Inaccessible Pinnacle, Sgurr Dearg

Height	985.8m
Prominence	187m
Meaning	red peak
Lists	Munros, 163
Location	Black Cuillin of Skye, Inner Hebrides
Grid Ref	NG444215
Lat/Lon	57.21349, -6.23581

Situated in the southern half of Skye's Black Cuillin, Sgurr Dearg stands as the second-highest peak in the range. Its ridges extend north to Sgurr na Banachdich, south to Sgurr Mhic Choinnich, and westward down toward Glenbrittle.

Unlike much of the Cuillin, which is dominated by gabbro, Sgurr Dearg is composed largely of basalt. Perched strikingly atop Sgurr Dearg is the famous Inaccessible Pinnacle - a narrow, fin-like blade of gabbro rock that dramatically overshoots the mountain's summit.

The Inaccessible Pinnacle, also affectionately known as the 'In-Pinn', marks the true summit of Sgurr Dearg, and for Munro-baggers, it represents the most difficult of all Munros to climb.

Reaching the top of Sgurr Dearg itself is fairly straightforward for experienced hillwalkers. Approaches are typically made from Glenbrittle via Coire Lagan or the mountain's western ridge. The summit offers breathtaking views across the Cuillin Ridge, with particularly fine outlooks south to Sgurr Alasdair and west to the sea cliffs above Glenbrittle.

The ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle is graded as a 'Moderate' climb, requiring a head for heights, confidence in exposed terrain, and the ability to abseil from the summit.

The exposure here is sensational - once memorably described as 'infinite on one side and even further on the other'. The gabbro is solid and grippy, though one wedged block about halfway up can feel slightly loose (it is widely regarded as secure, but caution is advised). Most parties split the climb into two pitches, using a natural belay ledge about halfway up.

Atop the Pinnacle sits the Bolster Stone, the true high point. Most climbers are happy simply to touch it, though some will carefully scramble onto its tiny, airy summit. Just beneath it, a metal sling has been installed to facilitate the 20m abseil down the sheer west face - the standard descent.

Routes up Inaccessible Pinnacle

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In-Pinn, Choinnich and 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. Peaks : 2 Munros, option of additional Munro Ascent : 1450m (4760ft) Distance : 10km (6m) Time : 7hr

Southern Cuillin ridge
	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

Nearby hills and mountains

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