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The Black Cuillin of the Isle of Skye are the most spectacular mountains in Britain. Despite barely breaking the 3000' contour, they more than make up for their lack of height with stark beauty and sheer roughness. The intensely "grippy" gabbro rock creates a rock climber's paradise, while the narrow ridges and pointed peaks are the domain of the experienced scrambler. Few of the summits can be reached comfortably by the average walker, although with experience and knowledge everything becomes a delight. Proximity to the sea means that Skye experiences more than its fair share of bad weather, which gives rise to its nickname of "the Misty Isle", but fine sunny days aren't unkown. Full winter conditions are very rare, but all the more special when they do occur.