Hike Guide to Sgùrr a Mhadaidh, Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh, Sgùrr na Banachdich
Rising like jagged teeth from the heart of the Cuillin Ridge, Sgùrr a Mhadaidh and Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh are not for the faint-hearted. These two dramatic peaks offer an exhilarating challenge for hikers and scramblers seeking to experience the untamed beauty of the Isle of Skye. Add in a hike along the narrowest section of ridge in the British Isles to a third munro (Sgùrr na Banachdich) and you have one exhilarating route.
The route combines steep ascents, scrambling, and impressive views of the Isle of Skye. For hikers with a good head for heights and a sense of adventure, these three peaks provide a memorable day in the mountains with some of the best views Skye has to offer.
This hike guide will provide all the key information on the route up Sgùrr a Mhadaidh, Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh, and Sgùrr na Banachdich including where to park, maps, photos and a GPX file.
Key Hike Infomation
Hike Type: Loop
Difficulty: Severe
Distance: 11km
Duration: 7-10 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,250m
Terrain: Steep, rugged, and rocky with lots of scree
Technical aspects: Elements of steep and exposed scrambling
Start Point and Parking: Glenbrittle Youth Hostel
Getting there & Parking
From Sligachan, the drive to Glenbrittle takes about 30 minutes. Follow the A863 before turning onto the winding Glenbrittle road.
Although the road has been resurfaced in 2024, it is still very narrow. During peak months the narrowness of the road can cause a significant amount of gridlock and tailbacks, so I would advise travelling early or late to avoid getting stuck.
Limited free parking is available outside Glen Brittle Youth Hostel; there is space on the left hand side of the road both before and after the bridge.
The route
The route begins by following a well-built path on the right-hand side of the river. It will gradually climb up past a series of beautiful waterfalls and pools.
Along the way, several paths branch off to the right, but stick to the main trail that follows the stream. After about two kilometres, the well-maintained section of the path comes to an end, giving way to a more worn and eroded route. Shortly after, the trail crosses the stream by a natural waterslide.
The path will level off slightly before re-joining the stream and branching left. It gets steeper again here but isn’t technical. After 3km you will cross the stream again and the gradient will begin to ease. Here the scree chute Coire An Dorus will come into view.
An Dorus ‘The Door’
After 3.8km the steep scree slope of An Dorus will begin. It’s a bastard, gaining around 280m of elevation in 500m. The gully narrows part way up, and then narrows even more a short distance from the top. The last 20m consists of sold rock and requires scrambling.
You’ll emerge into the door, which looks directly down to Loch Coruisk.
Exiting the door to the left requires a short tricky scramble, but once done the exposure and technically eases. From here it’s a short and steep 150m scramble up and around to the first munro.
The final scramble to the door
The final scramble to the door
The view from above the door
Sgùrr a Mhadaidh
Sgùrr a Mhadaidh, which translates to "Peak of the Fox" in Gaelic, is one of the central peaks of the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye. Standing at 918 meters (3,011 feet), it offers a commanding position with views of the rugged Cuillin mountains, Loch Coruisk, Glenbrittle, and the surrounding sea.
Route to Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh
Enjoy the epic views before carefully retracing your steps back down to An Doras. You will have short, steep and awkward scramble to exit the other side of the Door and get onto the ridge.
Once this is cleared the scrambling is relatively straightforward and much less technical and exposed.
The scramble up and out of the door towards Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh
Follow the sloping ridge for 300m up to the second munro. The striking chasm of the Eag Dubh is navigated with relative ease by descending slightly to the left. The next challenge is a prominent rock feature known as the Wart, which can be bypassed to the right over slabby rocks. Beyond this point, the summit is reached shortly afterward.
Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh
Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh, meaning "Peak of the Torrent" in Gaelic, is the highest peak in the northern section of the Cuillin Ridge, standing at 973 meters (3,192 feet).
From the summit of Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh, the views are some of the most dramatic on the Isle of Skye. To the south, the Cuillin Ridge stretches like a sawblade, with Sgùrr na Banachdich and Sgùrr Dearg visible among its peaks.
