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The Cuillin Hills

Discover

The Cuillin Hills

Things to Do in The Cuillin Hills

The Cuillin Hills, a national scenic area on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, presents a dramatic landscape for outdoor pursuits. This region is characterized by two distinct mountain ranges: the jagged, dark Black Cuillin, composed of gabbro and basalt, and the more rounded, granite-based Red Cuillin. These geological formations create a diverse terrain, offering varied challenges and opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, and more. The mountains rise directly from the sea, contributing to the area's scale and unique character.

Things to Do in The Cuillin Hills

The Cuillin Hills offer a wide array of outdoor activities across more than 100 routes. More than 137,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars. Hikers can explore challenging mountaineering routes in the Black Cuillin or find more accessible trails in the Red Cuillin, with options ranging from Hiking in The Cuillin Hills to Family-friendly hikes in The Cuillin Hills. For those seeking faster-paced activities, the area provides Running Trails in The Cuillin Hills and various cycling options, including Road Cycling Routes in The Cuillin Hills and mountain biking trails.

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Directions

Phone number

105

Routes

4.6

(1612)

Average rating

12453

People visited

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Hiking in The Cuillin HillsSee all
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4.4

(619)

2,863

hikers

Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop

7.32km

02:10

230m

230m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate
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4.7

(64)

656

hikers

8.73km

04:35

880m

880m

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
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29

riders

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard
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Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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5.0

(1)

30

riders

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy
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3.0

(1)

52

runners

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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5.0

(2)

48

riders

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Hard
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Top attractions in the region

Loch an Athain

Lake

Explore the region

Hiking in The Cuillin Hills

Most popular attractions in The Cuillin Hills

Places to see

Collections

Hiking the 282 munro mountains of Scotland in 95 routes

Hiking Collection by

Adventurer Nic

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Loch Coruisk

Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available in The Cuillin Hills?

The Cuillin Hills National Scenic Area offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and road cycling. Mountaineering is also a significant activity, particularly in the challenging Black Cuillin. The area features over 100 routes catering to various skill levels.

What is the difference between the Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin?

The Black Cuillin features jagged, dark, rocky peaks made of gabbro and basalt, offering challenging mountaineering and scrambling. The Red Cuillin, composed of granite, has a paler, reddish hue with more rounded hills and generally more accessible walks. They are separated by Glen Sligachan.

Are there family-friendly hiking routes in The Cuillin Hills?

Yes, The Cuillin Hills offers family-friendly hiking options, particularly in the Red Cuillin and lower areas of the Black Cuillin. Routes like the Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche Loop provide moderate trails suitable for families. More information can be found in the Family-friendly hikes in The Cuillin Hills guide.

What are some notable natural features in The Cuillin Hills?

Key natural features include the dramatic Black Cuillin ridge, the more rounded Red Cuillin, and Loch Coruisk nestled within the Black Cuillin. The Fairy Pools, a series of clear pools and waterfalls, are also a popular attraction. Sgùrr Alasdair is the highest point on the Isle of Skye.

Are permits required for hiking in The Cuillin Hills?

Generally, permits are not required for hiking or hillwalking in The Cuillin Hills. The area is open access, but visitors should adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Specific activities like commercial guiding or large events might have different requirements.

Are dogs allowed on trails in The Cuillin Hills?

Dogs are generally allowed on trails in The Cuillin Hills, but responsible dog ownership is essential. This includes keeping dogs under close control, especially near livestock, and cleaning up after them. Some areas may have specific restrictions during lambing season or for ground-nesting birds.

What is the highest point in The Cuillin Hills?

Sgùrr Alasdair, located in the Black Cuillin, is the highest point in The Cuillin Hills and on the Isle of Skye. It reaches an elevation of 3,255 feet (992 meters). The highest point in the Red Cuillin is Glamaig, at 2,543 feet (775 meters).

How popular is The Cuillin Hills on komoot?

The Cuillin Hills is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 137,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The area's routes have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars, reflecting its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. There are over 100 routes available for various sports.

Are there specific guides for cycling in The Cuillin Hills?

Yes, komoot offers guides for various cycling activities in The Cuillin Hills. These include Road Cycling Routes in The Cuillin Hills and MTB Trails in The Cuillin Hills. There is also a general guide for Cycling in The Cuillin Hills.

Where can I find information about public transport to The Cuillin Hills?

Public transport options to The Cuillin Hills are available, with some routes accessible from bus stations. Komoot provides a guide specifically for Hikes from bus stations in The Cuillin Hills, which can assist in planning access without a private vehicle.

What is the official website for The Cuillin Hills National Scenic Area?

The Cuillin Hills National Scenic Area is managed by NatureScot. While there isn't a specific website solely for the Cuillin Hills NSA, general information about Scotland's National Scenic Areas can be found on the NatureScot website. The official website for the Cuillin Hills is cuillinhills.co.uk.

Are there easy hiking routes in The Cuillin Hills?

Yes, The Cuillin Hills offers easy hiking routes, particularly within the Red Cuillin and lower elevations. These trails are suitable for beginners or those seeking less strenuous walks. Komoot provides a guide for Easy hikes in The Cuillin Hills.

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