This is the summed total of all the climbing within a route and is a good indicator of the strenuousness of a route.
Total Ascent
955 m
An estimate of the time taken based on a derivation of Naismiths rules. Our calculation is based on the horizontal and ascent components of a climb, we do not make a reduction for descent.
Registered users can customise these walking times by specifying their own walking and ascending speeds. They can also add a fixed time period for stoppages.
Route Time
4 hrs
The horizontal distance of the route.
Route Distance
11.71 km
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.
You can click on the map name to purchase the map for £6.29 including postage which is one of the cheapest prices we have found.
Our summary will always contain one of easy, moderate or hard to indicate the severity of the route.
Notes
A route for scramblers only with considerable exposure. You are recommended to purchase and study a higher scale map of the Black Cuillin of Skye before attempting an ascent.
Here we provide the nearest town to the start of the route where you will find basic services.
We then give directions from that location to the route start. Your approach route may differ.
Travel Information
Head to: Sligachan
From Sligachan Hotel (A863) head W 200m to start of path.
Route Waypoint Map
The total ascent is 955 metres. Allow 4 hours to complete this 11.71 km route.
In winter months please check the local snow conditions at sais.gov.uk.
The hillphones service can inform you of stalking activities in the area.
Usually the shortest way to climb the mountain, making best use of tracks and paths to gain altitude. Route navigation requires map reading skills and an ability to navigate with a compass.
The information given here will enable you to annotate your map and plan your route. We do not give anecdotal descriptions on where to find the paths, worn by the feet of previous mountaineers.
Where the access routes are few or the ridge is narrow, paths are generally obvious. On open ground, following paths without using your compass may get you lost in poor visibility.
Route Information
Waypoint Detail
Start from A863 road 200m W of Sligachan Hotel
NG48352970
Distance
Altitude 20 m
1
Cross S over Allt Dearg Mor and continue SSW to bridge over Allt Dearg-beag
NG47472786
Distance 2.26 km
Altitude 160 m
2
Cross river and follow path S on ascending the south side of Coire Riabhach
NG47762580
Distance 2.20 km
Altitude 440 m
3
Climb S onto east ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean
NG47652509
Distance 0.74 km
Altitude 670 m
4
Scramble W to gain the main ridge
NG47472500
Distance 0.20 km
Altitude 740 m
5
Continue NW to very exposed summit of Sgurr nan Gillean
NG47162531
Distance 0.43 km
Altitude 964 m
6
Return by same route
NG48352970
Distance 5.89 km
Altitude 20 m
A selection of weather forecasts local to this route.
Looking down the south-east ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean to Sgurr Beag, with very narrow Sgurr na h-Uamha beyond in shadow. The ascent route reaches the ridge just below this viewpoint.
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Rating & Reviews
Rating & Reviews
Rated:
from 5 votes
Click Stars to Vote
Your Rating
Written by
Michael Ferrie
on 09 Feb 2007:
For me, this has to be the most beautiful climb in Skye. The so-called 'tourist' route described here is not to be undertaken lightly but on the tiny summit the ground disappears in all directions giving the most amazing feeling of standing on top of the world.
The alternative route to the top over Pinnacle ridge offers a fantastic and exhilirating alternative if you're prepared for a relatively easy abseil down the third pinnacle.
Written by
John Walker
on 24 May 2005:
I have to agree - "Tourist Route"!? It is an excellent route, full of challenges, which no-one without a good head for heights should attempt. Didn't see anyone in flip flops and cagoules, I can tell you.
We veered right after the wee notchy scramble, and had to get out the rope... keep left on the ascent, following a quite distinct reddish rock vein, before trending right again approx. 40m in height before the summit, back on to the blocky crest.
This is a great scramble, but I wouldn't fancy it on a windy day.
Written by
Mark Smith-magee
on 02 Aug 2004:
Found a brilliant map at 12,500 scale by the SMC [I think]. Even 1:25,000 maps are difficult to read owing to the extreme packing of contours.
Route is excellent but the mountain scenery must not be underestimated. Ridge requires cool thinking and a head for heights, particular at the top where there is an extremely narrow step-over. If you like scrambling then you’ll love it!
As always, route-finding is more tricky in descent. Remember ‘markers’ on your ascent and tick these off when going back. Save for a clear day. The Sligachan pub at the end of the walk is ‘the cherry on top!’
Written by
David S Brown
on 22 May 2002:
The tedious approach across boggy ground from Sligachan is quickly forgotten on entering Coire Riabach. Once the SE ridge is reached the real scrambling begins and best-route finding is time-consuming and completely absorbing. The ridge becomes ever steeper and narrower, until just before the summit gullies on either side almost meet and you step across this hiatus with 'blinkers on' (or crawl if the wind is strong!). The top is the size of a table, sit down and you can see no part of the supporting mountain: like floating on a magic carpet! The so-called "Tourist Route". Some tourist!!
Disclaimer. The details provided above are an aid to planning an expedition, but all distances, altitudes and bearings must be considered approximate. You must navigate with the appropriate map,
a compass, your navigation skills and common sense, MunroMagic.com accept no responsibility for your interpretation of our route information.
 - 1st of August 2005.jpg "Click to enlarge")
