The Skye Cuillin aren't known for their hands-free summits, but among the climbs and scrambles some cracking less-technical walks can be found. Standing in a pivotal position near the northern end of the Cuillin, Bruach na Frithe is perhaps Skye's easiest Munro - but no less worthwhile for that. Though the peak can be gained with a minimum of clambering, the mid-grade scrambling circuit described here has a little more bite. Whether you're an adventurous hillwalker, or a climber reccying the Main Ridge for a future traverse, the round of Bruach na Frithe and Sgurr a' Bhasteir gives a good flavour of the Cuillin without proving too stressful. With close-up views of the magnificent Basteir Tooth and the jagged profile of Sgurr nan Gillean’s Pinnacle Ridge, the scenery is vintage Skye - but unlike most big Cuillin days, you can comfortably leave the rope at home.
Detailed description
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Difficulty: SevereDistance: 8 miles (12.80 km)
Total ascent: 948m
Time: 5 – 6 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start/Finish:Sligachan, NG483297
Nearest town:
Broadford
Terrain:
Clear paths to start and finish. On the hills the terrain is invariably rough and rocky, with some steep ascents and descents. The NW Ridge of Bruach na Frithe is a long grade 2 scramble with plenty of exposure but few really tricky bits; the best line sticks as closely as possible to the crest. A scree path on the right (west) flank avoids most of the scrambling if necessary, but it's not as enjoyable. The descent of the NE Ridge of Sgurr a' Bhasteir is a grade 1 scramble with some exposure and more than its fair share of rubbly loose rock that needs a bit of care.
Seasonal variations:
In full winter conditions this route becomes a proper mountaineering round, with plenty of consequential ground. The NW Ridge of Bruach na Frithe merits I/II - and it'd be a good one.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Northwest Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Public transport:
Bus to Sligachan from Broadford or Portree
Guidebooks:
Skye Scrambles, SMC
Maps:
OS Explorer 409 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 410 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 411 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 32 (1:50,000) Directory Listings:
Find more Listings near this route Tourist info:
Portree (0845 22 55 121); Broadford (0845 22 55 121)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH
- East Ridge of Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach 21 Jan
- A' Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire 4 Dec, 2023
- Meall na Teanga & Sron a' Choire Ghairbh - The Loch Lochy Munros 6 Nov, 2023
- Bynack More 19 Oct, 2023
- Beinn a' Mhuinidh 4 Oct, 2023