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Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh

Munro
Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
973 m (3192 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
NG44522325
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
185 of 282 Munros
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
1
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Rocky peak of torment
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  32   South Skye & Cuillin Hills
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

  Description
Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh and Sgurr a' Mhadaidh are two peaks on the Black Cuillin Ridge that are normally climbed together.

The Cuillin are composed of gabbro rock which gives wonderful grip even when wet, but these mountains have steep faces and narrow ridges which invariably require scrambling or even rock-climbing to reach the summit.

The ascent starts in Coire a' Ghreadaidh on grass leading to scree slopes which should be ascended to reach the col, An Dorus (the door), between the two peaks. From An Dorus ascend SSE to crest of ridge and continue along narrow exposed ledge, by-passing large rock pinnacle on the W and continue to summit.

Hazards you may encounter on Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh include
 Stony/rocky Slopes on or near ascent routes.
 Crags on or near ascent routes.
 Crags near summit.
 Narrow Ridges, with exposure.
 Scrambling (major), greater exposure and steeper rock.
 Magnetic rock, compass bearings inacurate.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Picture Gallery for Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh

The North (highest) top of Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh, with summit cairn visible.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown

An Dorus, mid-May 2006, with a large block of snow making scrambling a bit harder. Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh left and Sgurr a' Mhadaidh right, and Coire an Dorus below.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown

Sgurr a'Ghreadaidh (highest on skyline), with Sgurr a'Mhadaidh to right, seen from Coruisk.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown

Looking West into Eag Dubh. This gap is easily passed by a short scramble down from the ridge right, best regained left by the gently-rising broad ledge visible on the dark shadow side (good hand-holds, feels less exposed than the rock slab alternative).

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown
View All 19 Images for Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

  Weather & OS Maps
North West Highlands
by MWIS (PDF format) 		West Highlands
by Met Office 		Sgurr na Banachdich
by Metcheck
Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

A selection of local accommodation options who advertise with Munromagic.com.

  Where to Stay
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The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh.

Click on the route title to load the full content for that route.

  Routes that include Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 1050 m 9.18 km 4 hrs Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh and Sgurr a' Mhadaidh  This is one of the easier routes on the Cuillin Ridge, with its "sticky" Gabro rock. However, the Cuillin as a whole should not be attempted unless you have scrambling skills and are comfortable with exposure (see image gallery for further details).  
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh

  Baggers Gallery for Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh

the lads at the summit

© John Frew
Image by John Frew

Me on summit, 29.5.10.

© Mark Thomson
Image by Mark Thomson

three of us on Sgurr a Ghreadaidh...very wet..may 2009

© Dougie Mccoll
Image by Dougie Mccoll

Me approaching the summit cairn on Sgurr a'Ghreadaidh (North Top), not quite beating the camera's 30-second delay!

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown
 
The logging section stores any entries for Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh in your own log. From here you can
  1. Add a route log entry that includes this mountain
  2. Write a full account of your route including photos
  3. Edit an existing log entry including uploading a GPX file or add a photo
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  Logging
Your Route Log
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Recently Climbed By
WILLIAM BISHOP on 13 Jun 2023
Stevie Yates on 24 May 2023

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 Shared Members Track Logs

Post a few words about Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Nick Bulbeck
wrote on
June 26, 2012
I was expecting fireworks at the Eag Dubh - I mean, it even SOUNDS evil - but actually you just walk round it. Still; the south ridge made up for it.
Chris Bowles
wrote on
September 2, 2009
As far as the Cuillin go this is one of the easier climbs from An Dorus. The most awkward section is the initial part from An Dorus onto the ridge. After which it becomes a pleasant scramble, particularly near the Eag Dubh. The Wart can be easily by-passed to the right on a wide ledge before the final ascent is made to the summit. At times the exposure was considerable but was not prolonged. The continuation to the south top looked much more serious.
 
 

A full written account of a climb submitted by our members.

You can prepare your own write up by first making an entry in your route log and then visiting the logging section above.

  Route Write-Ups
There are no Route Write-Ups submitted for Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh
 
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