Bruach na Frithe

Bruach na Frithe

Bruach na Frithe is a 958.8 m Munro on the Black Cuillin ridge, Isle of Skye. It is a less technical summit by the ordinary Fionn Choire line, but still a demanding mountain day. The northwest ridge is a distinct scrambling option.

Summit and geology

The high point is a rock 4 m south of the trig point, at NG 46089 25188 and 958.8 m. DoBIH records the outcrop 100 m northeast as 2 m lower.

Bruach na Frithe belongs to the Cuillin igneous complex. The Geological Conservation Review describes Outer Marginal Gabbros and contacts with surrounding lavas northwest of the hill. Basalt dykes and shattered rock are encountered on the northwest ridge; these rocks form the mountain’s rugged slopes.

Fionn Choire from Sligachan: summit and return

Start at the A863 lay-by near Sligachan (NG484296). Follow the signed bypass of Alltdearg House and the Allt Dearg Mòr path, then branch into Fionn Choire. Climb the corrie to Bealach na Lice, take the scree path below Sgùrr a' Fionn Choire and skirt the low crags on the final ascent. Return by the same line to Sligachan. This summit-only outing excludes the optional Sgùrr a' Bhasteir detour and northwest-ridge descent. It crosses steep, rough and partly pathless ground; real scrambling can be avoided in snow-free conditions.

Northwest ridge and Sgùrr a’ Bhasteir circuit

UKHillwalking's complete Sligachan circuit (NG483297) ascends the northwest ridge crest to Bruach na Frithe, descends east to Bealach na Lice, crosses Sgùrr a' Bhasteir and descends its northeast ridge into Coire a' Bhasteir, returning beside Allt Dearg Beag. The guide gives 12.8 km, 948 m ascent and 5–6 hours for the full round. The northwest crest reaches Grade 2 scrambling; the northeast descent is Grade 1, with exposure and loose rock. Do not descend Basteir Gorge itself: the described west-side slabs are hazardous when wet or icy. Optional side excursions are not necessary to this circuit. This is a separate scrambling objective from the Fionn Choire return. The northwest ridge becomes winter grade I/II under full winter conditions.

Conditions and navigation

Cloud can obscure the route among the pinnacles near Bealach na Lice. Compass readings may be affected by the rocks. Loose scree and rock demand care, and leaving the intended line can lead onto much steeper ground. Continuing south on the main Cuillin ridge soon involves unavoidable rock climbing; Am Basteir is a separate technical objective.

Snow can turn the scree traverse below Sgùrr a’ Fionn Choire into exposed, consequential winter ground. Winter ascents require appropriate ice-axe and crampon skills. UKHillwalking grades the northwest ridge I/II in full winter conditions; this is not its summer scrambling grade.

Access and facilities

Walkhighlands starts at the lay-by on the A863 Dunvegan road near Sligachan, grid NG484296. Use permitted roadside spaces and follow local signs; keep the cottage track and emergency access clear.

Stagecoach Bluebird’s published service 52 timetable lists Sligachan Hotel between Portree and Broadford. Check the timetable for your travel date and return journey; school-day and seasonal patterns differ. The walking start is on the A863 nearby.

Sligachan Hotel provides accommodation, meals and Seumas’ Bar near the road start. Check current opening arrangements with the hotel.

Follow current local signs and reasonable alternative-route requests for land management. Deer management may occur year-round.

Name, setting and history

Walkhighlands translates the Gaelic name as “Slope of the Deer Forest”.

The summit gives a broad view along the Cuillin ridge. Am Basteir, the Basteir Tooth and Sgùrr a’ Fionn Choire dominate the approach near Bealach na Lice.

Sligachan, the usual starting settlement, has a long association with Cuillin mountaineering. The hotel records that it has served walkers and mountaineers since 1830.