Scotland
Cruachan Dearg
704M
2310FT
About Cruachan Dearg
Tucked away in the Red Cuillin, this steep granite dome offers a quieter alternative to Skye’s more famous ridges. Its scree-covered flanks are a physical grind, but the summit provides an exceptional vantage point for studying the jagged Black Cuillin peaks and the long reach of Loch Sligachan.
Key Statistics
Rank
67th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Isle of Skye
Prominence
?
130.2m
Nearest Town
Derrynaculen
Geology
You are walking across the heart of an ancient volcano. These rugged rocks formed from molten magma that cooled slowly deep underground.
Classifications
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NM568332
Latitude
56.4281°N
Longitude
5.9451°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Gaelic 'Cruachan' meaning a conical hill or heap, and 'Dearg' meaning red, referring to the pinkish granite porphyry that differentiates it from the dark volcanic rocks of the nearby Black Cuillin.
- •It is typically climbed as part of a high-level circuit starting from the head of Loch Ainort, often paired with its slightly higher neighbour, Glas Bheinn Mhòr, to the south.
- •The summit serves as an excellent grandstand for viewing the Blaven (Bla Bheinn) massif, providing a clear perspective of the 'Great Prow' and the dramatic transition between Skye’s red and black mountain groups.
- •The descent via the western scree slopes is remarkably efficient for those practiced in 'scree-running', though it is also a guaranteed way to finish the day with several pounds of loose granite inside your boots.