Hike Guide to Sgùrr a Mhadaidh & Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh | Cuillin Ridge, Isle of Skye
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.
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 peaks provide a memorable day in the mountains.
This Hike guide will provide all the key information on the route up Sgùrr a Mhadaidh and Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh, including where to park, maps, photos and a GPX file.
Key Hike Information
Hike Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: 10km
Duration: 5-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,060m
Terrain: Steep, rugged, and rocky with lots of scree
Technical aspects: Elements of steep and exposed scrambling
Start Point and Parking: Glen Brittle 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.
Return and alternative extension
The return route is to retrace your steps back down the ridge to An Dorus, down the scree gully, and back to the youth hostel.
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.
After a thrilling descent down to a saddle, you then had to hike up and over Sgùrr Thormaid, a steep and technical slab of rock, before making the final short scramble up to the third munro
Only attempt this if you have the skillet, weather and equipment to do so.
Once you have bagged the third munro it’s a non-technical steep and scree covered descent back down to the youth Hostel.
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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Know and plan the Route: Use proper hiking app and have the route downloaded
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 and dont be to proud to turn around: This hike requires a good level of fitness and a head for heights.
Group Up: If possible, hike with others or consider hiring a local guide for extra safety
Wear and carry the correct kit
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The correct kit and equipment is essential when hiking in Scotland.
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
Waterproof jacket and Overtrousers
Extra layers (wear/carry a minimum of 3 layers, with a fourth in winter)
GPS device with the route downloaded (or Map and compass)
Power bank and cable
Headtorch
Plenty of fluids and high-energy snacks
First aid kit
Gloves and a hat for cooler conditions
If it’s winter then crampons, micro spikes, and an ice axe(s) are essential alongside extra clothing. I’d also recommend walking poles and ski goggles.
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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 LayersColumbia 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
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
Darn Tough Vermont Van Grizzle Boot socks – My winter sock of choice
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: A popular choice for hikers, 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:The youth hostel 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 without unnecessary luxury.
Sligachan Hotel: This historic hotel is a favourite for climbers, with comfortable rooms, a bar, and a climbing heritage museum.
Sligachan Campsite: An affordable option with basic facilities and an unbeatable location beneath the peaks.
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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Area Guides
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