Sgurr na Banachdich [Sgurr na Banachdaich]

Sgurr na Banachdich [Sgurr na Banachdaich]

Sgurr na Banachdich is a Munro on Skye’s main Cuillin ridge. The current DoBIH record, number 1245, gives 965.5 m (3168 ft), a 114 m drop and a cairn at NG 44051 22436. The separately named Central Top is a different summit. Walkhighlands translates the name as Smallpox Peak.

Glenbrittle Youth Hostel return

The standard Walkhighlands outing starts and finishes at the hostel-side parking near NG409225. Its complete return is 7.5 km, with 936 m ascent and a published 5–7 hour duration.

Take the waterfall path, then the moorland branch towards Coir an Eich. Cross the burn and gain the grassy ridge leading to An Diallaid. Pass its crag on the right and continue over the shallow col and rough western slope to the main summit. Return along the same line. This is a strenuous climb over grass, scree and rock even though sustained scrambling is avoidable on the correct standard route.

Keep back from the sheer eastern drops and be especially cautious in mist. The view takes in Loch Coruisk, neighbouring Cuillin peaks and, in clear conditions, islands beyond Glen Brittle.

Ridge routes require different skills

The Sgurr nan Gobhar alternative adds scrambling. The UKHillwalking three-Munro circuit continues over Sgurr Thormaid to Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh and Sgurr a’ Mhadaidh. Dan Bailey grades that circuit a serious, committing Grade 3 scramble and identifies no viable escape from the ridge after Banachdich until An Dorus. Its exposed climbing and possible need for a rope or guide must not be confused with the standard return. No distance or time from that circuit is used here.

Rock and landscape

This is the Palaeogene Cuillin igneous complex. The Geological Society of Glasgow field guide places this part of the main ridge within the Outer Layered Series, penetrated by many tholeiitic sheets. Gabbroic and related basic igneous rocks are characteristic of the western Cuillin; the old description of a Lewisian gneiss-and-schist mountain was inaccurate.

Access and preparation

Parking around the hostel and bridge is limited. Obey signs and keep the single-track road, bridge, passing places and hostel access clear; guest parking is not automatically day-walker parking. The campsite is farther south and is not the start used for these totals.

Hostelling Scotland confirms there is no public transport to the hostel. Arrange both journeys in advance. Its usual season is April–September, so refreshments and indoor facilities are not assured outside that period or for non-residents. The operator also reports very limited mobile signal and advises boiling its private-supply water before use.

Carry your own water and food, warm waterproof layers, a map, compass and backup navigation. The Royal Scottish Geographical Society warns that magnetic Cuillin rock can interfere with compass navigation. Cross-check your position against terrain and a suitable backup rather than trusting a compass bearing alone, especially in cloud. Wet rock, loose scree, swollen burns, strong winds and cloud can substantially increase difficulty. Snow and ice turn this into a winter-mountaineering problem. Turn back before conditions or the terrain exceed your skills.