James Roddie starts and ends a day on Bruach na Frithe at the famous Sligachan Hotel – frequented by climbers and mountaineers since the 1830’s.
Many of the UK’s most technically challenging summits can be found in one small area on the Isle of Skye – the Black Cuillin. There are 11 Munros on the Cuillin Ridge, along with neighbouring Bla Bheinn, and most of them require technical scrambling skills to reach their summits safely in summer. Under snow, many of these Munros become serious winter mountaineering routes. Bruach na Frithe is amongst the least serious of the bunch, and whilst it is by no means a pushover in winter, it is within the grasp of most experienced winter hill walkers. In good weather and conditions this route provides a great introduction to the winter Cuillin, but you will need to be proficient with an ice axe and crampons, and comfortable on steep terrain under snow. The day starts and ends at the famous Sligachan Hotel – frequented by climbers and mountaineers since the 1830’s.
Bruach na Frithe from Sligachan Hotel: route guide
Start/finish: NG 4856 2985 (Sligachan Hotel) | Ascent: 3271ft/997m | Duration: 5-7 hours | Length: 9.8 miles/15.8km | Maps: OS Explorer 411 (Cuillin Hills)
1. NG 4856 2985: The route starts and finishes at the Sligachan Hotel. Vehicles can be parked in spaces along the side of the A863 near the hotel. Walk a short distance SW on the A863, passing the Sligachan Mountain Rescue base, and join a path leading S to the Allt Dearg Mor burn.
Conditions at the Sligachan can be wholly different to in the mountains. Credit: Studio Mustard.
Continue along the path which follows the N bank of the burn. Briefly join the gravel track for Alltdearg House before rejoining the path following the burn. Continue following this path for around 2.75km, passing several small waterfalls. The views towards Pinnacle Ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean are particularly impressive from here.
The view from the approach – Pinnacle Ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean. Credit: James Roddie
2. NG 4551 2788: The path forks in Coire na Circe – take the left fork, crossing a minor tributary of the burn, and heading S towards Fionn Choire. After 100m take another left at the next fork. This path now leads directly into the corrie. At first the path is distinct but becomes fainter for a while in the middle section of the corrie. If you lose the path, keep heading SE towards Bealach na Lice, and eventually the path should become obvious again.
Entering Fionn Choire. Credit: James Roddie
3. NG 4609 2577: Follow the path steeply up scree and bouldery ground towards the bealach. Under deep snow cover many of the rocks can disappear and this section can turn into a steep, but straightforward, snow-plod. Eventually you will reach Bealach na Lice.
Impressive rock architecture at Bealach nan Lice. Credit: James Roddie
This is a spectacular place, with the views of Am Basteir and the Basteir Tooth being particularly impressive. If the visibility is poor then the bealach is the place to decide whether or not to continue, as the terrain here is complex and going off route could have serious consequences.
Am Basteir and the Basteir Tooth. Credit: James Roddie
4. NG 4644 2528: From the bealach head N towards Sgurr a’Bhasteir. Descend steeply at first with some very minor scrambling before reaching a fine, narrow ridge. Follow this for a few hundred metres towards the summit. This detour is worth it for the views of Sgurr nan Gillean alone – from here it is arguably the most impressive mountain in the UK. Retrace your steps back to Bealach na Lice.
Heading towards Sgurr a’Bhasteir. Credit: James Roddie
The route to Bruach na Frithe traverses beneath the N side of Sgurr an Fhionn-Choire. In summer conditions this is a loose path but under snow it can be an exposed snow-traverse requiring great care. When you join the E ridge of Bruach na Frithe, follow it easily at first, before reaching the final rockier section. In general it is best to pass any difficulties to the left.
Bla Bheinn viewed from Bruach na Frithe. Credit: James Roddie
5. NG 4609 2520: The summit of Bruach na Frithe is an exceptional viewpoint – amongst the very best in Scotland. The Northwest Ridge may look like a welcoming descent route but this involves Grade I/II winter climbing terrain. So once you have soaked in the views, return to Bealach na Lice and retrace your steps back to the Sligachan Hotel for a well earned drink.
Further information
Public transport: Citylink bus (917) to Sligachan Hotel
Tourist information: VisitScotland iCentre, Bayfield Road, Portree, IV51 9EL
