20 Amazing Mountains on the Isle of Skye to Climb

There are over 20 mountains on the Isle of Skye, 12 of the peaks are Munros.

Eleven of them are located in the main Cuillin Ridge. To complete all the Munros 4 days of hiking are usually required.

The Cuillin mountains are separated into two different areas – the Red Cuillins and the Black Cuillins. There is something for everyone on the Isle of Skye. 

You can view the dramatic peaks of the Cuillins from the road side. Or you can get on your hiking boots and follow the footpaths into the Corries and onto the spectacular peaks. 

Black Cuillins

The Black Cuillins is an Alpine Mountain Range. There are many hazards along the route and it is one of the most difficult walks in the United Kingdom. 

The Black Cuillins Range was formed 60,000,000 years ago, the range is the remains of an eroded magma chamber of a huge volcano. The Black Cuillins are more dramatic and more rugged.

Red Cuillins

Red Cuillins are mainly made from granite and present a more rounded appearance of the hills. The Red Cuillins appear to be more gentle and sloping compared to the Black Cuillins.

Sgùrr Alasdair 

Height: 992 metres (3,257 feet)

Sgùrr Alasdair is the highest peak on the Isle of Skye and the highest UK island summit. The peak is best approached from Glenbrittle and is located in the southern end of the Cuillins.

As you ascend, there are magnificent views of the Isle of Rum and the Isle of Eigg. As you ascend you will have to cross the obstacle called the Great Stone Chute. 

Interestingly, the summit is named after Sheriff Alexander Nicolson, the Skyeman who made the first ascent. 

From the summit, there are excellent views across to the Gulf of Coire Lagan and to the Inaccessible Pinnacle. The mountains in the Black Cuillins are considered the hardest Munros to bag, all at least five hours to climb to Sgùrr Alasdair’s summit. 

Sgùrr Dearg

Height: 986 metres (3,234 feet)

Sgùrr Dearg is known for having one of the most dramatic summits on the Cuillin ridge, being overtopped by the Inaccessible Pinnacle. Sgùrr Dearg translates from Scottish Gaelic as the ‘red rocky peak’.

A rock climb is required to get to the summit of the Inaccessible Pinnacle. The Inaccessible Pinnacle is a giant blade of rock perched on the steep slope of Sgùrr Alasdair.

This central south Cuillin Munro route is best tackled from Glenbrittle. Allow at least 6 hours to complete this walk.

The path will pass a great bowl, with brilliant views of the impressive Eas Mor Waterfall tumbling into a tree-filled gorge.

The Pinnacle is the hardest summit to reach on the British Isles. Back in 1880, the first ascent was made by the Pilkington Brothers who were two leading mountaineers of the day.

Rock climbing experience is required to tackle the Pinnacle. Do not attempt the Pinnacle without a mountain guide, rock-climbing friend, ropes and harness.

On the descent, there are wonderful views of Sgùrr Alasdair, the Great Stone Chute and further out to the Small Isles of Eigg, Rum and Canna.

Sgùrr a’Ghreadaidh

Height: 973 metres (3,192 feet)

This Munro is the highest point in the central north part of the Cuillin ridge and is the third highest Munro on the Isle of Skye. The mountain has two summits, separated by a knife-edged arete.

Sgùrr a’Ghreadaidh can be approached from Glenbrittle, and it is often bagged with Sgùrr A’Mhadaidh. The simplest route ascends via the col of An Corus (the Door).

Sgùrr na Banachdich

Height: 965 metres (3,166 feet)

Sgùrr na Banachdich (Scottish Gaelic for “smallpox peak”) is located in the central south of the Cuillins. This route is best attempted from Glenbrittle and it is best to allow six hours for this walk.

It is climbed via Coir nan Eich, there is no scramble required like the other Skye Munros. From the summit, there are epic views down to Loch Coruisk, Sgùrr a’Ghreadaidh, Sgùrr nan Gillean and Bla Bheinn.

