3,235 ft · Isle of Skye, Scotland
Inaccessible Pinnacle
Inaccessible Pinnacle is a 3,235 ft peak in the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The standard route is the East Ridge via Sgurr Dearg: 5 mi, 3,490 ft of gain, Class 5.
Inaccessible Pinnacle at a glance
- Elevation3,235 ft986 m
- RouteEast Ridge via Sgurr DeargClass 5
- Distance5 mi3,490 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeIsle of SkyeScotland
Climbing the East Ridge via Sgurr Dearg
From Sligachan, follow the A863 and the Glen Brittle road to its end. Start from the Glen Brittle Memorial Hut and climb the steep, rough west ridge of Sgùrr Dearg, with a short scramble near the top, to reach the foot of the pinnacle. The summit block is a roped rock climb: the East Ridge is graded Moderate with huge exposure, and the way down is an abseil off the short west side. Class 5. Most Munro baggers hire a mountain guide and carry helmets and harnesses. Queues form on fine days, and wet or windy weather often stops ascents. Loose scree and poor visibility are common on the approach.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Steep exposure
- Knife-edge ridge
- Loose rock
- Low visibility
Quests with Inaccessible Pinnacle
MunrosPeaks near Inaccessible Pinnacle
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Inaccessible Pinnacle?
Inaccessible Pinnacle is 3,235 feet (986 m) tall. It is in the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
How does Inaccessible Pinnacle rank among the Munros?
At 3,235 feet, Inaccessible Pinnacle is the 163rd highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to climb Inaccessible Pinnacle?
The East Ridge via Sgurr Dearg is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 5 miles with 3,490 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Inaccessible Pinnacle?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the East Ridge via Sgurr Dearg, covering 5 miles with 3,490 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is Inaccessible Pinnacle dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a rope to climb Inaccessible Pinnacle?
Most parties bring one. The East Ridge via Sgurr Dearg is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Inaccessible Pinnacle?
The usual climbing window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Inaccessible Pinnacle with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list