Climbing down into the Thearlaich-Dubh gap

Climbing down into the Thearlaich-Dubh gap
the Cuillin Ridge traverse, Skye Peter Clarkson climbing down the south-east wall of the Thearlich-Dubh gap.

The Thearlich-Dubh gap, often referred to simply as the TD gap, lies between Sgurr Dubh and Sgurr Thearlich. The gap is one of the few places where a rope is necessary on the Cuillin Ridge traverse.

The south-east wall of the Thearlich-Dubh gap is steep but has plenty of holds, however the north-west wall is a highly-polished trap chimney. The Thearlich-Dubh gap has been the site of several climbing accidents, mainly to inexperienced climbers trying to climb the south-east wall.