Isle of Skye

Sgùrr na Banachdich

965 metres · 1 detailed route

Munro Planner Route Library

Compare the routes and their weather before choosing your walk.

Today and tomorrow’s route comparison is loading…

Sgùrr na Banachdich

Sgùrr na Banachdich

Route overview

This direct outing ascends Sgùrr na Banachdich, widely regarded as the most straightforward Munro summit on the Cuillin Ridge. Starting from Glen Brittle, the route offers a relatively short but steep climb, transitioning from pleasant riverside paths to rugged mountain terrain. The summit rewards walkers with breathtaking, close-up views of the ridge's dramatic peaks and the deep trench of Loch Coruisk.

Terrain and underfoot

The walk begins on a well-constructed path before branching onto a fainter, muddier trail across open moorland. After crossing a burn, the ascent becomes increasingly steep and rugged, climbing grassy slopes that give way to loose scree, stones, and boulder fields. Simple route-finding is required to weave through low crags near the top. The final summit ridge borders extremely steep cliffs and sudden drops, demanding careful footing.

Distance
7.3 km
Ascent
958 m
Typical time
3.5 - 4 hoursStandard moving time
Your time

Start tracking walks in the app to get personalised route timings that suit your walking pace.

Get the app Sign in
Munros
1

Getting there and parking

Driving and parking

Glen Brittle hostel bridge verges

The routes start beside the bridge at Glenbrittle Youth Hostel. Follow roadside parking signs and keep the bridge and road clear.

Informal gravel roadside margins near the bridge. Keep the bridge, road and hostel access clear.

Before you go
The hostel’s limited parking is a guest facility, not public hillwalking overflow.
Sources checked 2 October 2026

Loading route and summit forecasts…

Make a plan for Sgùrr na Banachdich

On foot

Plan your own route

Create your own walking route to Sgùrr na Banachdich on OS maps. Choose a start point, click along the paths you want to follow, and check the distance and ascent as you plan. The map opens centred on the summit.

Plan your own route to Sgùrr na Banachdich →

On the road

Fit a Munro into your journey

Enter where you’re driving from and to. Find Munros along the way, compare detour times and check which have the best forecast.

Find Munros on your drive →

Making a few days of it? Find a base near Sgùrr na Banachdich, with checked drive times to nearby Munros. Sign in to prioritise the ones you’ve still to climb.

Guidebook & paper maps

The Munros

Scottish Mountaineering Club · 4th edition (2021)

  • M190 · p. 354
View on Amazon (paid link)

Walking the Munros · Volume 2

Cicerone

Northern Highlands and the Cairngorms

  • Guide route 50 · p. 212

Latest edition: 4th (2022). Edition of page references unconfirmed.

View on Amazon (paid link)

Skye Munros

Adrian Trendall · 2026 · Cicerone

The South Central Three MunrosVolume 2 · Guide route 3 · p. 51

  • Volume 1 · Munro description · p. 36Volume 2 · Munro section · p. 69
    Other sections

    Section is 'Sgurr Dearg to Sgurr na Banachdich'; Descent from Sgurr na Banachdich p72

View on Amazon (paid link)

The Munro Almanac

Cameron McNeish · 2011

Skye and Mull

  • Munro description · p. 128

100 Best Routes on Scottish Mountains

Ralph Storer · 1997

The Coire a' Ghreadaidh Skyline (Skye)Guide route 95 · p. 196

Page numbers vary by edition.

OS Explorer · 1:25,000
  • 411Skye – Cuillin Hills
OS Landranger · 1:50,000
  • 32South Skye & Cuillin Hills

Summit locations only, not the approach or return route.

Check sheets with Ordnance Survey

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mountain planning note

Route times and descriptions are planning estimates. Recheck mountain weather, access, daylight, river levels and your own experience before setting out.