The northern Cuillins - Am Basteir and Sgurr nan Gillean
A moderate walk (mountain (above 600m)) in Highland, Scotland, about 13.90km (8.64 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 7:00h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
1026m (3366ft)
Descent
1007m (3303ft)
Max. Elevation
920m (3018ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
2033m (6669ft)
Start & End
Sligachan Hotel
Distance
13.90km
(8.64mi)
(8.64mi)
Duration
~7:00h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
The Cuillin Ridge dominates walking on the Isle of Skye. One of the finest sections is the traverse of the Munros of Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Basteir and Bruach na Frithe, starting and finishing from Sligachan Hotel. Note - this is a hard mountain trip, which involves difficult and technical scrambling, and is for experienced walkers only. Some climbing experience is very useful. If it sounds a bit too much, head to Sgurr Beag, enjoy sensational views of the Cuillin and return to Sligachan.
Walk Functions
Share
Nearby Walks
Kyle of Lochalsh to Balmacara
A leisurely, circular walk (coast) starting in Highland, Scotland, about 9.70km (6.03 mi) long, duration: ~3:15h.The Rum Cuillin
A strenuous, circular walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Highland, Scotland, about 18.70km (11.62 mi) long, duration: ~9:15h.An island walk around Canna
A moderate, circular walk (coast) starting in Highland, Scotland, about 15.80km (9.82 mi) long, duration: ~5:30h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid NG485298
Take the Skye Bus to the Sligachan Hotel to start your day. The mighty Cuillins already dominate the view south. Make sure you are fully prepared as this is a tough walk/climb and the Cuillin is no place to get caught out. A clear path crosses the moor alongside the Allt Dearg Beag.
OS Grid NG475278
A bridge cross the Allt Dearg Beag and the path continues due south toward the ridge.
About 2.31 km (~1.44 miles) from 
OS Grid NG477253
Pass Loch a' Coire Rhiabach and continue into the corrie.
About 2.41 km (~1.5 miles) from 
OS Grid NG474248
Continue climbing up the corrie wall to Sgurr Beag and the southeast ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean.
About 0.59 km (~0.37 miles) from 
OS Grid NG471252
Keep on the ridge to the first Munro of the route, Sgurr nan Gillean (964m).
About 0.54 km (~0.34 miles) from 
OS Grid NG468252
The next stage is the crux of this walk. A difficult and scrambly descent west from Sgurr nan Gillean takes you into the cleft of Nicolson's Chimney - a scrambling rope may be useful here.
About 0.30 km (~0.19 miles) from 
OS Grid NG465253
Make your way carefully across the screes to the ridge of Am Bastier. This continues as an undulating scramble along to the summit.
About 0.31 km (~0.19 miles) from 
OS Grid NG464253
The second Munro is Am Bastiel (934m).
About 0.08 km (~0.05 miles) from 
OS Grid NG461252
From Am Basteil, drop again into Bealach a' Bastier and follow the rough path round to Bealach nan Lice. From here, continue over Sgurr a' Fionn Choire to the final Munro of Bruach na Frithe (958m).
About 0.35 km (~0.22 miles) from 
OS Grid NG456258
Descend Bruach na Frithe via the northwestern shoulder. At Bealach a' Mhaim, pick up the path back to Sligachan.
About 0.80 km (~0.5 miles) from 
OS Grid NG448268
At Bealach a Mhaim, head northeast and follow the Allt Dearg Mor back to Sligachan.
About 1.32 km (~0.82 miles) from 
SligachanOS Grid NG482295
Back to Sligachan for a well-earned rest.
About 4.34 km (~2.7 miles) from 
