Am Basteir forms one of the three northern Cuillin Munros along with Sgurr nan Gillean and Bruach na Frithe. Am Basteir is the smallest of the three but packs a fair punch. Its most prominent feature is what is known as the "Basteir Tooth" a formidable pinnacle of rock just next to the true summit which requires equipment and climbing know how.

The hill is bitten into deep by a corrie from the NW and NE the latter being Coire a' Bhasteir. There is a steep path up this corrie leading to a high col on the east between Am Basteir and Sgurr nan Gillean. From here it is a tough pull to the final summit. The slopes to the north are near vertical and covered in crags, and the slopes to the south not much easier. From the summit, ridges radiate W, N and E. The W and E ridges connect to neighbouring Munros Bruach na Frithe and Sgurr nan Gillean respectively. The N ridge leads to subsidiary top Sgurr a Bhasteir which separates the two northern corries. All ridges around Am Basteir require scrambling and a head for heights as does the majority of the Cuillin ridge, so you should be comfortable with this before starting.

For most the route starts at the Sligachan Hotel where there is parking available.

Am Basteir is one of the greats of Scottish mountaineering and really does the Cuillins proud.