Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX is a demanding 23.8 km out-and-back from Sligachan to Sgùrr na Strì, with 674 m of ascent. Start from the car park on the south side of the River Sligachan; head towards the old bridge but turn left through the gate before reaching it, then follow the long Glen Sligachan path. After the watershed cairn, take the right fork, climb towards Druim Hain and turn left at the ridge cairn to contour below Sgùrr Hain. The final approach becomes rough, rocky and effectively pathless, demanding careful route-finding to the complex 494 m summit area. Retrace the same route. This is not a flat glen walk with a short easy finish: burn crossings, bog, distance, remoteness and the pathless upper section make it a strenuous full-day outing.
The approach through Glen Sligachan accounts for most of the distance and can be very wet. Beyond the watershed cairn the route leaves the main path for rough, pathless ground towards Druim Hain, where bearings matter in cloud. The summit view is famous, but the slabs and crags around Sgùrr na Strì demand care and the return is still nearly twelve kilometres. Start early and keep enough food, water and daylight for the full glen walk back.
The final ascent to Sgùrr na Strì is rough, rocky and pathless.
Walkhighlands
Route Waypoints
Start at the car park on the south side of the river, grid NG 487 298. Walk towards the old bridge, but turn left through the gate before the bridge and pass the Collie and Mackenzie memorial; do not cross to the hotel side.
Cross the larger burn on stones after several smaller stream crossings. Water levels can make this crossing harder or unsafe after rain; turn back rather than forcing it.
Shortly beyond the subtle watershed, reach a large cairn where the path forks. Take the right fork, cross the stream and climb the ridge on the right side of the valley towards a shoulder with a tiny lochan.
At the large cairn on Druim Hain, ignore the right branch descending to Loch Coruisk. Take the left branch contouring below Sgùrr Hain; it descends slightly before fading near Sgùrr na Strì.
The last ascent is rough, rocky and pathless. Follow the GPX carefully through slabby ground to the 494 m summit area; nearby cairns and the deep gash between tops can confuse the line in mist.
Reverse the rough ridge and slabs towards the watershed. In cloud, take a bearing before leaving the summit area.
Rejoin the main Glen Sligachan line at the cairn. Confirm the turn towards Sligachan rather than continuing towards Camasunary.
Retrace the same route via Druim Hain and Glen Sligachan. Reassess burn crossings after rain and conserve enough daylight, food and energy for the long return.
Essential Tips
The GPX-based moving-time estimate is 5h 53m, but Walkhighlands allows 7–8 hours. Build in time for navigation, burn crossings, rough ground and stops, and start early.
The glen path crosses many burns, including the Allt na Measarroch, and has wet sections. Cross only where safe; heavy rain can make water levels rise quickly.
The final ascent is rough, rocky and pathless rather than a defined scramble. Carry OS Explorer 411, map and compass, follow the GPX, and be prepared to reverse your line.
There is little shelter and no facility on the route. Carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and a charged phone; low cloud removes both the view and vital navigational context.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Sgùrr na Strì walk from Sligachan?
The GPX is a 23.8 km out-and-back with 674 m of ascent. Its calculated moving-time estimate is 5 hours 53 minutes, but the rough final section and stops make 7–8 hours a more realistic full-day plan for many walkers.
How difficult is this Sgùrr na Strì route?
It is a strenuous and remote mountain walk. Most of Glen Sligachan has a clear path, but the final ascent is rough, rocky and pathless, requiring careful route-finding. Burn crossings can also become difficult after rain.
Where does the route start and which map covers it?
Start at the car park on the south side of the River Sligachan, grid NG 487 298. Carry OS Explorer 411, Skye, Cuillin Hills & Soay, plus a compass and the supplied GPX.