Sgurr Nan Gillean

Sgurr nan Gillean is the northernmost peak of the Cuillin, and is prominently seen from Sligachan Hotel. The view of the peak from there shows the south-east ridge, up which goes the Tourist Route', on its left and the west ridge on its right. The finest feature of Sgurr nan Gillean, however, is its north ridge, the Pinnacle Ridge. The view from Sligachan does not reveal its true character, with four pinnacles and a sharply serrated outline, but it is one of the most spectacular ridges of any of the Cuillin peaks. The south face of Sgurr nan Gillean overlooks Lota Corrie and is a wild place, seldom climbed.

The Tourist Route, by which Sgurr nan Gillean was first climbed in 1836, starts at Sligachan and goes south by a well-defined path across the moor, crossing the Allt Dearg Mor and the Allt Dearg Beag and heading towards Coire Riabhach on the east side of the Pinnacle Ridge. Follow the path, which becomes less distinct as it climbs up into the boulder-strewn head of the corrie, and reach the south-east ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean. The last part of the ascent up this ridge involves some scrambling, none of it very difficult, to the sharp-pointed summit.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)