Hike Guide to Sgùrr na Banachdich | Cuillin Ridge, Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a hiker’s paradise, renowned for its rugged landscapes and dramatic mountain peaks. Sgùrr na Banachdich, located on the famed Cuillin Ridge, is one of the more accessible summits, offering breathtaking views and a rewarding adventure.
In this hike guide I will provide all the key information on the route up Sgùrr na Banachdich, including where to park, maps, photos and a GPX file.
Key Hike Info
Hike Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: Approximately 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation Gain: 965m (3,166 feet)
Estimated Time: 4-7 hours
Terrain: Steep and rocky with lots of scree
Technical aspects: None
Best Time to hike: Late spring to early Autumn
Start Point and Parking: Glen Brittle Youth Hostel
Why hike Sgùrr na Banachdich?
Unlike some of the more technically demanding Cuillin peaks, Sgùrr na Banachdich offers a manageable route for experienced hikers without the need for ropes or advanced climbing skills. Its central location on the ridge means you'll enjoy some of the best views the Cuillins have to offer.
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.
Sgùrr na Banachdich route
The route begins by following a well-built path on the right-hand side of the river into Coire na Banachdich. The initial stage is relatively gentle, weaving through moorland, passing a series of beautiful waterfalls and offering views of the surrounding peaks
After 1km the path will branch right and lead away from the river up towards an open moor, this is where it starts to ramp up and get steep. The route eventually leads up the grassy ridge to the crags of An Diallaid. Navigation skills are essential here, as the route isn't always obvious. Look for cairns to guide your way.
Just over 2km into the walk you will hit the steep scree slopes of Coir' an Eich. You can either zig zag your way up the scree slopes or instead head up the steepening grassy slopes that form a ridge leading up to An Diallaid.
The ridge levels off and becomes grassy again before another steeper pull up scree towards the prominent crag of An Diallaid.
Continue to follow the relentless steep path up the steep gully until it you reach the saddle which leads out to Sgurr na Gobhar, from there the path follows a steep but very broad rocky slope that leads up towards the summit.
Sgùrr na Banachdich
The mid-point of the Cuillin Ridge, Sgùrr na Banachdich offers unbelievable 360 degree panoramic view 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.
Once you have soaked in the majestical mountain views, turn around and retrace your steps by descending back down the way you came.
Final thoughts
Although not technical this route is very difficult and steep, Whats more it culminates up on the Cuillin ridge, which has very steep and dangerous drops. Do not attempt to head up here in adverse weather conditions, opt for a clear, dry and calm day. If in doubt, give it a miss or hire a guide.
That being said, the summit of Sgùrr na Banachdich is one of the most impressive on the Cuillin Ridge, if not the Scottish Highlands. It offers some jaw dropping views, especially at sunset. So make sure you save this hike for a clear day to fully appreciate and enjoy it.
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Plan, Know and Download the route: Use proper hiking app (I use and recommend OS Maps) and have the route downloaded for offline use
Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast for the specific peaks and mountain ranges you are planning on hiking. 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.
Group Up: If possible, hike with others or consider hiring a local guide for extra safety
Wear and carry the correct kit and equipment: see below
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The correct kit and equipment is essential when hiking on the Cuillin ridge.
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
Waterproof clothing (weather can change rapidly)
GPS device with the route downloaded (or Map and compass)
Powerbank and cable
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 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
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.
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: 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 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 Cùi
the best way to travel around Scotland
Due to the vastness and expansive road network of the Highlands, having a vehicle is essential to travelling around Scotland.
Although Scotland has a reliable public transport system that connects major towns and attractions, they aren’t the most frequent, take a lot longer than driving, and do not reach remote locations.
By having a vehicle it allows you freedom to visit the locations you want, whenever you want, in the shortest time possible. Meaning you can take advantage of the many incredible locations located around the Scottish highlands, alongside being able to visit around sunrise and sunset.
Travelling the Scottish Highlands by car
If you are visiting the highlands for longer than 5 days I would recommend getting a campervan (outlined below). However If you wanted to save on costs the the best option would be a car rental and then to camp or wildcamp.
I would recommend booking your car rental through discovercars.com. They are based in Edinburgh and they search both international and local operators for the best deal.
Scotland’s freedom to roam rules are some of the most progressive in the world, thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which gives the public extensive rights to access most land and inland water for recreational purposes.
Wild camping is legal in Scotland on most unenclosed land, Meaning you can pitch your tent in remote areas like moorlands, forests, hillsides, and coastal regions for free provided it’s done responsibly, you are respectful, and leave no trace.
Scotland’s wild camping freedom is a privilege, and maintaining it depends on everyone playing their part. It’s one of the things that makes exploring the Highlands, islands, and remote glens so magical.
Travelling by campervan
In my opinion the best way to travel around Scotland is by would be in a motorhome or 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 mileage and have of different vehicles to choose from.
When renting a campervan or motorhome, I would look to get one which is relatively compact. Scotland has some narrow single track roads, so the smaller the vehicle the easier and more comfortable it will be to drive.
On the two occasions I have travelled Scotland in a Roadsurfer vehicle, I have rented a Couple Cottage.
It was incredibly spacious, slept two people, and was a reasonable size, meaning it wasn’t a hassle to drive and I could actually park it in normal sized space. It also came with the following
Cruise control, Reversing Camera, Bluetooth, and Apple and Android 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. They even have a help yourself selection of items (including food and kitchen equipment) which other users have left and you can take with you.
You can get a 10 % discount off your Roadsurfer booking if you use the code: KNIGHT10 (Valid until 31/12/2025)
I do not get any commission on this booking, I just genuinely rate and recommend their vans.
So there we have it, my hike guide to Sgùrr na Banachdich on the Cuillin Ridge, Isle of Skye.
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Isle of Skye blogs
Glencoe Blogs
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