubt I could have remembered much anyway, it was quite a long old ab! From the top the route looks quite short and friendly, but from the bottom it all gets a bit more intimidating! I was super nervous starting, but the route turned out to be incredible and it was one of the best routes I've done; it was everything I look for in climbing - scary, intimidating, hard, psychological, at the top of my grade, intimidating...but also fantastic climbing in a totally inspiring position and the line is prime.

Stoked!

And then we had to leave :(

So here is me on Grey Panther (stunning shot courtesy of Neil again, might get this one printed LARGE) and the sunset over the Cuillin as we left Skye.

Can't wait to return!