Sgurr na Banachdich

Sgurr na Banachdich is one of the central peaks of the Cuillin, well seen from the climbers' hut in Glen Brittle standing at the head of Coire na Banachdich. The crest of the mountain rises north from the Bealach Coire na Banachdich over two lower tops to the summit, and a short distance further north is another lower top, Sgurr Thormaid. The west face of the mountain overlooking Glen Brittle is steep and rocky for much of its extent, and the path leading up to the Bealach Coire na Banachdich, which is one of the easiest crossings of the Main Ridge from Glen Brittle to Loch Coruisk, should be followed carefully to avoid unexpected difficulties.

The route to Sgurr na Banachdich starts near the climbers' hut in Glen Brittle up grassy slopes beside the Allt Coire na Banachdich and follows the path on the south side of this stream to the slabby cliffs at the head of the corrie. Keep to the right of these rocks up an easy open gully until a traverse left is possible followed by a direct ascent to the bealach. Continue north along the main ridge which becomes much narrower as two tops are crossed to reach the summit. An alternative route for the descent is down the north-west ridge to reach easy ground in Coir' an Eich which gives a pleasant way down to the lower part of Coire a' Ghreadaidh.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)