Sgurr Mhic Choinnich
Sgurr Mhic Choinnich - rugged peak overlooking Coire Lagan
A dramatic peak in the southern Black Cuillin, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich is a basalt summit overlooking Coire Lagan. Reached by exposed scrambling (up to Grade 2/3) from Bealach Coire Lagan, it offers thrilling ridge walking - and, for those continuing south, the King's Chimney abseil or Collie's Ledge traverse.Sgurr Mhic Choinnich
| Height | 948.1m |
| Prominence | 56m |
| Meaning | Mackenzie's peak |
| Lists | Munros, 217 |
| Location | Black Cuillin of Skye, Inner Hebrides |
| Grid Ref | NG450210 |
| Lat/Lon | 57.20915, -6.22454 |
Standing boldly above Coire Lagan in the southern Cuillin, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich is one of the most characterful Munro summits on Skye. Though not among the highest, its distinctive ridges and sheer drops make it a challenging and rewarding peak to climb.
The upper mountain is composed mainly of basalt, and when viewed from below in Coire Lagan, its dark northern ridge rises gradually before the skyline breaks dramatically into the plunging drop of its southern cliffs.
The most common approach to the summit is from Bealach Coire Lagan, reached either from Sgurr Dearg or directly from Coire Lagan via the An Stac Screes. From the bealach, the northern ridge of Sgurr Mhic Choinnich offers a fine scramble up to Grade 2/3, with occasional trial-and-error route finding required to pick the best line.
Continuing southward along the Cuillin Ridge from Sgurr Mhic Choinnich is not straightforward. The ridge abruptly drops from the summit, which requires an abseil descending down King's Chimney into Bealach Mhic Choinnich below.
For those not equipped to abseil, Collie's Ledge (also known as Hart's Ledge) offers a remarkable alternative. This narrow and exposed ledge curves around the western face of Sgurr Mhic Choinnich, offering access to the bealach without too much scrambling.
Routes up Sgurr Mhic Choinnich
In-Pinn, Choinnich and Banachdich | |
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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 | |
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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 |
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