Glamaig - avoiding the scree

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Summary

Glamaig is one of the finest 360 degree views in Scotland, but its steep slopes on all sides deter many an ascent. This unfrequented route avoids the worst of the terrain, ascending via the NE ridge over An Coileach.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Steep, pathless ascent - mostly on grass. Rocky ground can be avoided with care.

Public Transport

Buses from Portree, Broadford and Kyleakin - get off near junction with the Moll Road.

Start

Layby on A87 just south of junction with the Moll Road / Golf club. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.5km / 4 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 827m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG535316

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Glamaig

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (9)

Stage 1

There is a parking layby on the west side of the A87, immediately south of the junction with the Moll Road and Golf Club near Sconser. Many visitors stop here to try to capture photos of the Highland cattle. Begin the walk by following the verge of the A87 west, towards Broadford, until there is a gate in the fence on the right. Pass through the gate to begin the ascent, following the fenceline towards An Coileach.

Stage 2

It doesn't matter which side of the fence you start up as the wire soon relents. The ascent soon becomes steep, but the heather is left behind and the going underfoot becomes a little grassier. There are three significant steepenings with broken crags on the way up to An Coileach. The first of these is past on the left side, following the fenceline. There is a faint path at this point. There are great views over the Sound of Raasay as height is gained.

Stage 3

At the second steepening, the crags are split by a scree gully that the fenceposts head for. It's perhaps easier to head left slightly here, rounding the first line of broken crags, before curving back right and working out a zig-zag route up the steep grass between the rocks. Above this, the slope eases briefly again, before steepening a final time. This time follow the wide grassy break in the crags, sticking to the fence posts.

Stage 4

The summit of An Coileach is reached with some relief, and a stunning view ahead of the ridge leading to Glamaig, with the other peaks of the Red Hills looking very pointed on your left, and the Cuillin beyond. The ridge provides excellent walking, descending slightly before climbing gently towards the summit.

Stage 5

Given the inhospitable slopes all around the mountain, it's remarkable that the summit of Glamaig is such comfortable grass. The cairn is right atop the steep slopes which sweep down to Sconser. There are few better 360 degree views in Scotland, a stunning panorama of mountains, islands and sea stretching in all directions. Unless intent on traversing the Red Hills (much scree!) and ending far from the start, the return is best made the same way.

Route Profile

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