Sgurr na Banachdich
Sgurr na Banachdich - Munro peak in the heart of Skye's Black Cuillin
Sitting at the heart of the Black Cuillin, Sgurr na Banachdich is one of the more accessible Skye Munros, yet offers options for adventurous scramblers on its airy ridges. A superb summit for both views and versatility.Sgurr na Banachdich
| Height | 965m |
| Prominence | 114m |
| Meaning | peak of smallpox (or peak of the milkmaid) |
| Lists | Munros, 191 |
| Location | Black Cuillin of Skye, Inner Hebrides |
| Grid Ref | NG440224 |
| Lat/Lon | 57.22101, -6.2424 |
Sgurr na Banachdich stands proudly in the centre of the Cuillin Ridge, making it a key junction peak in this complex and dramatic range. Its broad summit offers outstanding views and a peaceful place to pause - an ideal reward for those reaching it by either direct ascent or via the ridge from neighbouring Munros.
The mountain rises where three ridges converge: to the west, a rugged ridge drops toward Sgurr nan Gobhar; to the southeast, a narrow ridge (Grade 2/3 depending on route choice) undulates toward Bealach Coire na Banachdich; to the northeast, a slightly more broken ridge (Grade 1/2) leads over Sgurr Thormaid and its 'three teeth' toward Coire a' Ghreadaidh.
When climbed directly from Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich, Sgurr na Banachdich is often described as one of the more achievable Cuillin Munros. The route begins with grassy slopes and turns to scree higher up. While the terrain is manageable for most hillwalkers, navigation can be challenging in mist, especially near the summit where paths are faint and the terrain confusing.
Routes up Sgurr na Banachdich
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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