
In-Pinn, Choinnich and Banachdich
Hiking and scrambling route up Sgurr Dearg (the Inaccessible Pinnacle), Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and Sgurr na Banachdich
A challenging Cuillin ridge day taking in the Inaccessible Pinnacle on Sgurr Dearg, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich, and Sgurr na Banachdich, with exposed scrambling up and an exciting climb-abseil combo on the Pinnacle - best suited to confident scramblers versed in rope-use.
Route outline
Munros | ||||
Ascent | 1450m (4750ft) | |||
Distance | 10km (6m) | |||
Time | 7:00hr | |||
Start/finish | Glenbrittle Memorial Hut Grid Ref : NG412216 | |||
Terrain |
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Effort |
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Scenery |
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High above Coire Lagan in Skye's Black Cuillin, two Munros - Sgurr Dearg and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich - are linked by a dramatic ridge and offer a challenging and memorable outing. Standing on Sgurr Dearg is the Inaccessible Pinnacle, the only Munro requiring a rock climb to reach its true summit. To the north, a detour along the Cuillin Ridge leads to Sgurr na Banachdich, standing above Coire na Banachdich, and offering a slightly less technical yet satisfying finale.
Once Sgurr Dearg is gained, the route largely follows the crest of the Cuillin Ridge, threading together these iconic peaks. The ridge leading to Sgurr na Banachdich begins on easy-ish ground, though the scrambling gradually intensifies, reaching Grade 2 depending on the line taken. Similarly, the route to Sgurr Mhic Choinnich builds to exposed Grade 2 scrambling, requiring care and confidence on the more precarious sections.
The high point of the day - both literally and figuratively - is the ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle, where a narrow 'Moderate' climb up its eastern spine is typically followed by an abseil down the vertical west face. For those with the ability and appetite, the traverse can be extended beyond Sgurr Mhic Choinnich along more demanding sections of ridge to other Cuillin Munros - brief details on these options are included below.
Ordnance Survey maps offer limited clarity for this rugged section of the Cuillin. Instead, the Harvey Superwalker map and the SMC's Scrambles in Skye guidebook are strongly recommended. For increased safety and enjoyment, a professional guide can be invaluable - The Highland Mountain Company provides guided days, 2-day ridge traverses, and 4-day Munro courses tailored to a range of experience levels.
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Route description
1. Getting to Glenbrittle

The Glenbrittle Memorial Hut
From Sligachan on the A87, take the A863 west towards Carbost. Shortly before entering Carbost, turn left at a junction near a rough campsite, following signs for Glen Brittle.
This single-track road, with frequent passing places, crosses moorland and heads through forestry plantations before descending into Glen Brittle. It passes the large car park for the Fairy Pools and continues down the glen past the Glenbrittle Youth Hostel and onto Glenbrittle Memorial Hut.
The route begins by the hut and there is limited parking is available opposite. If full, there is verge side parking elsewhere, but take care not to block entrances or park in passing places.
2. Sgurr Dearg

Waterfall on the Allt Coire na Banachdich and below Sgurr nan Gobhar
A path begins just south of the hut, beside the remnants of old sheep sheilings, and rises gently across grassy slopes. It soon crosses a footbridge over the Allt Coire na Banachdich, then follows the river's southern bank, passing a series of waterfalls.
At a junction with a faint path on the left (leading into Coire na Banachdich), the main route continues ahead. A short distance further, another junction is reached - this time, the fainter path on the left is taken. It aims toward the base of Sgurr Dearg, meandering gently over open moorland (the more defined path continues to Coire Lagan and will be used for the return).
Beyond the lower slopes, the terrain quickly shifts to loose scree and scattered boulders. The path weaves and twists steeply upward. Around the 400m contour, some easy scrambling is encountered while ascending the next 150m of height before the gradient eases and firmer footing is regained.
Higher up, the ground becomes increasingly rocky. At roughly 800m , the route grows more complex. The natural angle of the rock may draw one toward Coire Lagan, but this should be resisted. Instead, the faint path should be followed, keeping close to the crest while on its southern edge.

