Mingulay Rock Climbing

Arguabley one of the best climbing destinations in the whole of the United Kingdom, not just Scotland. Perhaps even some of the best sea-cliff climbing in the world. The combination of location, wildlife sightings, rock quality, route quality, scenery, remoteness, variety of routes, rappelling approaches and all around sense of adventure is incredibly hard to match.

Over 500 routes exist here, on beautiful Gneiss. There are a few single pitch cliffs and crags here and there with some fun routes, but you dont come to Mingulay not to climb the epic west coast cliffs ranging from 300-680ft in length. Most routes require one or multiple 300ft rappells to access. Make sure you bring rope protectors; storms can approach quickly from the west, so protect your rappel lines for those quick rope jugging retreats.

The island has been uninhabited by people since 1912, but is home to an unfathomable amount of sea birds. Seriously, you are unlikely to see birds fly in such numbers anywhere. There are Atlantic puffins, razorbills, black guillemots, kittiwakes, great skuas, fulmars, and white-tailed eagles. Many of these birds are ground nesting - Please be aware that all nesting seabirds are protected by law. It is an offence to knowingly disturb nesting puffins, guillemots, razorbills etc. National Trust for Scotland (who currently own the island) usually have a seabird researcher/ranger living on Mingulay in the Summer months. Please take their advice on which areas you may need to avoid.

There is no infrastructure on the island, except for one National Trust employee house at the site of the Old Schoolhouse (which is not accessable for public use). There is a good camping in this area near to the Old Schoolhouse just above the sandy bay on the east side of the island. There are ruins of the old village just north of the bay. The ruins are designated as a "Scheduled Ancient Monument" and camping or digging catholes in this area is prohibited.