Inaccessible Pinnacle, Sgùrr Dearg

Height	986m
Prominence	187m
Meaning	red peak
Lists	Munros (M162)
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, Sgùrr Dearg stands as the second-highest peak in the range. Its ridges extend north to Sgùrr na Banachdich, south to Sgùrr Mhic Chòinnich, and westward down toward Glenbrittle.

Unlike much of the Cuillin, which is dominated by gabbro, Sgùrr Dearg is composed largely of basalt. Perched strikingly atop Sgùrr 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 Sgùrr Dearg, and for Munro-baggers, it represents the most difficult of all Munros to climb.

Reaching the top of Sgùrr Dearg itself is fairly straightforward for experienced hillwalkers. Approaches are typically made from Glenbrittle via Coire Làgan or the mountain's western ridge. The summit offers breathtaking views across the Cuillin Ridge, with particularly fine outlooks south to Sgùrr 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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Inaccessible Pinnacle & Sgùrr Mhic Chòinnich
	A demanding Cuillin day with airy scrambles on Sgùrr Dearg, Sgùrr Mhic Chòinnich & Sgùrr na Banachdich—includes the In Pinn climb and abseil. Peaks : 2 Munros, option of additional Munro Ascent : 1450m (4760ft) Distance : 10km (6m) Time : 7hr

Southern Cuillin Ridge Munros Traverse
	Traverse and scramble the Cuillin Ridge from Sgùrr nan Eag to Sgùrr a' Mhadaidh, including the In Pinn, Sgùrr Alasdair & Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich. Peaks : 8 Munros Ascent : 2440m (8010ft) Distance : 18km (11m) Time : 9hr

Nearby hills and mountains

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