Glamaig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glamaig |
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Glamaig seen from Sligachan
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 775 m (2,543 ft) |
| Prominence | 486 metres (1,594 ft) |
| Listing | Corbett, Marilyn |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Greedy woman |
| Language of name | Gaelic |
| Geography | |
| Location | Skye, Scotland |
| Parent range | Red Hills |
| OS grid | NG514301 |
| Topo map | Ordnance Survey Landranger 32 |
Glamaig is a famous mountain on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It's part of the Red Hills and is known for its unique cone shape. Many people enjoy climbing Glamaig, and it even hosts a challenging annual race!
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What is Glamaig?
Glamaig is the most northern mountain in the group called the Red Hills on the Isle of Skye. It's located right next to a place called Sligachan. Glamaig is special because it's one of only two mountains on Skye that are called Corbetts. A Corbett is a Scottish mountain between 2,500 and 3,000 feet high.
A Mountain's Unique Shape
From many angles, Glamaig looks like a perfect cone made of loose rocks, called scree. Even though it looks like a separate cone, it's connected to the other Red Hills by a mountain pass. This pass is called the Bealach na Sgairde, which means "the pass of scree."
The Amazing Race of Harkabir Tharpa
In 1889, a brave soldier from Nepal, named Harkabir Tharpa, did something incredible. He ran up Glamaig in just 37 minutes! His total time for the round trip, starting and finishing at the bar of the Sligachan Inn, was only 55 minutes. People say he ran it without shoes. His amazing record stood until the 1980s, even though famous athletes tried to beat it.
How to Climb Glamaig
Climbing Glamaig can be a tough but rewarding adventure. There are a couple of main ways to reach the top.
The Sligachan Route
One way to climb Glamaig is to start from Sligachan. You simply head straight up the mountain, aiming for the top. This climb is very difficult because the slope is steep and the loose rocks (scree) make it slippery. You can come down the same way you went up. Or, you can continue along the Red Cuillin ridge to explore other peaks to the south.
The Sconser Route
A slightly easier, but longer, way to climb Glamaig is to start from the eastern side, near Sconser. First, you climb to a smaller peak called An Coileach, which means "The Cockerel." After reaching An Coileach at 673 metres (2,208 ft), you follow a ridge that is mostly flat. This gives you a break from the steep climbing. The final 102 metres (335 ft) to the main summit, Sgurr Mhairi (Mary's Peak), is a gentler climb.
Views from the Top
Once you reach the summit of Glamaig, you'll be rewarded with amazing views. You can see both the Black Cuillin mountains and the beautiful Isle of Raasay.
The Glamaig Hill Race
Since the 1980s, Glamaig has been the site of an annual hill race. This race starts and finishes at the Sligachan Hotel. It's a relatively short race, covering about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles). However, with 775 meters (2,543 feet) of climbing, it's considered one of the most challenging races in Scotland!
