Sgùrr na Coinnich

Sgùrr na Coinnich stands on the Sleat peninsula at the east end of the Isle of Skye. It is the highest peak on that peninsula and overlooks the Skye Bridge, which links Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin. The mountain shares the view with its neighbour Beinn na Caillich, which is only slightly lower. The bridge crosses the narrows between the mainland and Skye, making it a key crossing point. From the summit the eye follows the ridge lines down to the sea on both sides. The best starting point is the 278-metre Bealach Uday, the highest point of the minor road from Broadford to Kylerhea. It lies less than two kilometres from the summit but the ground north of the col is rough and thick with heather. A series of small ridges run across the slope, separated by bogs, which add to the difficulty. An alternative route begins in Kylerhea and can include the summit of Beinn na Caillich before reaching Sgùrr na Coinnich. Higher up the terrain becomes smoother and the vegetation shorter. The final climb is on open ground with clear views of the surrounding ridges and glens. The summit itself is a narrow crest with space for only a few walkers at once. From there the whole Sleat peninsula stretches away to the south and west, while the mainland hills rise across the water to the east.