Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 3 hikers
Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous
Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
As with many of the Black Cuillin’s Munros, there are no hikes to Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich, only scrambles. Named after John MacKenzie, a legendary early guide on the Cuillin, it is one of the most challenging summits to attain in Britain.
A fortress of black gabbro rock, Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich is an intimidating prospect. The most straightforward route to the summit is via the An Stac screes from Coire Lagan, before a nerve-shredding, exposed, grade 2 scramble along the north ridge.
For those approaching from the south, perhaps taking on the challenge of the Cuillin Traverse, the easiest route is Collie’s Ledge, named after John Norman Collie, another Cuillin legend. The Ledge allows a sensational traverse above Coire Lagan and is also a grade 2 scramble.
As well as adrenaline inducing, adventures on Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich enjoy superb views. The spectacle from the summit is awe-inspiring. Monstrous towers of rock abound, with Sgùrr Alasdair, Skye’s highest peak, rising to a grand pyramid beyond Sgùrr Thearlaich and, in the other direction, the Inaccessible Pinnacle beckons.
Location: Minginish, Isle of Skye, Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom
Sgurr Mhic Choinnich is a 3,111-foot (948 m) Munro mountain in the middle of the Black Cuillin ridge on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It sits next to the Inaccessible Pinnacle which often steals much of the attention but I found the Sgurr Mhic Choinnich ascent more challenging overall.
We trudged up An Stac screes in really grim conditions. No visibility and deep in the wet clag. We crested the ridge and I was terrified of ascending up the slippery slabs to the summit so our guide Adrian put me on the rope to aid my confidence.
It was then that the miracle happened. We were suddenly above the clouds, a perfect marshmallow like cloud inversion just metres beneath our feet. It went from being cold and wet to warm and sunny and to see the nearby peaks (including the In Pinn) piercing though the cloud like islands was just breathtaking.
April 8, 2020
An airy scramble leads to this Munro peak marked by a small cairn and memorial plaque. It's easiest approach is up the scree slopes to its north and along the ridge. A rope is not required however it is scrambling and exposed, so may be worth having.
October 13, 2021
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