The Cuillin are the rugged walker's and climber's favourite mountains and they are the most challenging in Britain. They are alpine in character, with narrow ridges, nearly all rock and sometimes very steep. In fact, other than altitude and permanent snow they have many of the same problems as the Alps, especially in winter.

Climbing or walking in the Cuillin is unlike any other mountain region in Britain as even the easier routes of ascent require the use of hands in many places. For some the use of a rope for security is required on many of the routes.