Walk 1

One of the few mountains in the Black Cuillin you can walk to, Sgurr na Banachdich also holds a fantastic position right in the heart of the ridge, giving views south to Sgurr Alasdair and north to the dominating peak of Sgurr nan Gillean. We headed up to the peak on a grassy path, with some scree, via the minor adjacent ridge of An Diallaid. From the summit boulder-field, after stopping for a summit lunch in the sun, we descended back down into Glen Brittle via the long ridge of Sgurr nan Gobhar, which included some easy scrambling.

Walk 2

The Red Cuillin are a set of bright pink hills with rounded tops that lie on the eastern side of Skye. Two prominent peaks rise up next to Glen Sligachan, the main top of Beinn Dearg Mhor and its subsidiary top, Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach. We climbed up the long wide ridge of Druim na Ruaige, briefly spotting a golden eagle far above, and made it to the summit, where we could see all the way to the Skye bridge and the mainland. The traverse to the main peak was followed by the path down the remote and flower-studded Coire na Sgairde back to Sligachan.

Walk 3

The most recognisable peak in the Black Cuillin is the dominating fortress of Sgurr nan Gillean. It rises above Glen Sligachan and forms one terminus of the famous Cuillin Ridge. Sadly, it's only climbable by good scramblers, and since the cloud came in we settled for a walk up its flank to the start of the famous south-east ridge. Briefly the clouds lifted, and we had views down either side, to the wide beauty of Glen Sligachan and the volcanic maelstrom that is the heart of the Cuillin. The dramatic rock walls of this upper amphitheatre of Scotland's most infamous mountains were ample compensation for not reaching a peak.

Discover all of our walks and tours to the Isle of Skye.