Corbett · Knoydart
Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe
Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe is the great whaleback of a ridge on the north side of Loch Hourn, looking south across the sea loch to the wild peaks of Knoydart. It is one of the longest unbroken Corbett ridges in Scotland — almost 4km of crest with seven distinct tops, the highest at 913m. With 390m of re-ascent and no road within walking distance it remains a remote and quiet hill, missed by most because of the awkward approach from Kinloch Hourn at the end of one of the longest dead-end roads in the country.
Gaelic: “sharp peak, of the, corrie” · Pronunciation: skoor uh chor-a bheithe
Quick facts
- Height
- 913.32m/ 2996ft
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 803 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG895015
- Parking
- NG949068
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
lochside path 25% · steep grass 25% · undulating ridge 45% · summit dome 5%
The classic line starts from Kinloch Hourn at the end of the long single-track road from Tomdoun, following the shoreline path west for around 4km before turning north up steep grass into Coire Sgoir-adail. From the col at the head of the corrie, a long undulating traverse east leads over multiple tops to the highest at the eastern end of the ridge. Around 16km return with 803m of net ascent — considerably more if the full traverse over all tops is followed. No paths on the ridge.
Terrain
The loch-side path is rough and slippery in places but follows a clear line. The climb out of the corrie is steep on tussocky grass with no path. Once on the ridge the going is generally easy turf and short rock but with a number of subsidiary tops that all need to be crossed — many parties underestimate the cumulative effort over the seven bumps. No technical scrambling, but no easy bail-out either.
In winter
Position high above Loch Hourn means the ridge catches enormous amounts of west coast weather; full Atlantic storms strip and re-load it within days. Cornices can build along the south edge above the loch. The Kinloch Hourn road has been known to close to private vehicles in serious snow. Most parties save this hill for a stable spring window when daylight stretches the long ridge into manageable territory.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 56m
- Edinburgh4h 35m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: No signal — deep Knoydart, one of the mainland's most remote areas
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:38
- Sunset
- 22:01
- Civil dawn
- 03:36
- Civil dusk
- 23:03
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe.
Around Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe?
- Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 16km with 803m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The loch-side path is rough and slippery in places but follows a clear line.
- Where do I park for Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe?
- Standard parking is at NG949068 near Fort William. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe?
- No signal — deep Knoydart, one of the mainland's most remote areas
- Is Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe safe in winter?
- Position high above Loch Hourn means the ridge catches enormous amounts of west coast weather; full Atlantic storms strip and re-load it within days. Cornices can build along the south edge above the loch. The Kinloch Hourn road has been known to close to private vehicles in serious snow. Most parties save this hill for a stable spring window when daylight stretches the long ridge into manageable territory.