Sgùrr nan Gillean

Height: 964 metres (3,162 feet)

Sgùrr nan Gillean is a peak at the northern end of the Cuillin Ridge. The route begins at Sligachan and it is important to allow at least five hours for the hike. 

On the way, there are great views of Marsco and Bla Bheinn across Glen Sligachan. Part of the route involves zig-zagging up the scree slope before bearing onto the ridge. 

Views of the amazing spire of Sgùrr na h’Uamha come into sight.

The peak is formed by three ridges to make a spectacular pointed peak. The peak includes a small flat area where you can sit and enjoy the views before ascending down.

Bruach na Frìthe

Height: 958m metres (3,143 feet)

Bruach na Frìthe (Scottish Gaelic for ‘“Slope of the Deer Forest”) is considered the most easiest Munro to bag in the Black Cuillins. This route begins in Sligachan and it is best to allow six hours for this walk. 

The initial part of the route follows the moor beside Allt Dearg Mòr (Big Red Stream). Over to the left, the Pinnacle Ridge of Sgùrr nan Gillean comes into view.

Then the route takes you through the grassy Fionn Choire, towards the summit. A trig point marks the northern summit and there are some lovely views of the main ridge from the top. 

Sgùrr Mhic Chòinnich

Height: 948 metres (3,110 feet)

Sgùrr Mhic Chòinnich is located in the central south of the Cuillin Munros. This Munro is described as a wedge-shaped peak which rises above the back to Coire Lagan.

This peak is considered one of the most difficult Cuillin Munros to climb for non-rock climbers. Along the ridge, the rock is exposed and there is a difficult scramble in places. 

Throughout, the walk you will be mesmerised by the unique rocky scenery. The Munro is named after local climbing guide, John Mackenzie. 

The route begins at Glen Brittle Road next to the sandy beach, and you have to walk through the campsite. As you climb higher, you can see as far as the Isle of Rum and the Isle of Eigg. 

Sgùrr Dubh Mòr

Height: 944 metres (3,097 feet)

Sgùrr Dubh Mòr is located on the southern end of the Cuillins. Sgùrr Dubh Mòr is often climbed with Sgùrr nan Eag. 

The peak is located slightly east of the main Cuillin Ridge, at the highest point the Dubh Ridge extends eastwards to Loch Coruisk. 

The two southernmost Munro has spectacular views across the sea. The route begins at a small parking area near the beach at Glenbrittle. 

Sgùrr Dubh Mòr is one of the most difficult routes in the Cuillins, as it includes a hard scramble. Hiring a guide is a popular option for scrambling to the summit. 

Am Basteir

Height: 934 metres (3,064 feet)

This magnificent peal, more of a slanted blade is located a the back of Coire Basteir, in the centre of the famous view from Sligachan. Next to the northern end peak is the jagged Basteir Tooth. 

Am Basteir is often known as ‘The Executioner’ and the peak is located between Bruach na Frithe and Sgùrr nan Gillean. From the ridge, there are impressive views of Sgùrr nan Gillean.

The starting point is near Sligachan Bridge and Sligachan Hotel. The beginning of the route follows through the Glen Sigachan past Allt Dearg Beag with lovely views of the Red Cuillin and Marsco. 

Bla Bheinn

Height: 929 metres (3,048 feet)

Blà Bheinn is also known as Blaven. The name Blà Bheinn is thought to mean “blue mountain” from a combination of Norse and Gaelic. 

The John Muir Trust has recently updated the footpath. There is a path which takes you from sea level, through the Coire Uaigneich and up this spectacular mountain. 

Enjoy one of the most dramatic views of the Black Cuillins Ridge from the summit. Blà Bheinn stands along to the east of the Cuillin Munros on the Isle of Skye. 

The route begins at Blà Bheinn Car Park next to Loch Slapin. As you climb there are lovely views across Loch Slapin, Loch Scavaig and surrounding mountains. 