On Sgurr Dearg's western shoulder looking out to the Outer Hebrides


On Sgurr Dearg's western shoulder looking out to the Outer Hebrides
3. Inaccessible Pinnacle

The Inaccessible Pinnacle with climbers on its crest
From Sgurr Dearg's top, a descent is made over loose stones to reach the base of the Inaccessible Pinnacle. Traversing beneath its southern face, the route curves toward the eastern end, arriving near the top of An Stac .
There may be a short wait, as climbers often gather here, following an informal one-way system - the ascent is made via the eastern crest, with a descent by abseil down the steep western face. Though graded only as a 'Moderate' climb, it is the exposure, not the technicality, that often proves the true challenge.
The climb begins at the base of the rock, with a short ascent up a groove before stepping out onto the narrow crest. The scramble continues directly along and up the crest, with just one moderately difficult move involving a section of rock that feels loose, though it remains well wedged. When roped, the route is often divided into two pitches, with a belay stance midway. The upper half is slightly less steep and generally easier. On the top is the 'Bolster Stone' with most climbers being content to touch it rather than stand atop it !

Abseiling down the Inaccessible Pinnacle's western face

Abseiling down the Inaccessible Pinnacle's western face
4. Sgurr Mhic Choinnich

Sgurr Mhic Choinnich from the top of the An Stac screes
Leaving the summit of Sgurr Dearg , the route drops below the southern side of the Inaccessible Pinnacle. A faint path, etched into the loose scree and stone, is followed downwards - keeping close to the base of solid rock on the left. The path skirts beneath An Stac before briefly swinging southeast. A tempting scree-run veering off to the right (south) should be avoided - it leads only to a dead end.
Continuing eastward, the descent over unstable ground persists, always staying beneath the bulk of An Stac, until the Bealach Coire Lagan is reached - positioned just above the head of the An Stac Screes.
From the bealach, the ridge ahead is traced upward with a short section of easy scrambling around minor rock outcrops, leading onto a welcome flat area that offers a brief pause. A straightforward walk follows, heading south toward the base of Sgurr Mhic Choinnich's northern ridge.
Keeping slightly to the Coire Lagan (east) side of the crest, a scramble up dark rock begins. Route-finding here may involve a little trial and error - look out for crampon scratch marks as clues to the line - but the scrambling remains relatively straightforward.
A small notch in the ridge is crossed, revealing the top of Collie's Ledge off to the right. Remaining on the crest, the route emerges from the nick and continues upward. From here, the scrambling becomes more sustained and notably more exposed. Two key sections are encountered: one, after another minor nick, where a steep knoll requiring a direct climb, and another where keeping to the left (eastern) side of the crest becomes dangerously loose - a slip here would have serious consequences.

Scramblers on Sgurr Mhic Choinnich's crest as seen from near the summit


Scramblers on Sgurr Mhic Choinnich's crest as seen from near the summit
5. Continuing on the Cuillin Ridge

King's Chimney and Coille's Ledge as seen from Sgurr Thearlaich
For those wanting to continue along the Cuillin Ridge, a direct descent from Sgurr Mhic Choinnich can be made by abseiling down King's Chimney.
Alternatively, after returning along Sgurr Mhic Choinnich's northern ridge to the notch , a technically easier route traverses the rather exposed Collie's Ledge.
Both of these routes lead to Bealach Mhic Choinnich, where an exposed, but relatively straightforward scramble climbs to Sgurr Thearlaich.
More information on these can be found on the Cuillin South page.
6. Descent into Coire Lagan and return

Descending the An Stac screes
To begin a return to Glenbrittle, from Sgurr Mhic Choinnich's summit, about turn and return along its northern ridge to Bealach Coire Lagan and the top of the An Stac Screes. For confident scree-runners - and those with sturdy knees - a direct descent of the An Stac Screes is rapid and satisfying. Others may find it laborious.
A path eventually forms, guiding the way down to Lochan Coire Lagan . Though not quite as dramatic as Coire Ghrunnda, Coire Lagan offers a fine, sheltered spot to pause and reflect on the scramble just completed.

