Clach Glas

Clach Glas is a mountain on the Black Cuillin ridge of the Isle of Skye in the Highlands. It stands at 786 metres and its name means ‘The Grey Stone’. The peak is often climbed as part of a longer scramble to Blà Bheinn, usually graded between easy and moderate. It also marks the second-to-last summit on the Greater Traverse of the Black Cuillin. The mountain has earned the nickname ‘the Matterhorn of Skye’ from climber Ashley Abraham. The first recorded ascent of Clach Glas probably took place in 1888, when Charles Pilkington and his party reached the top. Before then the mountain had been overlooked by earlier visitors to the Cuillins. Its position on the main ridge makes it a useful waypoint for those completing the full traverse. The scrambling routes to the summit are described in J. Wilson Parker’s guidebook. On the hill the path follows narrow ridges and slabby slopes of dark gabbro rock. Views stretch across the Cuillin peaks and down to Glen Brittle. The grey stone summit block is small but gives a sense of height and exposure. Walkers often pause here before continuing to Blà Bheinn or returning along the ridge.