Sgurr nan Eag (Aug 2014)

PLEASE NOTE: The GPX trace on this route is for use as a guide only, its accuracy may change depending on the scale of map you are using. Use in combination with judgement and a paper map. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk. Trail magazine, Copyright Bauer Media Limited.



Distance 14km (8¾ miles)
Total ascent 1302m
Time 7 hours
Start/finish Glenbrittle campsite (NG413204)
Terrain good path leads into the hills after which the route is almost entirely scrambling, some of which is Grade 2 and exposed.
Accommodation Glenbrittle Campsite (01478) 640404; Glenbrittle Youth Hostel (01478) 640278; Cuillin Lodge self-catering (01883) 715301
Public transport to Skye (no public transport to route start from main road) www.stagecoachbus. com, www.citylink.co.uk, Traveline Scotland 0871 200 2233; Kyle of Lochalsh railway station is the nearest: Scotrail www.scotrail.co.uk

Tourist info Portree Information Centre (01478) 612137

Thoughts of Skye fill the imagination with possibilities and plans. The mountains there are like nothing else in the UK, and although there’s something for everyone from coastal paths to a fine day’s hillwalking, the Cuillin are what lives in the daydreams of hill lovers  the most. Small in area  but mighty in form and reputation, the Cuillin’s black ridges and peaks are a scrambler’s paradise. We’re going on a route that reads like a greatest hits of Skye mountain features.

We have a seaside start and a walk-in over heather moorland with the ridge looming in front  of us the whole way. Boiler-plate 
(overlapping and undercut) slabs are negotiated to reach a 700m high loch, where the ridge is accessed via scree and a tumbling boulder field. Then we have the ridge and a string of peaks along it – always airy, sometimes exposed and permanently thrilling – before  a long scree run takes us down to the heather and a long walk-out with views of  the day's endeavours to enjoy. It’s a fantastic day on the hill, and the scrambling is some of the most accessible in the Cuillin.

I’ve suggested the easier lines on the route but there is still some exposure. The rock is grippy, the holds are there, so just take your time and savour the experience. It should be  noted that it’s worth planning ahead  how to get to the start at Glenbrittle,  as there’s presently no public transport and it’s a long way off the beaten track.
NG413204 Glenbrittle campsite is the start point, and it’s a perfect spot: grassy, quiet, and with a beach and the Cuillin rising dramatically to the east. Cars can be parked nearby or at the campsite for a fee. Walk through the campsite past the toilet block, pass through a gate and follow the stone-built path that climbs towards the hills. Keep right at the first junction and follow the path as it climbs heathery terrain. 

NG436198 The path becomes rougher and climbs higher as you pass Coire Lagan and contour below Sron na Ciche. The track continues through increasingly rocky terrain and turns into Coir’ a’ Ghrunnda, where you are greeted by the impressive sight of huge boiler-plate slabs lining the corrie floor and walls. 

NG447193 Keep to the left wall of the corrie and follow the track that makes its way to the top edge of the huge slabs that curve down to the Allt Coir a’ Ghrunnda, which runs below. It’s airy and prepares you for what’s to come next. You next reach the corrie headwall where you scramble a series of easy pitches to reach the lip of the corrie.

NG450202 Loch Coir’ a’ Ghrunnda is awesome. With deep green waters surrounded by dramatic rock, it’s a place to linger and explore as well as a last chance to refill water bottles. Circle the loch over smooth slabs and pick a route into the boulder field on the far side, where you start climbing. Climb to the bealach and squeeze through the rock window at the top.
NG454202 The view that greets you is stunning. An Garbh-choire tumbles to Loch Coruisk in a chaos of crags and slabs with Blabheinn’s solid outline standing beyond. You can enjoy the views as a path winds around the back of the An Caisteal rock tower on easier ground, which continues to the foot of Sgurr nan Eag’s west ridge. To the right of the crest there’s an easier line that is no less dramatic and climbs to the summit ridge on a fun scramble with good holds and very little exposure. The crest is rejoined and the summit is a cairn built on a small crag, which needs a few scrambling moves to reach.

NG457195 As fine a viewpoint as this is, it’s not over yet. The ridge is wider ahead, but soon descends steeply and roughly to the head of Coire nan Laogh. Climb the rocky ridge to the airy top of Sgurr a Choire Bhig and follow the crest of the grassy ridge and negotiate some small airy rocky outcrops before the last scramble to the sharp top of Gars-bheinn, a perch above the sea.
NG468187 Descend on loose scree and then grass and heather, then contour west below the ridge.

NG432199 Pick up the path on the far side of the river and follow it back to your outward path and back to Glenbrittle.