Scotland
An Cruachan
435M
1427FT
About An Cruachan
Rising above the Minginish peninsula on Skye, this prominent Marilyn offers a grandstand view of the Black Cuillin ridge without the technical scrambling. Its heathery slopes provide a quieter alternative to the island's more famous peaks, looking out over Loch Harport towards the distant Macleod’s Tables.
Key Statistics
Rank
183rd Highest in Region
Parent Range
Data coming soon
Prominence
?
223m
Nearest Town
Bualintur
Geology
You are trekking over ancient volcanic lava flows and hardened underground rock. These dark stones, mainly basalt and hawaiite, form the rugged foundation of An Cruachan.
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NG381225
Latitude
57.2183°N
Longitude
6.3387°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'An Cruachan', translating to 'the conical hill' or 'the stack', a descriptive term used for summits that stand out distinctly from the surrounding moorland.
- •Its summit offers a peerless profile of the northern Black Cuillin, providing a clear sightline to the jagged peaks of Sgùrr nan Gillean and Bruach na Frithe across Glen Sligachan.
- •The ascent typically begins near the village of Carbost, traversing characteristic Skye terrain of peat hags and heather before reaching the trig pillar.
- •From the top, the view to the west extends over Loch Bracadale to the distinctive flat-topped silhouettes of Healabhal Mhòr and Healabhal Bheag, better known as Macleod's Tables.
- •It serves as a perfect vantage point for those who wish to appreciate the Cuillin's ferocity from a safe distance, without the need for a helmet or a head for heights.