Walking out of Coire Lagan, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich behind


Walking out of Coire Lagan, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich behind
7. Sgurr na Banachdich

Descending Sgurr Dearg towards Bealach na Coire Banachdich
Lying to the north of Sgurr Dearg, Sgurr na Banachdich is connected by some of the more straightforward sections of the Cuillin Ridge, though higher up on the crest approaching the summit, things can get a little 'hairy' !
From the summit of Sgurr Dearg, the ridge is followed a short distance northward. To the left (west), a selection of three or four faint paths can be seen threading down stony ground and loose scree. One of these is taken, and the paths soon merge, descending with a little easy scrambling to a small rock window that neatly frames Bla Bheinn to the east. Beyond this, further simple scrambling leads down to Bealach Coire na Banachdich .
Crossing the bealach, the ridge is followed as it curves northwest, bypasses the top of Sron Bhuidhe and begins to rise once more. Initially, the path clings to the crest, but further on, it becomes less defined and eventually splits - one branch heading left below the ridge, the other remaining on the crest itself.
Remaining on the crest involves scrambling that reaches Grade 2, weaving over a couple of minor tops, the higher of which is quite exposed. The left-hand variation avoids the scrambling but requires a descent in height, followed by a re-ascent over steep and loose terrain with some route-finding that can feel uncertain or vague.

View to Blaven from the window


View to Blaven from the window
8. Descent from Sgurr na Banachdich

On Sgurr na Banachdich, In-Pinn behind and view to Rum
The descent from Sgurr na Banachdich down Coir' an Eich is generally straightforward and when taken in reverse is the most straightforward route to reach its summit.
From Sgurr na Banachdich's summit, a path leads northwest and after losing roughly 150 metres of elevation, a fork is reached - here, the right-hand branch is taken, descending into Coir' an Eich. Some scree needs negotiating, but the angle soon lessens and the descent becomes more comfortable.
The path eventually merges with another descending from Coire a' Ghreadaidh, and follows the southern bank of the Allt a' Choire Ghreadaidh.
The trail leads to Glenbrittle Youth Hostel, passing some large and beautiful waterfalls - an uplifting finale to a fine Cuillin outing.
Instead of descending to Glenbrittle from Sgurr na Banachdich, a route northeast from its summit can be made onwards towards Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh and Sgurr a' Mhadaidh - details of this are on the Cuillin South page.
Route profile »

Maps and GPX downloads »
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Download GPX of Sgurr Dearg and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich |
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Download GPX of Sgurr na Banachdich from Sgurr Dearg |
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Open route in OS Maps |
The rock on Skye is magnetic in places and can therefore occasionally render a compass unreliable. Overhanging rock can also interfere with GPS signal.
Information on maps and GPX files is on this page.
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Weather forecasts »
Regional | MWIS - Northwest Highlands |
Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
Seasonal | SAIS - Torridon Midge forecast |
Alternative and nearby routes »
Southern Cuillin ridge | |
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The southern section of the famed Cuillin Ridge contains some of the finest ridge walking and rock-scrambling in the country. Alpine in nature, the summits are airy giving stunning views, quite different from anything else in the UK. Peaks : 8 Munros
Ascent : 2440m (8010ft) Distance : 18km (11m) Time : 9hr |
Sgurr Alasdair from Glenbrittle | |
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Sgurr Alasdair, the highest peak on Skye, is reached from Glenbrittle via Coire Lagan and a steep climb up the Great Stone Chute, followed by a short, exposed scramble to the summit. Peaks : 1 Munro
Ascent : 1025m (3360ft) Distance : 14km (9m) Time : 5:50hr |
Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh and Sgurr a' Mhadaidh | |
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From Glenbrittle, this route follows a path aside the Allt a' Choire Ghreadaidh into Coire an Dorus to then head up a steep scree chute that leads up to the notch of An Dorus from where the two Munros of Sgurr a' Mhadaidh and Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh are tackled. Peaks : 2 Munros
Ascent : 1450m (4760ft) Distance : 10km (6m) Time : 7hr |
Northern Black Cuillin | |
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The peaks of Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Basteir and Bruach na Frithe form a chain at the northern end of the Black Cuillin. When viewed Sligachan they are an impressive sight, though Bruach na Frithe is hidden from view behind the subsidary peak of Sgurr a' Bhasteir. Peaks : 3 Munros
Ascent : 1550m (5090ft) Distance : 15km (9m) Time : 6:45hr |
Sgurr nan Eag and Sgurr Dubh Mor | |
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From Glen Brittle, the route to Sgurr nan Eag and Sgurr Dub Mor at the southern end of the Black Cuillin gradually builds up the grade, culminating in the final ascent of Sgurr Dubh Mor - requiring a few moves up ledges to reach the summit. Peaks : 2 Munros
Ascent : 1380m (4530ft) Distance : 14km (9m) Time : 5:50hr |
