Am Basteir
Mountain Sharp Cuillin ridge pinnacle on Skye, climbing route
A rocky pinnacle on Skye’s Black Cuillin, Am Basteir attracts climbers and scramblers for exposed ridges, technical rock routes and close views of the Cuillin massif.
How to Get to Am Basteir #
From Portree, drive north on the A855 toward Staffin (about 25-30 minutes). Park at the Staffin car park near the A855 and follow the signposted path onto the Trotternish Ridge. The walk to the main viewpoints takes 1-2 hours depending on pace and weather. There is limited public transport: a local bus runs between Portree and Staffin but services are infrequent.
Tips for Visiting Am Basteir #
- Approach the Trotternish Ridge from Staffin and park early - morning light sharpens the basalt columns and usually beats the mid-day wind.
- Bring a windproof layer; the ridge catches gusts even on calm days and the final scramble to viewpoints can be exposed.
- Stick to marked paths - the ground around the pinnacles is fragile and erosion is ongoing; keep dogs on a lead.
Best Time to Visit Am Basteir #
Best visited in the late spring to early autumn for accessibility and clearer weather; winter brings frequent storms and deep snow which make the ridge hazardous.
Weather & Climate near Am Basteir #
Am Basteir's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 0°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (2736 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (313 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (211 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (257 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (185 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (266 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (298 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (311 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (310 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
