3.7 of 5 (6 votes)

The Rum Cuillin

A strenuous walk (mountain (above 600m)) in Highland, Scotland, about 18.70km (11.62 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 9:15h (1 overnight stay). It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent 1350m (4429ft)
Descent 1339m (4393ft)
Max. Elevation 760m (2493ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss 2689m (8822ft)
Start & End
Kinloch
Distance 18.70km
(11.62mi)
Duration ~9:15h
Difficulty  
Strenuous
Car Free Walks TeamCreated by Timwoods on 15 Oct 2010
The adventure starts on the boat across to Rum from Mallaig. Rum's extraordinary peaks loom into view, a taste of things to come. This walk is much easier that the namesake hills on Skye, but the scrambling sections still demand care and attention. A good option is to split the route at Dibidil bothy, not least because that means at least two days on wonderful Rum. The walk starts and finishes at the port of Kinloch, so easy for arriving by ferry.

Walk Functions

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Walk Map

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Waypoints

OS Grid NM402997
Start at Kinloch, the stop-off point for the ferry. The castle is well worth a visit on the way back. There is a shop and few other facilities: www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk/rum.html
OS Grid NM389980
Head through the woods behind the castle and along the Allt Slugan a' Choilich towards Coire Dubh.
About 2.12 km (~1.32 miles) from
OS Grid NM386969
Ascend into Bealach Bairc-mheal via the back of Coire Dubh. This is the start of the big stuff!
About 1.08 km (~0.67 miles) from
OS Grid NM395961
From the bealach, follow the north-west shoulder of Hallival to its summit, at 722m.
About 1.22 km (~0.76 miles) from
OS Grid NM393951
A superb high-level ridge takes you on to Askival, the highest point on Rum at 812m. If the final scramble up the Askival Pinnacle is not for you, continue around the eastern side.
About 1.12 km (~0.7 miles) from
OS Grid NM384951
Drop into Bealach an Oir ...
About 0.83 km (~0.52 miles) from
OS Grid NM378950
.. then on to the twin summits of Trallval, a nicely rounded 700m.
About 0.61 km (~0.38 miles) from
OS Grid NM378947
It's a tricky descent into Bealach an Fhuarain, over rocks and scree, so take care to find the right route.
About 0.28 km (~0.17 miles) from
OS Grid NM377943
The next big peak is Ainshval, which again has a scrambly ascent. The face looks imposing, with a grade 1 scramble along the exposed crest. There is an easier path along the eastern side.
About 0.48 km (~0.3 miles) from
OS Grid NM380929
The final peak of the Rum Cuillin is Sgurr nan Gillean. At 764m, it's 201m below its namesake on Skye. Wonderful views south towards Eigg, Muck and the Ardnamurchan. This is what Scottish walking is all about.
About 1.36 km (~0.85 miles) from
OS Grid NM381923
Descend via the southern slope, then when the ground gets easier, curve around to the east.
About 0.68 km (~0.42 miles) from
OS Grid NM393927
Pass the night at Dibidil bothy, at the foot of Glen Dibidil. If the midges allow, spend some time outdoors to enjoy the wildlife of Rum, which is a National Nature Reserve and teaming with beasts and birds. Let the ranger in Kinloch know if you are staying overnight.
About 1.24 km (~0.77 miles) from
OS Grid NM401930
If you're feeling sprightly, you can start day two with a climb up Beinn nan Stac. Otherwise, pick up the Dibidil path back to Kinloch.
About 0.90 km (~0.56 miles) from
OS Grid NM411956
The route follows the ground between the Cuillin and the coast - the small loch is a good place to enjoy elevenses beneath the spires of Hallival and Askival.
About 2.75 km (~1.71 miles) from
OS Grid NM406989
Back to Kinloch and a good square meal in the hotel. Then catch the boat back home (unless you live on Rum, of course).
About 3.39 km (~2.11 miles) from

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