The Cuillins of Skye are a spectacular range that is incredibly popular with mountain climbers from around the globe. The Skye mountaineer B. H. Humble wrote "They are the most notable mountains in Britain and have no equal in all the world". Though it may be said that he may have been biased there is clearly some truth in his statement as you can see from the image to your left.
(click image to go to the Cuillins of Skye Gallery)

The Cuillins consist of two well defined groups of hills separated by Glen Sligachan and Strath Creitheach, the valley extending south from the Sligachan Hotel for eight miles (13.52 km) to Camasunary on the shores of Loch Scavaig. If you click on the image to the right a large map of Skye showing the peaks of The Cuillins will open in a new window. Please allow time for the image to load and we would suggest saving it and viewing it in an image viewing application.

Mountaineering has not always been a popular sport and is a comparitively modern pastime. In 1836 Professor James Forbes (Professor of Natural Philosophy [Physics] at Glasgow University) made the first ascent of Sgurr nan Gillean with Duncan MacIntyre (forester to Lord MacDonald) as his guide. Another early climber was Rev. C. Lesingham Smith who, in 1835, made his way from Sligachan to Coruisk taking a different route on the way back.

Many well-known mountaineers have climbed in the Cuillin including F.S. Smythe, N.N. Odell, George Mallory and Howard Somerwell. One local climber, John Mackenzie, climbed Sgurr nan Gillean at the age of 10 and at the age of 14 he climbed Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh. John Mackenzie was born at Sconser in 1856 and for some fifty years he climbed the Cuillins with both novices and experts.

On the next page is a list of the Cuillin Peaks in order of altitude. You may also find our page on the Placenames of Skye of interest.

Skye and the Hebrides Rock & Ice Climbs

Scottish Mountaineering Club Climbers' Guide

If you are thinking of climbing in the Cuillins this book is the best source of information. It is in an easy pocket size and jam packed full of all the details and diagrams you will need for your adventure.
An absolute must buy.

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