Sgùrr nan Eag

Height: 924 metres (3,031 feet)

Sgùrr nan Eag is the southernmost of the Cullin Munros. This ascent is described as one of the most straightforward routes on the ridge and does not require scrambling skills.

On the way up you will pass a waterfall before reaching Coire Ghrunnda. Once you reach the ridge, the views across Coire Ghrunnda to Sgùrr Alasdair are stunning. 

Sgùrr a’Mhadaidh 

Height: 918 metres (3,011 feet)

Sgùrr a’ Mhadaidh is one of the trickier sections of the central north part of the Cuillin Ridge, there are four summits. The highest summit is the only Munro and can be ascended without rock climbing. 

Sgùrr a’ Mhadaidh is most commonly bagged with Sgùrr a’Ghreadaidh. Also, each peak can be bagged individually. 

It is best to start the walk at Glenbrittle, next to the Youth Hostel. As you ascent there are good views of Coire a Ghreadaidh and Coire an Dorus. 

As you climb higher, the will get closer to An Dorus, also known as the door, which is the lowest point of the ridge connecting the two summits – Sgùrr a’ Mhadaidh and Sgùrr a’ Ghreadaidh.

Sgùrr a’ Mhadaidh is Scottish Gaelic and translates to ‘Peak of the Fox’. The view from the summit is amazing, you will be able to see Loch Coruisk, Sgùrr Alasdair and the Inn Pinn. 

Garbh Bheinn

Height: 808 metres (2,650 feet)

Garbh Bheinn is one of the two Corbetts located on the Isle of Skye. Garbh Bheinn is also known as the Garven and translates from Scottish Gaelic as Rough Mountain. 

The mountain is part Red Cuillin granite and part Black Cuilin gabbro. To get to the summit only a small amount of scrambling is required.

There are fantastic views from the summit. Torrin is the nearest village to the south of the peak.

The starting point is a lay-by by the Eas a Bhradain waterfall at the head of Loch Ainort. From Eas a Bhradain, the route is 10 kilometres long and takes six hours to complete.

Clach Glas

Height: 786 metres (2,578 feet)

Clach Glas is a mountain on the Black Cuillin on the Isle of Skye. Clach Glas is Scottish Gaelic and translates to The Grey Stone. 

Ashley Abraham who is a climber and photographer from the Lake District described Clach Glas as ‘the Matterhorn of Skye’. 

It is believed the peak was first ascended by Charles Pilkington and Co. in 1888. 

Glamaig 

Height: 775 metres (2,542 feet)

Glamaig is the highest peak and most northern peak of the Red Hills. This peak is one of the only two Corbetts on the Isle of Skye.

There is an unforgiving scene of scree along the slopes of Glamaig. Glamaig is the site of an annual hill race since the 1980s.

From the summit, there are great panoramic views across the Isle of Skye. A popular starting point for these mountains is to start from Sligachan.  

Glamaig can be ascended from Moll Road, and the scree is avoided. This route is 4 miles long and takes four hours to complete. 

Starting from Moll Road the secondary summit is climbed first, An Coileach (673 metres) (also known as The Cockerel). From there follow the whaleback ridge to the primary summit, Sgurr Mhairi (775 metres) (also known as Mary’s Peak). 

Sgùrr na Còinnich

Height: 739 metres (2,424 feet)

Sgùrr na Còinnich and Beinn na Caillich can be seen from the drive over Skye Bridge at Lochalsh. From the summit of these peaks there are great views of Kylerhea including the Skye Bridge.

Sgùrr na Còinnich is one of the highest peaks in the Sleat Peninsula. The route includes ridges and bogs.  

The Kylerhea Hills can be completed as part of a circuit beginning at Otter Haven Car Park. The circuit takes nine hours to complete and takes in the peaks of Sgùrr na Còinnich, Beinn na Caillich and Ben Aslak.

