Skye’s rugged mountain range
This stunning mountain ridge stretches for around 11 kilometres (7 miles) across central and western Skye. The range has two parts known as the Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin.
Popular with climbers and hillwalkers, there are more than 25 summits in the area. Many of these are connected by the Cuillin ridge, which rises to over 975 metres (3,200 feet) in places.
Each part of the range is defined by its rock type. For instance, the Black Cuillin is named after the dark colour of the basalt and gabbro they’re made of. Because this rock type is less susceptible to erosion, the peaks in this part of the range are more jagged. Indeed, this is one of the most spectacular mountain ridges in the country.
On the other hand, the Red Cuillin is made of pinkish-red granite, which is softer and erodes more easily. This means the mountains in the Red Cuillin tend to be more rounded.
You can see the Cuillin hills from all over the island. For some of the most jaw-dropping views, head to beautiful spots like Sligachan, Loch Coruisk and the Fairy Pools.
