Skye Munros

Discover the ultimate challenge for experienced mountain walkers and scramblers with this definitive 2-volume guide to the 12 Munros of the Cuillin on the Isle of Skye. Rising sharply from the sea in a jagged 3000ft skyline, the Cuillin summits demand technical climbing skills, including Grade 3 scrambling, Moderate rock climbing and abseiling, along with confidence on steep, exposed terrain.

Volume 1 covers planning and logistics, seasonal and weather considerations, kit recommendations for technical terrain, and the best bases in Glen Brittle and Sligachan. It also provides insight into the geology, character, and history of each summit. Volume 2 contains five carefully structured routes spanning a 5-day itinerary, which can be broken into single- or double-peak days.

Step-by-step route descriptions are accompanied by detailed Harvey maps and photo topos to guide you safely across complex ground. Both volumes are sold together to provide a complete reference and field guide.

• Step-by-step, way-numbered route descriptions for all 12 Cuillin Munros, including the Inaccessible Pinnacle, with alternative ascent options, ensuring that climbers can tackle individual peaks safely or link multiple summits for a full ridge traverse.
• Comprehensive coverage of all Munro Tops, key ridges, and connecting routes, with guidance on route sequencing, enabling walkers to plan flexible multi-peak days, full-day challenges, or an extended Cuillin expedition across several days.
• Practical advice on planning and logistics, including detailed approach routes, recommended base locations, overnight camping options, seasonal weather considerations, and tips for navigating the exposed and rugged terrain of Skye’s Cuillin mountains.
• Detailed Harvey mapping at 1:40,000 scale, combined with pictorial route diagrams and photographic topos for every climb, providing clear visual orientation to help walkers safely navigate steep, rocky, and technically demanding sections.
• Expert guidance on technical scrambling, climbing grades, and route hazards, including advice on tackling steep rock faces, narrow ridges, and exposed drops, ensuring climbers have the confidence and preparation needed for high-stakes mountain terrain.
• Volume 2 is compact and lightweight, designed to be carried in a rucksack during climbs, while Volume 1 offers essential background, preparation, environmental guidance, and inspirational context for the Cuillin Munros, making the set both a field companion and a planning resource.
• This comprehensive set is designed for Munroists and seasoned walkers seeking safe, efficient, and rewarding ascents of these iconic peaks.

Whether your goal is to summit all 12 Munros, explore the challenging ridge routes, or tackle the Inaccessible Pinnacle, this two-volume set provides authoritative guidance, technical advice, and inspiration for a safe and unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Cuillin on Skye.

Seasons

Best in 'summer' conditions, May to September. Any earlier and there may still be snow on the peaks and any later and the days will be short, and there will be more chance of poor weather.

Centres

Glen Brittle and Sligachan are the best bases to bag the Munros from, and both have campsites. Bunkhouse and pub (The Old Inn) at Carbost.

Difficulty

Scrambling to Grade 3 and rock climbing to Moderate, so harnesses, helmets and ropes will be necessary.

Must See

Twelve Munros including the most technically challenging, the Inaccessible Pinnacle, which requires both rock climbing and abseiling. If you are a Munroist then you will have to bag them and this book serves as a one-stop guide.

Introduction

The Cuillin Munros

The challenge

Order of difficulty

Stacking the odds in your favour

Inspiration

Preparation and training

Kit list

Logistics

Geology

Environmental considerations

Grades

Using this guide

The Munros

1 Sgurr nan Eag, 924m

2 Sgurr Dubh Mor, 944m

3 Sgurr Alasdair, 992m

4 Sgurr Mhic Choinnich, 948m

5 Sgurr Dearg: The Inaccessible Pinnacle, 986m

6 Sgurr na Banachdich, 965m

7 Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh, 973m

8 Sgurr a’ Mhadaidh, 918m

9 Bruach na Frithe,958m

10 Am Basteir, 935m

11 Sgurr nan Gillean, 964m

12 Bla Bheinn, 928m

Topo booklet

Overview map

Route summary table

Map key

Introduction

Using this guide

The Cuillin Munro Routes

Route 1 The Northern Three Munros

Approach to Bealach a’ Bhasteir

Sgurr nan Gillean

Am Basteir

Bhasteir Tooth via the Basteir Nick

Bruach na Frithe, including descent

Sgurr a Fionn Choire

Bruach na Frithe via Fionn Choire

Sgurr nan Gillean via the south-east ridge

Route 2 The Central Two Munros

Approach to An Dorus

Sgurr a’ Mhadaidh

Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh

Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh’s South Top and Sgurr Thormaid, and Sgurr na Banachdich

Route 3 The South Central Three Munros

Approach to Coire Lagan

Sgurr Mhic Choinnich

Linking Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and the Inaccessible Pinnacle

The Inaccessible Pinnacle

Sgurr Dearg to Sgurr na Banachdich

Sgurr na Banachdich via the south ridge

Sgurr Thormaid

Descent from Sgurr na Banachdich

Sgurr Dearg/The Inaccessible Pinnacle via Sgurr Dearg’s west ridge

Route 4 The Southern Three Munros

Approach to Coir’ a’ Ghrunnda

Sgurr nan Eag

Sgurr Dubh Mor via Sgurr Dubh an Da Bheinn

Sgurr Dubh an Da Bheinn to Sgurr Alasdair

Sgurr Sgumain

Sgurr Thearlaich

Sgurr Alasdair via the Great Stone Chute and south-east ridge

Route 5 Bla Bheinn and the South Top