Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg up Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle: route map, distance and time
986 m · Highland
The Inaccessible Pinnacle on Sgurr Dearg is a 986m Munro on Skye, a blade of gabbro that needs rope and climbing skills to reach the top.
A rough path and scramble climb the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg to the foot of the pinnacle. The pinnacle itself is a roped rock climb.
Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg at a glance
| Distance | 4.1 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 999 m |
| Time up | 2h 30m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 20m, down the same way |
| Grade | Scramble |
| Start | Glenbrittle (Coire na Banachdich path) |
| Start grid reference | NG 410 214 |
| Summit grid reference | NG 444 215 |
Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 0m | 2h 40m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 30m | 3h 20m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 0m | 4h 5m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 08:07, sunset 18:12. Start by 13:52 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 08:09, sunset 18:09. Start by 13:49 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle summit weather for this route
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Marginal Today Monday 19 October
Mostly dry, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -5°C, summit wind 39 mph gusting 48 mph, 7% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 08:07, sunset 18:12.
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Poor Tomorrow Tuesday 20 October
Moderate rain, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -2°C, summit wind 42 mph gusting 53 mph, 86% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 08:09, sunset 18:09.
Best day of the next seven for Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg: Monday 19 October, with summit gusts around 48 mph and a 7% chance of rain.
Cloud inversion tomorrow morning: 0% (Low), best around 05:00. 7-day inversion outlook.
Hour-by-hour Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Northwest Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -5°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 48 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle
The Inaccessible Pinnacle on Sgurr Dearg is a 986m Munro on Skye, a blade of gabbro that needs rope and climbing skills to reach the top. More about Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Sgurr Mhic Choinnich (948 m), 0.8 km south-east
- Sgurr na Banachdich Central Top (942 m), 0.8 km north-west
- Sgurr Alasdair (992 m), 1 km south-east
- Sgurr Thearlaich (977 m), 1 km south-east
- Sgurr na Banachdich (965 m), 1 km north-west
- Sgurr Sgumain (948 m), 1 km south-east
Challenges that include Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle
More walks from Glenbrittle
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Glenbrittle via Coire Lagan and the Great Stone Chute up Sgurr Alasdair
- Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich up Sgurr na Banachdich
- Glenbrittle via Sgurr na Banachdich up Sgurr Thormaid
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NG 410 214, the summit at NG 444 215), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg: questions and answers
How far is Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg?
Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg is 4.1 km one way to the summit of Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle, with 999 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 8.2 km.
How long does Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg take?
About 2h 30m to the summit of Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle and 3h 20m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 5m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg?
Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg starts from Glenbrittle (Coire na Banachdich path). The grid reference is NG 410 214.
Is Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg suitable for beginners?
No. It is a scramble: you use your hands on rock, often with big drops below. Go with someone experienced, on a dry and calm day.
What time should I start Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg today?
By 13:52 at the latest. Sunset on Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle today is 18:12, Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg takes about 3h 20m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Glenbrittle via the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).