How to Hike Sgurr Na Stri in the Isle of Skye

Hiking Sgurr Na Stri: The Best Hike in the Isle of Skye

Standing at less than half the height of Ben Nevis, Sgurr Na Stri isn’t the most well-known of hikes in Scotland – but I don’t see it staying that way for long!

Often coined, by those that have ventured up there, as the ‘best view in the UK‘, Sgurr Na Stri offers a spectacular panorama of Skye’s majestic Cuillin Ridge and stunning coastline. Having now explored myself, I can’t argue – this peak is a true gem of the Scottish Highlands, and the adventurous hike to get there isn’t half bad either!

This guide will cover everything you need to know for hiking Sgurr Na Stri, including your route options, what to expect, and tips and FAQs about the hike.

About Sgurr Na Stri

Sgurr Na Stri, which translates to Peak of Strife, is widely regarded as the best view in the UK. Standing at 494m tall, it’s not tall enough to be a Munro like many of the peaks located in the Black and Red Cuillins opposite.

The geology of the area varies, with the igneous gabbro rock prominent around the Cuillins, as well as more sedimentary rocks and lower tertiary lavas on the Camasunary side.

Where is Sgurr Na Stri?

Sgurr Na Stri is located in the southwest of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Situated on the coast of the isle, its prominent position overlooks the bay below.

The trailhead is approximately 10 miles south of Portree and 15 miles west of Broadford.

About the hike

There are two main options for hiking Sgurr Na Stri. One starting north from Sligachan, and the other from the east beyond Camasunary Bay.

Sgurr Na Stri Hiking Routes

Option 1: Trailhead at Sligachan

This out-and-back route is 24km in total. It is predominantly flat for the first 8km, before a steady incline over the last 4km to reach the summit.

Option 2: Trailhead at Camasunary Bay Car Park

Hiking Sgurr Na Stri from Camasunary is shorter than from Sligachan but is a more rugged route. You follow the Am Mam Pass for approximately 5km before reaching the foot of Sgurr Na Stri. Beyond this, you will have a river crossing, followed by a steeper and less obvious route to the summit.

Below is the first section of the hike (Am Mam Pass) from the car park to Camasunary Bay at the foot of Sgurr Na Stri.

Extra Option: Trailhead by Scavaig River

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can get a boat from Elgol to the landing pier in Coruisk, and walk up to Sgurr na Stri from there. The boat takes approximately 45 minutes and can be booked with Bella Jane for £18 one-way.

If you are tight for time, this is the fastest hike and covers the shortest total distance of the three routes. It also involves a scramble and river crossing.

Which route to take up Sgurr Na Stri?

Each of the three hiking routes has its advantages and disadvantages, and all of them can get very boggy!

The route from the boat is the quickest, most expensive, and least trodden route. I would personally discount this option to avoid reliance on other aspects and give yourself more freedom and flexibility to enjoy one of the other hiking routes to Sgurr Na Stri.

The walk from Sligachan is a long distance, but relatively flat for the majority. It is the least technical, but potentially the most time-consuming. You walk in a straight line for most of the route, so it’s not the most varied.

The walk from Camasunary Bay has more varied scenery as well as more challenging as you will have more elevation before reaching the base of Sgurr Na Stri. Then you will have a steeper ascent up Sgurr Na Stri which isn’t always the easiest to follow. There is a trail, but it’s easy to lose meaning that you will figure much of it out yourself. There is also a brief river crossing. This was fine as there were a few crossing points where rocks.

They both take similar lengths of time, approximately 6-8 hours including breaks. If the weather conditions are good, I would opt for option 2 via Camasunary Bay. If not so good, opt for option 1 via Sligachan (or come back when there’s better weather).

How to get to Sgurr Na Stri trailhead?

Since the two trailheads for the hikes to Sgurr Na Stri are in different locations, you will need to decide which hiking route you want to take.

Route 1: Sligachan

The easiest way to reach the trailhead in Sligachan is by car. The coordinates are 57.29019, -6.17535 or you can search for Sgurr Na Stri Trailhead in Google Maps.

Alternatively, you can get there by public transport. There are buses from Portree, Broadford and Kyleakin. Get off at the Sligachan Hotel.

Route 2: Camasunary Bay

To reach the trailhead in Camasunary Bay, you will need to follow the B8083 from Broadford to the car park. The coordinates are 57.17955, -6.06346 or search for Camasunary Car Park in Google Maps.

Hiking Sgurr Na Stri: What to expect

Whichever route you take, expect your hike to Sgurr Na Stri to be a long one! Similarly, the last section of the hike will be rocky and pathless, meaning you will need to self-navigate.

Hike to Camasunary Bay

From Camasunary Bay car park and along the Am Mam Pass, you will experience a variety of terrains from rocky paths to beaches, to river crossings, to bogs, and then to shingly rock. Meanwhile, from Sligachan it’s a steadier path with less variety, but still beautiful views.

Walking down the windy path. Little do you know the unbelievable views hidden on the other side of Sgurr Na Stri ridge.

Walking along the shoreline there are a couple of abandoned buildings. This is also a popular spot for campers. Unfortunately, there is a lot of washed-up trash on the beach.

If you want to save some time, you can cut across the grass, however some sections can get boggy.

When we went, there were a number of options for crossing the river. You can follow the river upstream until you find a reasonable crossing point. On the way to Sgurr Na Stri, we crossed on the point pictured below, however on the way back we crossed further along nearer the waterfall and the wall. Both crossings were fine, though the water was faster flowing further up.

NOTE: The rocks can be very slippery, so be careful.

Camasunary Bay to Sgurr Na Stri

After crossing, there isn’t an obvious footpath to the summit. Follow the route along the river to the right, heading north. Try to gain altitude on the hillside to your left in the least steep section of the valley; you should hopefully come across an intermittent path to follow.

Nearing the top, you will do a switchback, turning left into a gulley taking you in the direction of Sgurr Na Stri. Whilst this dogleg route increases the distance, it means you can approach the summit from the gentler northern side without having to scramble. This also joins the route coming from Sligachan for the last kilometer stretch.

If you don’t find the path, you’ll still be able to see the top and navigate accordingly (it’s just a more difficult scramble up the side).

What’s great is that you won’t see the spectacular view of Loch Corruisk until you reach the very top!

Sgurr Na Stri Summit

When you reach the summit, it’s simply one of the best views in the UK! On a good-weather day, the sun lights up the clear blue waters of Loch Nan Leachd and Loch Na Cuilce, making them look almost tropical!

Further inland, connected by the Scavaig River, you have a stunning vista of Loch Coriusk surrounded by the Black Cuillins. The peaks that make up the Cuillins opposite (from left to right) are Sgùrr Alasdair, Sgùrr Dearg, Sgùrr na Banachdaich, Bidean Druim nan Ramh, Bruach na Frìthe and Sgùrr nan Gillean.

Then looking out towards the sea, you will see the nearby island of Soay, plus the slightly further Eigg, Rum and Isle of Canner. And back where you came from, you will see Camasunary Bay as well as Loch na Creitheach in front of the impressive Bla Bheinn (Blaven).

Getting down

Once you’ve taken in the insane views, it’s time to make your way back down again. Unless you took a crazily steep route up, it’s best to retrace your steps.

You may end up improvising a slightly different route since there’s no strict path down Sgurr Na Stri.

If you’re heading back towards Camasunary Car Park, the hill winding up towards Am Mam Pass is a tough one after already ascending Sgurr Na Stri.

Once you’re there though, it’s almost all downhill! Plus you can spot the car park!

What to pack for Sgurr Na Stri

Since the total hike time is 6+ hours, you will need to bring plenty of snacks and water. Perhaps a small towel to dry off if you get wet crossing the river.

You should wear proper hiking boots (ideally waterproof) due to boggy sections, river crossings and general slipperyness/scree when scrambling.

If you’re staying overnight:

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Headtorch
• Stove/Cooking gear
• Food
• Water (TOP TIP: Water filter bottles are great since there’s flowing water available)
• Toilet roll

FAQs

What is the best time to hike Sgurr Na Stri?

The best time of year to hike Sgurr Na Stri is during the summer. During this time, there is the least chance of rain. Even if it’s not raining, ideally it’s been dry for a few days as both routes can get rather boggy! Though you can never be certain of the weather in Scotland!

The best time of day to hike Sgurr Na Stri is by starting in the morning. Though neither car park gets particularly busy, it’s best to give yourself as much time as possible for a hike of this distance. Of course, in Scotland, it is legal to wild camp, so you can set off later if that’s your plan.

How difficult is Sgurr Na Stri to hike?

Despite Sgurr Na Stri’s relatively low altitude compared to other Scottish peaks like Ben Nevis, I would still class this hike as a challenging route.

In good weather, it requires endurance given the distance travelled. In bad weather, you might have to battle poor visibility and slippery slopes on top of that!

What facilities are nearby?

If you’re coming via the Camasunary Bay route, there aren’t any pubs or restaurants nearby.

From Sligachan, the car park is next to the Sligachan Hotel which serves food and has toilet facilities.

Things to do near Sgurr Na Stri

If you still want more things to do for your itinerary, there are plenty more activities nearby!

This area of southern Skye is where most of the larger mountains in the Isle of Skye reside, so you can hike some of the others such as Bla Bheinn or the Black Cuillins. Whilst, just the other side of the Cuillins is Fairy Pools where you can go for a swim in the crystal clear waters!

More widely in the Isle of Skye, here are some of the best hikes:

• Old Man of Storr
• Quiraing
• Neist Point
• Dinosaur Steps

Before you go

Thank you for reading my guide for hiking Sgurr Na Stri in the Isle of Skye. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

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Happy hiking!