Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich up Sgurr na Banachdich: route map, distance and time
965 m · Highland · OS grid NG440224
Sgurr na Banachdich is a 965m Munro in the Black Cuillin of Skye, among the more approachable Cuillin summits from Glenbrittle.
A path climbs into the grassy corrie, then scree and rock lead onto the west ridge and up to the summit.
Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich at a glance
| Distance | 4.9 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 1,065 m |
| Time up | 2h 45m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 45m, down the same way |
| Grade | Hard |
| Start | Glenbrittle (youth hostel area) |
| Start grid reference | NG 410 214 |
| Summit grid reference | NG440224 |
Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich 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 Coir' an Eich takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 15m | 3h 5m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 45m | 3h 45m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 20m | 4h 35m |
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 13:27 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 08:09, sunset 18:09. Start by 13:24 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Sgurr na Banachdich summit weather for this route
-
Poor Today Monday 19 October
Mostly dry, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -5°C, summit wind 40 mph gusting 49 mph, 7% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 08:07, sunset 18:12.
-
Poor Tomorrow Tuesday 20 October
Slight rain, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 44 mph gusting 56 mph, 86% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 08:09, sunset 18:09.
Best day of the next seven for Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich: Thursday 22 October, with summit gusts around 29 mph and a 80% chance of rain.
Cloud inversion tomorrow morning: 0% (Low), best around 05:00. 7-day inversion outlook.
Hour-by-hour Sgurr na Banachdich forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Sgurr na Banachdich?
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 49 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 na Banachdich
Sgurr na Banachdich is a 965m Munro in the Black Cuillin of Skye, among the more approachable Cuillin summits from Glenbrittle. More about Sgurr na Banachdich, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, HuMP.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Sgurr na Banachdich Central Top (942 m), 0.2 km south-east
- Sgurr Thormaid (926 m), 0.2 km north
- Sgurr a Ghreadaidh South Top (970 m), 0.7 km north-east
- Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh South Top (970 m), 0.7 km north-east
- Sgurr a Ghreadaidh (972 m), 0.8 km north-east
- Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh (972 m), 0.8 km north-east
Challenges that include Sgurr na Banachdich
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 the west ridge of Sgurr Dearg up Sgurr Dearg - Inaccessible Pinnacle
- 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 NG440224), 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 Coir' an Eich: questions and answers
How far is Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich?
Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich is 4.9 km one way to the summit of Sgurr na Banachdich, with 1,065 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 9.8 km.
How long does Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich take?
About 2h 45m to the summit of Sgurr na Banachdich and 3h 45m 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 35m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich?
Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich starts from Glenbrittle (youth hostel area). The grid reference is NG 410 214.
Is Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich suitable for beginners?
Not as a first mountain. Peakify grades it Hard: steep, rough ground where a slip matters. Build up on an easier route first.
What time should I start Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich today?
By 13:27 at the latest. Sunset on Sgurr na Banachdich today is 18:12, Glenbrittle via Coir' an Eich takes about 3h 45m 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 Coir' an Eich?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).