Today 19 September 16:00 BBC Radio 4 The Compass Crossing the Cuillin Mountains

In this two part series, we accompany the writer and mountaineer Robert Macfarlane on his attempt to complete the Cuillin Ridge. This expedition marks twenty years since his first book 'Mountains of the Mind' in which he tries to understand the human fascination with mountains. Along the way, he muses on the ways in which these particular mountains have been explored imaginatively and in reality. The reality for Robert is both challenging and wonderful.

Two modern works are weaved throughout Robert's journey. The words of the great late Gaelic poet Sorely MacLean who knew these mountains intimately and wrote of them in his long poem, 'The Cuillin'. And the more recent musical work of fiddler and composer Duncan Chisholm and his album 'Black Cuillin'. We also feature brand new music from Duncan Chisholm and Gaelic Singer Julie Fowlis. Plus a song with lyrics by Robert Macfarlane based on his experience of the Ridge.

Presented by Robert Macfarlane Produced by Helen Needham
Mountain Guide - Richard Parker Readings by Julie Fowlis and Sorley MacLean
Music by Duncan Chisholm, Julie Fowlis and Donald Shaw Mixed by Ron McCaskill
A BBC Scotland Production made in Aberdeen for BBC Radio 4.

Tuesday 26 September 16:00 BBC Radio 4 The Inaccessible Pinnacle Before Breakfast
Crossing the Cuillin Mountains Robert Macfarlane crosses the iconic Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye