The Easiest And Most Challenging Of The Skye Cuillin Munros

The Black Cuillin of Skye is a compact but dramatic mountain range that attracts some of the most experienced climbers in the world. However, they are not just the preserve of the experts: some of the peaks are accessible to anyone who is reasonably fit and feels confident in an outdoor environment.

Here’s a look at a few of the Skye Cuillin Munros in order of difficulty, from the most manageable, to the most daunting ridges where plenty of previous experience and nerves of steel are a necessity. 

Sgùrr na Banachdaich

This is widely regarded as the most accessible of the Skye Munros, with a well defined path and no technical scrambling sections. At 965 metres, it’s a great place to start if you are new to the Munros but are moderately fit with good stamina, and want to move on from gentler hill walking routes. Pick a fine day and brush up on your navigation skills beforehand.

Bruach na Frìthe

For another relatively ‘easy’ challenge, Bruach na Frìthe is considered to be a good choice. It’s a longer walk from the road than Sgùrr na Banachdaich, making it a longer day, but at 958 metres, it’s slightly lower. The route is scenic, with a few low grade scrambles towards the summit. Perfect for fit walkers looking for their next challenge.

Sgùrr nan Eag

If you enjoy scrambling but don’t want a route that is too technical, then Sgùrr nan Eag is a great option. The ridge consists of some moderate scrambles, and along the route you’ll need to clamber over some boulders. Navigating this route can be the biggest challenge, as some paths are not very clearly defined. 

Avoid going up in foggy or very wet conditions, and back up digital navigation devices with paper maps so you will have a back up in case of battery failure or damage. It’s ideal for more experienced hill walkers who want to branch out into the less trodden Munros. 

Sgùrr a’ Mhadaidh

This peak is often tackled as a pair with Sgùrr a' Ghreadaidh, because they are very close together. There are some longer scrambles along the ridge, so ideally you will have some previous experience before you tackle this route. If you enjoy scrambling and feel confident at heights, then this could be your next challenge to build up your skills and experience. 

Am Basteir 

This one is for more advanced mountain hikers who have plenty of scrambling experience. It’s one of the most scenic routes with classic views of the Basteir Tooth and beyond, but the scrambling section is exposed and may require ropes and harnesses in places. 

Sgùrr Alasdair 

This is the highest peak in the Cuillin, measuring up at 992 metres, and it requires a good level of fitness and stamina. There is a stretch of grade 2 scrambling that becomes quite exposed and tricky towards the end. However, it is not a technical route, so if you want to test yourself without venturing into climbing territory, this is a good choice.