Glamaig

Glamaig is a steep, cone-shaped hill on the Isle of Skye in the Highlands. It stands in the Red Hills group, just east of Sligachan, and is one of only two Corbetts on the island. The hill’s scree slopes give it a striking appearance from many directions. A narrow pass called Bealach na Sgàirde links Glamaig to the rest of the Red Hills. The mountain’s rugged shape and sharp profile make it a landmark in the landscape. The hill is famous for its steep, relentless climbs and a legendary run in 1889. A Gurkha named Harkabir Tharpa reached the summit from sea level in 37 minutes, completing the round trip in 55 minutes. His record lasted until the 1980s, despite attempts by athletes such as Chris Brasher in the 1950s. The fastest route up starts at Sligachan and follows the scree slope straight to the top. An alternative, gentler path begins at Sconser and passes the secondary summit An Coileach before reaching the main peak. From the top of Glamaig, walkers can see the Black Cuillin ridge and the Isle of Raasay on clear days. The annual Glamaig Hill Race starts and finishes at the Sligachan Hotel, covering seven kilometres with 775 metres of ascent. The race is short in distance but steep, making it one of the toughest hill races in Scotland. The scree and ridge routes offer different challenges, but both lead to wide views over Skye’s dramatic scenery.