Sgùrr na Banachdich

Halfway along the infamous Black Cuillin Ridge on the magical Isle of Skye, Sgùrr na Banachdich is a mighty yet attainable triple-peaked mountain. Alongside Bruach na Frithe, it is the most straightforward of the Cuillin Munros to ascend and takes those who climb it right into the midst of Britain’s most spectacular ridge.

Most routes start from Glen Brittle, an obvious base containing a number of accommodation options, and ascend via a scenic gorge and cascading falls. The most straightforward way to the top is via Coir’ an Eich and, unusually for the Cuillin, contains virtually no scrambling, though the terrain is still rough with much scree to contend with. Alternatively, the route over the ridge Sgùrr nan Gobhar is a tricky grade II scramble, while connections along the ridge are even more technical.

The vista from the summit is astonishing. An heady apex on the hinge where the main ridge changes direction, Sgùrr na Banachdich enjoys sensational views of the Cuillin’s jagged peaks and deep corries, the awe-inspiring remains of an ancient magma chamber.