The Storr

Height: 713 metres (2,339 feet)

The Storr is a rocky hill located in the Trotternish Peninsula. The walk is one of the most popular and busiest routes on the Isle of Skye. 

The ‘Old Man’ is a large pinnacle of rock that can be sen from miles away. The area in front of the cliffs is filled with unusually shaped pinnacles. 

These are remnants of ancient landslips and are known as the Sanctuary. This area of the Trotternish Ridge was created by a massive ancient landslide, leaving one of the most photographed landscapes in the world. 

As you ascent, great views will open up across the Sound of Raasay. The route is almost 4 kilometres long and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

There is a large newly furbished car park, the route to the summit is pretty easy to follow and the paths are quite clear.

Belig

Height: 702 metres (2,303 feet)

Belig is a fine summit, one of the Cuillin outliers. It can be climbed with Garbh Bheinn as part of a horse-shoe route.

Belig is a very sharp summit, the culmination of three ridges. Dunan is the nearest village, it is located to the east.

Hartaval and Baca Ruadh

Hartaval is located on the Trotternish Ridge, north of the Storr. It is the second-highest peak on the ridge after the Storr. 

A series of enormous landslides have created the fine escarpment on its eastern side. On route, there are lovely views out towards the Isle of Raasay and Applecross on the mainland of Scotland. 

Further afield, you can admire Cathedral Rock, the Storr and Lochs. Follow along the ridge for a couple of kilometres to reach Hartaval and Baca Ruadh. 

These peaks can be explored from the Storr car park and the 19-kilometre (11.75 mile) route takes approximately 7 hours to complete. 

Sgùrr na Strì

Height: 497 metres (1,640 feet)

Sgùrr na Strì translates from Scottish Gaelic to a peak of strife. One of the finest views of Loch Coruisk in the Cuillins and Loch Scaviag on the coast.

The route is a long one, you have to walk south through Glen Sligachan. The total distance of the route from Sligachan and back is 23.5 kilometres (14.5 miles), which takes approximately 7 hours to complete.

Bioda Bhuide

Height: 466 metres (1,528 feet)

Getting to the Sub-2000 involves walking south along the Trotternish Ridge. The starting point is between Staffa and Uig, in the Quiraing car park. 

The route is 3 kilometres (1.75 miles) long and should not take more than two hours. On route, you can see the lump of Cleat cast adrift from the main ridge. 

From Bioda Buidhe, panoramic views are south along the Trotternish Ridge and towards The Storr.

What are the mountains on Skye called?

There are two Cuillin ranges on the Isle of Skye, the Black Cuillins and Red Cuillins. The two mountain ranges are separated by the Glen Sligachan. 

Black Cuillins Ridge is iconic and is the most challenging ridge in the United Kingdom. The ridge contains 11 Munros and 16 other summits and is over 11 kilometres long. 

How many mountains are on Skye?

There are 12 Munros on the Isle of Skye. This post lists 22 mountains (including Munros, Corbetts, Grahams and Sub-2000s) that are located in the Cuillins of the Isle of Skye.

What is the triangular mountain on Skye?

Sgùrr nan Gillean peak is described as triangular. It is one of the most recognisable in the Cuillins and is near the settlement of Sligachan.

Final Note

The Isle of Skye has one of the craziest and most unique landscapes in the whole of Scotland. There are hundreds of viewpoints which will leave you speechless. 

The best way to view Skye is from the peaks of the mountains in the Cuillins or from the Trotternish Ridge. This post lists the best 22 peaks on the Isle of Skye.

Be prepared for it to feel colder on the mountains, also, the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable. It is normal to experience four seasons in one day. 

For those who want to walk the ridge, good scrambling and climbing are required. In addition, you will need experience in navigating the steep, rocky terrain. 

Before setting off make sure to plan your route, let someone know the time you set off and what time you are due back. Be aware that GPS and mobile signals are not guaranteed in the mountains. 

Follow the guides of WalkHighlands for more detailed routes. For more guides on the mountains on Scotland are: