Sgùrr na Banachdaich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sgùrr na Banachdaich ('Three Boys Peak') |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 965 m (3,166 ft) |
| Listing | Munro |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Three Boys Peak. |
| Language of name | Gaelic |
| Geography | |
| Location | Skye, Scotland |
| Parent range | Cuillin |
| OS grid | NG440224 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 32 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1873, John Mackenzie and [[Alexander Nicolson (disputed). Local folklore suggests it may have first been climbed by three boys from the local area hence the name Three Boys Peak (although this is not noted by any official record)]] |
| Easiest route | Helicopter |
Sgùrr na Banachdaich is a mountain in the Cuillin mountain range on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Its name means "Three Boys Peak" in Gaelic. Standing at 965 meters (3,166 feet) tall, it is one of the most challenging peaks to climb in the Black Cuillin. It is also known as a Munro, which is a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet high.
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Climbing Sgùrr na Banachdaich
Sgùrr na Banachdaich is known for being a very tough climb. Even experienced climbers find it difficult, especially in winter.
Main Routes to the Top
The simplest way to climb Sgùrr na Banachdaich is from an area called Coire nan Eich, which starts in Glen Brittle. This path often requires climbers to use ropes to help them get to the top safely.
Winter Climbing Challenges
Climbing Sgùrr na Banachdaich in winter is much harder and can be dangerous. The mountain is covered in deep snow and large sheets of ice. Climbers need special skills like ice climbing and must use equipment such as crampons (spikes for boots) and ice axes. It is strongly advised that only very experienced climbers attempt this peak in winter. Many climbers choose to hire a local guide, sometimes called a Sherpa, to help them navigate the difficult conditions.
Other Climbing Paths
There are other routes to the summit that are even more challenging. These paths often require good "scrambling" skills. Scrambling is a mix of hiking and basic rock climbing, where you use both your hands and feet to move up steep rocky sections.
The Ridge to Sgùrr nan Gobhar
One such route is a ridge that leads to another peak called Sgùrr nan Gobhar. This path is rated as Grade 1 or 2 for scrambling. This means it has some tricky parts but is not as difficult as full rock climbing. However, in winter, this ridge can become extremely dangerous due due to ice and snow.
The Main Cuillin Ridge
Connecting to the main Cuillin ridge means facing even tougher climbs. Moving south towards Sgùrr Dearg is rated as Grade 2, which becomes Grade 5 in winter. This means it requires advanced scrambling skills. The path northeast towards Sgùrr Thormaid is even harder, rated as Grade 5, and becomes Grade 7 in winter. For these very difficult winter routes, having an expert guide is highly recommended.
Famous Climbs
In 1969, the famous mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, who was one of the first two people to reach the summit of Mount Everest, climbed Sgùrr na Banachdaich. He described it as one of the most challenging but rewarding climbs he had ever completed.
