Sgùrr nan Gillean

Sgùrr nan Gillean is a sharp, triangular peak in the northern Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye. It stands 966 metres high and forms part of the eleven Munros that rise above Skye’s dramatic skyline. The mountain overlooks the small settlement of Sligachan, its steep flanks catching the light at dawn and dusk. The Cuillins are made of gabbro, a dark rock that gives the range its rugged look. The name means ‘Peak of the Young Men’ in Gaelic, hinting at old tales of climbers who once gathered here. From many angles the mountain shows a near-perfect pyramid shape, making it one of the most photographed in the range. The easiest way up follows the Tourist Route from Sligachan, crossing the Allt Dearg Beag burn before climbing into Coire Rhiabhach. The final slope is loose scree and the ridge to the top is narrow and exposed, demanding careful footwork. A harder choice is Pinnacle Ridge on the north side, a graded rock climb where a rope helps on the steepest pitches. Knight’s Peak, a smaller summit nearby, was once thought to be a Munro Top but is now classed as a Corbett Top after a survey showed it fell short by seventeen centimetres. The first recorded ascent was made in 1873 by W. Knight with a guide. At the summit the ridge is surprisingly flat and smooth, offering wide views over Skye and the mainland. The West Ridge drops down to a narrow gap between Sgùrr nan Gillean and Am Basteir, where a rock called the Gendarme once stood before breaking away in the winter of 1986–87. Walkers can avoid the narrowest section by using Nicholson’s Chimney, a gully on the north side of the ridge. Mist can roll in quickly, so navigational skill is as important as fitness. The airy platform gives a strong sense of height and isolation, even when the glens below are busy with walkers.