Cuillins & central Skye
A view of the giant jagged peaks of The Cuillin is one of the most emblematic images of Scotland. Awesome mountains, superb scenery, outdoor activities, wildlife and more make for an unforgettable destination.
For many people, the Cuillin, whose sharp snowcapped peaks rise mirage-like from the flatness of the surrounding terrain, are Skye’s raison d’être. When the clouds finally disperse, they are the dominating feature of the island, visible from every other peninsula on Skye.
There are basically three approaches to the Cuillin: from the south, by foot or by boat from Elgol; from the Sligachan Hotel to the north; or from Glen Brittle to the west of the mountains. Glen Sligachan is one of the most popular routes, dividing as it does the granite of the round-topped Red Hills (sometimes known as the Red Cuillin) to the east from the dark, coarse-grained jagged-edged gabbro of the real Cuillin (also known as the Black Cuillin), to the west. With some 20 Munros between them, these are mountains to be taken seriously.