To the west, the Glenbrittle valley and Loch Brittle unfold, with the shimmering waters of the Atlantic Ocean beyond. On a clear day, you can see across to the Outer Hebrides and the mainland peaks in the distance.
Looking north and east, the jagged contours of the Cuillin Ridge dominate the skyline, offering an incredible sense of the ridge's scale and beauty.
The section of ridge which continues to the slightly lower south peak is perhaps the narrowest arête in the whole of the British Isles, and is very exposed.
Ridge to Sgùrr na Banachdich
Only extremely experienced and competent scramblers should attempt to continue along the ridge. This route is highly committing, with no viable descent options until reaching Sgùrr na Banachdich, this route involves a km of continuous grade three scrambling which is very technical and incredibly exposed.
Only attempt this if you have the skillet, weather and equipment to do so.
You’ll initially continue up across the multiple tops of Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh. This will start with some down climbing down to the north side of the ridge. You’ll then scramble re-ascend up onto a very narrow section of ridge before descending north east down down towards the bealach.
The initial section up on Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh is incredibly narrow and exposed with very little bail out options. However once you begin descending the ridge, there are plenty of lower paths which sit beneath the main ridge.
After a thrilling descent down to a saddle, you then skirt to the right (north) hand side of a large rock before ascending the gradual slope up to Sgùrr Thormaid.
This is a steep and technical slab of rock. Although climbing it is relatively easy, it is the descent that is steep tricky. When looking down it towards Sgùrr na Banachdich I stuck to the left hand side of the rock when descending. This was apparently a lot easier than descending down the middle and right hand side (which the rest of the group did).
Once Sgùrr Thormaid is navigated. its just a steep scramble up to the third and final munro. Although not technical or exposed, it does have lots of loose rock and scree so take care if climbing in a group.
The way up to Sgurr Thormaid, spot the hikers
Descending Sgurr Thormaid
Sgùrr na Banachdich
The mid-point of the Cuillin Ridge, Sgùrr na Banachdich (965m) offers unbelievable 360 degree panoramic views over the west coast of Scotland.
Alongside seeing the entirety of the Isle of Skye and the Cuillin ridge, you will had endless views out over the Small Isles, and Outer Hebrides. The highlight has to be with the views along the ridge towards the Inaccessible Pinnacle and Sgùrr Alasdair, alongside down over Loch Coruisk.
The descent back down to Glenbrittle campssite is is not technical or exposed but is very steep, with the steepest sections consisting of very loose scree.
Final thoughts
As epic as the Cuillin Ridge is, it’s a dangerous and difficult route which I would only recommend hiking if you have the skillset, knowledge and weather window to do so.
The hike is extremely technical and exposed, so shouldn’t be taken lightly. If in doubt, give it a miss or hire a guide.
That being said this is one of the best and most impressive routes I have ever done, it’s extremely thrilling and offers some jaw dropping views. So, make sure you do it on a good day to fully enjoy it.
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Check the Weather: The Cuillins are notorious for unpredictable weather. Avoid hiking in poor conditions, as visibility can drop quickly. I use MWIS and Met Office
Start Early: Give yourself plenty of daylight to complete the hike.
Know Your Limits: This hike requires a good level of fitness and a head for heights.
Know The Route: Use proper hiking app and have the route downloaded for offline use
Group Up: If possible, hike with others or consider hiring a local guide for extra safety and insight.
Wear and carry the correct kit
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The correct kit and equipment is essential when hiking on the Cuillin ridge. If it’s winter then crampons, micro spikes and an ice axe(s) is essential alongside extra clothing
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
Waterproof clothing
Extra layers (wear/carry a minimum of three layers, with a fourth in winter)
GPS device with the route downloaded (or Map and compass)
Power bank and cable
Plenty of fluids and high-energy snacks
First aid kit
Gloves and a hat for cooler conditions
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Base layers
Smartwool Active hoodie - My go for spring, summer, and autumn hiking.
Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip - My choice in winter and colder weather.
Mid Layers
Columbia Triple Canyon Hooded Fleece Jacket- Lightweight, warm, comfy, and stretchy. Everything you need from a mid-layer. It also has elasticated thumb loops, a close-fitting hood, and three zip pockets.
Rab Men's Microlight Alpine Down Jacket - Essential for the colder months, wildcamping, and when you are soaking in the views up on the summit.
Outer shell
Columbia Ampli-Dry III Jacket - Waterproof, lightweight, functional, and packs down small. It also has breathable stretch shell fabric with underarm zipped ventilation.
Lower Half
Montane Tenacity Hiking Pants - Lightweight, comfortable, stretchy water resistant softshell trousers
Footwear
Columbia Montrail Trinity Ag II - The comfiest summer hiking and trail running shoes I have ever worn.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX - My go to for the wetter months of the year
Columbia Men's Facet 75 Equinox – My go to in Winter, incredibly comfortable, waterproof and warm
Socks
Backpacks
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When hiking the Cuillin Ridge, your choice of accommodation can make a big difference in convenience and accessibility. The Isle of Skye offers a range of options close to the main trailheads, with Glenbrittle, Carbost, and Sligachan being the most strategic locations.
Accommodation Options:
Glenbrittle Campsite and Café: This campsite offers stunning views of the Cuillin and a convenient starting point for several hikes. Facilities include showers, a small shop, and a café serving hot meals.
Glenbrittle Youth Hostel: This offers the perfect mix of practicality and proximity. It’s one of the closest accommodations to the Cuillin Ridge and provides the essentials for a comfortable stay.
Sligachan Campsite: An affordable option with basic facilities and an unbeatable location beneath the peaks.
Sligachan Hotel: This historic hotel is a favourite for climbers, with comfortable rooms, a bar, and a climbing heritage museum.
My suggestion would be Glenbrittle Youth hostel or Campsite as they are located beneath the Cuillin ridge and are at the start points for many trail heads.
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After descending, head to the Glenbrittle campsite café or one of the charming pubs in Carbost, such as the Old Inn, for a well-earned meal and drink. I’d also recommend checking out the delightful Café Cùil.
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In my opinion the best way to travel around Scotland is by would be in a Campervan.
Scotland is incredibly van friendly and it will allow for the greatest flexibility alongside being cheaper and easier than booking accommodation.
Every time I have been Scotland I have travelled in a campervan. Alongside using my own VW T6 I have also used Roadsurfer who are absolutely faultless.
They have a large deport located in Edinburgh (Alongside London, Bristol and Manchester), offer unlimited milage, and have of different vehicles to choose from.
On both occasions I have travelled Scotland in a Roadsurfer vehicle I had a Couple Cottage. It was incredibly spacious and it was the perfect companion on my Scottish road trip.
Not only did it have everything I needed but it was a reasonable size, meaning it wasn’t a hassle to drive and I could actually park it in normal sized space.
The manual or automatic van can sleep two people and had everything I needed for the road trip;
Cruise control, Reversing Camera, and CarPlay
Kitchen area with a sink, two stove gas hobs, fridge, oven, and lots of storage
Wet room with hot water shower, sink and toilet
Air conditioning & Off Grid Stationary heating (powered gas or electricity)
Two up front swivel seats
Spacious living/dining room area with two fixed seats and big table
Large fixed double bed (L 1,92 m x W 1,42 m)
Midge nets and black out blinds for all windows
Awning, camping chairs, table, and kitchen utility box.
230 v Power connection and supply-battery
Pick up in Edinburgh was incredibly easy, the depot is located close to the airport and is short bus ride from the city centre.
You can get a 12 % discount off your Roadsurfer booking (5 night minimum) if you use the code: KNIGHT12 (Valid until 31/1/25)
So there we have it, a hike guide Sgùrr a Mhadaidh and Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh on the Cuillin Ridge.
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For more Scottish hiking inspiration check out my other guides below;
Individual hike guides
Sgùrr a Mhadaidh and Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh, Cuillin Ridge
Area Guides
Alternatively check out my hiking related guides;
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