Beinn na Cro
A quiet Red Cuillin peak offering straightforward hillwalking, panoramic views, and genuine Highland solitude.
Beinn na Cro is a 572-meter peak in the Red Cuillin Hills of south-east Skye, offering a rewarding hillwalk with minimal scree and panoramic views across the island. This lesser-known mountain provides an accessible adventure for hikers seeking solitude and dramatic Highland scenery without the crowds of more famous peaks.
A brief summary to Ben Na Cro
- Unnamed Road, Isle of Skye, IV49 9BA, GB
- Duration: 3 to 5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 2 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Start early in the day to maximize daylight hours and allow time to enjoy the summit views. Weather can change rapidly in the Highlands, so monitor conditions throughout your walk.
- Bring adequate water and snacks; there are no facilities on the mountain. The terrain is exposed with minimal shelter, so pack waterproof clothing and warm layers regardless of forecast conditions.
- Use detailed OS maps or a GPS device; paths can be indistinct in places. The solitude that makes this mountain special also means you'll encounter fewer other walkers to ask for directions.
- Visit in spring through autumn for the most stable weather and longest daylight hours. Winter ascents require mountaineering experience and appropriate winter gear.
- Combine this walk with exploration of nearby Torrin and the broader south-east Skye region to experience the full character of this quieter part of the island.
Getting There
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Car from Portree
Drive south from Portree toward Broadford on the A87, then continue south toward Elgol. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the Torrin area. Park near Loch Slapin where informal parking is available. From here, the walk begins through Srath Beag toward the mountain. This is the most practical approach for accessing Beinn na Cro.
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Car from Broadford
From Broadford village, drive south on the A87 toward Elgol for approximately 20 minutes. Turn toward Torrin and park near Loch Slapin. This route is slightly shorter than from Portree and provides good access to the trailhead for the Srath Beag approach.
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Guided hillwalking tour
Several outdoor operators on Skye offer guided walks in the Red Cuillin range. These typically cost between £60–£120 per person and include expert guidance on route selection, safety, and local knowledge. Tours generally depart from Portree or Broadford and include transportation to the trailhead.
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Public transport and walking
Stagecoach buses operate services between Portree and Broadford, with some routes extending toward Elgol. Journey times from Portree are approximately 1 hour. From the bus stop near Torrin, you can walk to Loch Slapin to begin the mountain approach, though this adds 2–3 kilometers to your total outing.
Ben Na Cro location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Ben Na Cro
The Overlooked Gem of the Red Cuillin
Beinn na Cro stands at 572 meters in the Red Cuillin Hills, a distinctive range of rounded mountains composed primarily of granite that gives them their characteristic russet hue. Unlike its more celebrated neighbors, this peak remains relatively quiet and unvisited, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Highland experience away from the busier tourist trails. The mountain's accessibility and straightforward ascent make it particularly appealing to intermediate hikers who want to experience the drama of Skye's mountainous interior without technical climbing challenges.Geological Character and Landscape
The Red Cuillin differs markedly from the jagged Black Cuillin to the north, with Beinn na Cro exemplifying the gentler, more rounded topography of this granite-dominated range. The mountain's composition creates stable terrain with minimal scree, allowing for a more straightforward and enjoyable ascent. From the summit, walkers are rewarded with exceptional vistas across Strath Mor toward Bla Bheinn, one of Skye's most iconic mountains, and sweeping views of the surrounding Highland landscape that extend across multiple lochs and valleys.The Solitary Walker's Paradise
What distinguishes Beinn na Cro from other Skye peaks is its relative obscurity. While mountains like Ben Sligachan and the Black Cuillin draw substantial crowds, this peak remains the neglected summit of its region, offering hikers the rare opportunity to experience Skye's mountain environment in relative solitude. This quietness does not diminish the quality of the experience; rather, it enhances it, allowing visitors to fully absorb the raw beauty and atmospheric character of the Highlands without navigating crowded paths or competing for viewpoint space.Access and Approach
The mountain is accessed from the Torrin area in south-east Skye, with the starting point near Loch Slapin. The route ascends through Srath Beag, with Beinn na Cro and Beinn Dearg Mhòr flanking the valley. The terrain is well-suited to walkers of intermediate ability, with the absence of significant scree making the ascent more straightforward than many comparable Highland peaks. The approach allows hikers to experience the full spectrum of Skye's landscape, from moorland to mountain, within a single outing.Seasonal Considerations and Weather
As an open mountain environment in the Scottish Highlands, Beinn na Cro is subject to rapid weather changes and can be challenging in poor visibility or winter conditions. The exposed summit offers little shelter, making weather assessment and appropriate preparation essential. Spring through autumn generally provides the most favorable conditions, though the mountain's relatively modest elevation means it can be accessible year-round for experienced hillwalkers equipped for Highland conditions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Seumas' Bar
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Castle Moil Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Physically Demanding
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
