Minginish and the Cuillin Hills

The Northern Cuillin Munros on Skye

by Colin Lamont · Published June 14, 2016 · Updated June 28, 2016

Statistics

Area: Minginish and the Cuillin Hills

Munros: Am Basteir, Bruach na Frithe, Sgurr nan Gillean and Sgurr Mhic Choinnich

Date walked: 03/10/2012

Time taken: 9 hours

Distance: 13 km

Ascent: 1350m

The Walk

Well after our great adventure on Skye in May we were back to do our remaining four Munros on Skye. Tuesday doesn’t look good, we wake up to torrential rain… But after an hours delay we get a call from Graham (our guide) and we’re good to go.

Back in May, we had to turn back from Sgurr nan Gillean due to some late season snow, but this time we’re luckier with the weather and ascend via the western ridge. There’s a wee spot of climbing but nothing too difficult, and as ever, Graham’s on hand showing you the holds…

Before long we’re on the airy perch of Sgurr nan Gillean; there’s just about enough space for us to cut some shapes…

Then it’s off to Am Bastier and then Bruach na Frithe to complete the North end of the ridge… And that just leaves Sgurr Mhic Choinnich to complete the Skye Munro.
Wednesday appears almost suddenly and we tackle Sgurr Mhic Choinnich. We are soon at the top and heading again for the Inn Pin. There are some newcomers to the group that have not climbed the Inn Pin and this is there chance. We are also carrying some champagne up the hill, and all being well we’re in for a day of celebrations as Andrew is going to propose to Victoria at the top of the Inn Pin.
Sgurr Mhic Choinnich is fun; a good scramble but nothing too technical, though you could easily get yourself into problems here without your trusty guide, yep our Graham is with us again.

After some champagne and congratulations we head off the hillside and back to the lodge for some celebrations and fireworks.

I have to say a special word here for Andrew. I never had plans to walk the Munros on Skye but I am sure I would have been able to work something out over the years. However Andrew made it easy for me. With his invite to the Skye Boat Lodge twice this year, the guiding, the accommodation, the banter, the drink, the songs, the friendships that developed and of course completing the Munros in due course Andrew deserves a special thanks. So Thanks hahaha.