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Adrian Trendall, Mountain guide and photographer living on Skye
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Isle of Skye Munros Destination Guide
Photo credit: Adrian Trendall
The beauty of Skye
Adrian Trendall, author of Skye Munros, gives a first-timer's guide to bagging Munros on the Isle of Skye
If you’re drawn to Scotland for its dramatic landscapes, few experiences match bagging the Munros on the Isle of Skye. With twelve peaks crammed into a small area, Skye is a playground for both seasoned mountaineers and ambitious walkers. Jagged ridges rise sharply from lochs and glens, the kind of scenery that leaves you breathless before you even start climbing. Whether you’re after tough hikes, scrambles, or full-on climbs, the island offers it all, and the reward is some of the most spectacular mountain views in Britain.
Discovering Skye
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First-timers’ guide
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Gear is vital:
Gloves (the rocks are rough)
A backpack with food and water
For the more technical Munros, you’ll also need a rope, harness, and helmet, and either the skills to use them or a guide who does.
Safety is paramount. These are remote mountains, so always check the mountain weather forecast, know your limits, and carry the right equipment.
Skye Munros by difficulty
Here’s a breakdown of all twelve Skye Munros, grouped by the experience you’ll need:
Walks (hands-free scrambling, rough terrain only)
Sgurr na Banachdich
Bruach na Frithe
Bla Bheinn
Scrambles (require hands in places, from simple to complex)
Sgurr nan Eag (Grade 1)
Sgurr Alastair (Grade 2)
Sgurr a'Mhadaidh (Grade 2/3)
Sgurr a'Ghreadaidh (Grade 3)
Sgurr Dubh Mor (Grade 2)
Sgurr nan Gillean – south east ridge (Grade 3)
Sgurr Mhic Choinnich (Grade 2)
Rock climbs (graded climbs, may include abseils)
Inaccessible Pinnacle (Moderate rock climb with abseil)
Am Basteir (Difficult rock climb; Bad Step can be bypassed)
Sgurr nan Gillean – west ridge (Moderate rock climb with abseil)
The walks let you enjoy the mountains without technical climbing, while the scrambles vary from manageable exposure to challenging, complex routes. The climbs demand confidence on rock and some experience, with abseiling often required for the descent.
Planning your routes
All the Cuillin Munros start near sea level, so even the “walks” are a good workout. Here are a few classic options:
Bruach na Frithe via Fionn Choire – a tough walk with no scrambling, perfect if you want a steep but straightforward introduction.
Sgurr nan Gillean via the south east ridge – mostly walking, but exposed scrambling leads to one of the most iconic summits on the island.
Inaccessible Pinnacle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg – a full-on rock climb that’s graded moderate, with an abseil off the summit for a memorable finish.
Time per route depends on your fitness, but you should allow a full day for each, particularly for the scrambles and climbs. For refuelling, Glen Brittle campsite has a small shop and coffee bar with almond croissants and the Cuillin Pizza. After Sgurr nan Gillean, celebrate with a drink at Seumas’ Bar in Sligachan.
Safety and preparation
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Why the Skye Munros are worth it
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