Beinn na Caillich

Beinn na Caillich stands on the Isle of Skye in the Highlands, a 732-metre mountain west of Broadford. It belongs to the Red Hills group, also called the Red Cuillin, sharing its name with another peak at Kyle Rhea. The Gaelic name means ‘mountain of the old woman or Cailleach’, linking it to ancient folklore. A large cairn crowns the summit, said to mark the grave of Saucy Mary, a Norwegian princess once living at Castle Moil in Kyleakin. Local tales claim she faces her homeland from the top, while another story ties the cairn to a giantess from Fingal’s time. Thomas Pennant climbed the hill while staying with Mackinnon of Corriechatachan, though Johnson and Boswell did not attempt it. The mountain’s eastern slopes hold Goir a’ Bhlàir, meaning ‘the field of battle’. This spot recalls a key fight where Clan Mackinnon defeated the Norsemen in a decisive clash. The site adds historical weight to the walk, linking the land to Skye’s Viking past. The cairn and battlefield together frame Beinn na Caillich as both a natural and cultural landmark. Its modest height makes it accessible to many walkers, yet its stories lift it above ordinary hills. The mountain offers views across Skye’s dramatic landscape, from the Cuillin peaks to the sea. A clear path leads to the summit cairn, passing through heather and rocky outcrops. The final climb is steep but short, rewarding climbers with wide views of the surrounding glens. On clear days the Isle of Raasay and the mainland mountains appear in the distance. The contrast between the red-brown slopes and the green valleys below is striking. The air often carries the scent of bog myrtle and salt from the nearby coast. Walkers leave with a sense of connection to both nature and Skye’s layered history.