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.

The Cuillin Munros, Isle of Skye – Quick Facts

Location: Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, UK – including Glen Brittle, Sligachan, Coire Lagan, Coire a’ Ghrunnda, and surrounding valleys
Total summits covered: 12 Munros plus associated Munro Tops, including the Inaccessible Pinnacle
Number of routes: 5 structured multi-peak itineraries, flexible for single-peak or double-peak days
Distance per route/day: Variable – single peaks or linked ridge routes, typically 6–12 km per peak, longer for full ridge traverses
Duration: Multi-peak routes span 5 days; single-peak days range from 4–8 hours, full ridge traverses up to 10 hours or more
Walk type: Technical mountain and ridge walking with Grade 3 scrambling, moderate rock climbing, exposed ridges, and abseiling on select summits
Difficulty: Very challenging; requires high-level hillwalking experience, technical climbing skill, and confidence on exposed terrain
Navigation: Step-by-step, way-numbered route descriptions; 1:40,000 Harvey maps; photo topos for complex sections
Highlights: Inaccessible Pinnacle, Sgurr Alasdair, Sgurr nan Gillean, Bla Bheinn, Coire Lagan, Basteir Tooth, and Skye’s dramatic coastal backdrop
Best season: Summer window from May to September for optimal climbing and safer conditions; winter climbs are extremely technical and hazardous
Equipment & preparation: Mountain kit for exposed ridges and climbing, ropes/gear for scrambling and abseiling, good boots, weatherproof clothing, map and compass skills essential

Author highlight

“Skye is a popular tourist destination but Munroists will arrive with their sights firmly set on twelve summits. The Black Cuillin is Scotland’s premier mountain range: Alpine-like peaks without the altitude. Jagged peaks are linked by airy ridges and separated by huge coires. It is a beautiful range and a tough challenge, involving not just rough walking but also scrambling, climbing and even an abseil or two.”

- Adrian Trendall, author of Skye Munros

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

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.

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