Munro · Skye & The Small Isles
Sgurr nan Gillean
Sgurr nan Gillean (966m) is a steep, rocky peak in the volcanic mountains of Skye and the Small Isles. It shares ridgeline connections with neighbouring hills, making it a natural addition to a longer day combining two or three summits. The summit, marked by rock beside cairn, gives views of the Cuillin Ridge, the Atlantic Ocean and the Outer Hebrides. The nearest town is Fort William in Highland.
Gaelic: “sharp, rocky peak” · Pronunciation: skoor
Quick facts
- Height
- 966m/ 3170ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 850 m
- Time
- 4.8 hrs
- Difficulty
- 5 / 5Expert
- Grid ref
- NG471252
- Parking
- NG453238
- Nearest city
- Fort William
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 17km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 17km with 850m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross rough moorland and coastal grassland. Higher up, the terrain changes to gabbro and basalt rock — superb grip on Cuillin gabbro, loose scree on Red Hills granite. Good paths on tourist routes but serious mountaineering terrain in the Cuillin — the rock is excellent but the exposure is real. The summit is marked by rock beside cairn.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Good paths on tourist routes but serious mountaineering terrain in the Cuillin — the rock is excellent but the exposure is real. The connecting ridges to adjacent hills are well-defined but involve noticeable re-ascent.
In winter
In winter, Sgurr nan Gillean is a serious proposition. Maritime conditions with heavy rainfall, low cloud and salt-laden winds. The Cuillin in winter is Grade I mountaineering at minimum. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 45m
- Edinburgh4h 29m
OS maps: OS Landranger 32
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:51
- Sunset
- 20:55
- Civil dawn
- 05:06
- Civil dusk
- 21:39
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026