3,163 ft · Isle of Skye, Scotland
Sgùrr nan Gillean
Sgùrr nan Gillean is a 3,163 ft peak in the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The standard route is the Tourist Route: 7 mi, 3,230 ft of gain, Class 4.
Sgùrr nan Gillean at a glance
- Elevation3,163 ft964 m
- RouteTourist RouteClass 4
- Distance7 mi3,230 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeIsle of SkyeScotland
Climbing the Tourist Route
From Portree, drive south on the A87 to Sligachan and turn onto the A863. Start from the Sligachan lay-by, leaving the Mountain Rescue entrance clear, and follow the path over the Allt Dearg Mòr and up into Coire Riabhach. Rough ground and scree lead to the Tourist Route on the southeast ridge, a sustained Grade 2/3 scramble (Class 4) that ends across a very narrow, exposed crest to the summit. Many parties rope up for the top section. The upper corrie is hard to navigate in mist, and the rock is greasy after rain. Sgùrr Beag nearby offers an easier summit if you turn back.
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
- Steep exposure
- Knife-edge ridge
- Route-finding difficulty
- Slippery terrain
- Low visibility
Quests with Sgùrr nan Gillean
MunrosPeaks near Sgùrr nan Gillean
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Sgùrr nan Gillean?
Sgùrr nan Gillean is 3,163 feet (964 m) tall. It is in the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
How does Sgùrr nan Gillean rank among the Munros?
At 3,163 feet, Sgùrr nan Gillean is the 191st highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to climb Sgùrr nan Gillean?
The Tourist Route is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 3,230 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Sgùrr nan Gillean?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Tourist Route, covering 7 miles with 3,230 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Sgùrr nan Gillean dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious 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 Sgùrr nan Gillean?
Most parties bring one. The Tourist Route is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Sgùrr nan Gillean?
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 Sgùrr nan Gillean 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