Sgùrr a' Mhadaidh Ruadh, from Glenhinnisdal

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Summary

A walk up a peaceful glen gives access to the dramatic central section of the Trotternish Ridge. The highlight is a visit to Sgurr a' Mhadaidh Ruadh - the Peak of the Red Fox - which projects out from the ridge.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Pathless going with some fairly rough ground on approach to the ridge. Steep grass in places.

Public Transport

None to start. Bus 57 from Portree passes bottom of Glenhinnsdal, 4km from start.

Start

End of minor road up Glenhinnisdal. 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: 11km / 6.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 725m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG427586

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

There is room to park at the end of the Glenhinnisdal road; take care not to block the turning area. The walk begins through the gate which is the continuation of the road, and passes through a couple more gates in an area of sheep pens. Continue along the track for around 1km until an iron footbridge is visible down to the right. Leave the track to aim for and cross this, then continue up the grassy ground beyond, with a burn on your right. When a fence is reached, there's a gate a short distance left.

Stage 2

From here, you are going to continue up the valley beside the stream, right up to the col visible on the horizon. The col is easily identified as it has a wall leading up to it and a band of crags part way up it. Continue either by the burn or over the moorland just above it; the way is a little rough in places. Just before reaching the steeper section below the col, the fence on the far side of the stream is joined by a drystone wall. The direct route up to the col beside the fence and wall is blocked by a line of crags; head slightly left to bypass this as you climb the steep grassy slopes. Above the crags, slant back right to rejoin the wall.

Stage 3

The col, known as the Bealach na Leacaich is soon reached - there's a grand view along the ridge northwards to Ben Edra and the Quiraing. If you don't need to return to a parked car, there are many options from here - either north to the Quiraing bealach over Beinn Edra and Bioda Bhuidhe, or south via Hartaval before descending to the Storr carpark. Most walkers, however, will need to walk back to Glenhinnisdal, and the best objective for these is probably to head south to Sgùrr a Mhadaidh Ruadh (Hill of the Red Fox) before retracing their route of ascent. Go through a gate in the fence on the south side of the col, and pass through one of the gaps in the drystone wall to ascend to the summit of Creag a' Lain.

Stage 4

There are magnificent views from here in all directions, but attention will be drawn to the next summit to the south, Sgùrr a Mhadiadh Ruadh, which projects out from the ridge. To reach it, descend the grass slopes close to the edge of the escarpment, steeply at first, to reach a wide, shallow col.

Stage 5

Now follow the edge of the escarpment round to the left, climbing gently towards the Sgurr. Just before reaching the summit, a narrow grassy neck is easily crossed with big drops on each side.

Stage 6

The summit of Sgùrr a Mhadaidh Ruadh is one of the most wonderful vantage points on the Trotternish Ridge. The escarpment is seen almost in full, from the Quiraing to the Storr, whilst there is a bird's eye view of Loch Cuithir and its railway far below.

Stage 7

To return to Glenhinnisdal, you have to reverse the outward route, climbing back over Creag a' Lain and remember to bear right on the descent from the bealach to avoid the crags.

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