Corbett · Knoydart
Sgurr an Fhuarain
Sgùrr an Fhuarain is the high point of the ridge running west from Sgùrr Mòr (Munro) into Glen Kingie — a remote 901m Corbett sitting at the heart of the rough country between Loch Quoich and the Knoydart hills proper. There is no short way in: every approach is a serious commitment of distance and trackless ground. The reward is a quiet summit on one of the wildest watersheds in mainland Scotland, with views to Sgùrr na Cìche, Garbh Chioch Mhòr and the long western Knoydart ridges.
Quick facts
- Height
- 901m/ 2956ft
- Distance
- 28 km
- Ascent
- 1200 m
- Time
- 9–13 hrs
- Grid ref
- NM987979
- Parking
- NN071995
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
loch-side track 20% · rough heather 45% · grassy ridge 25% · summit area 10%
Most parties tackle Sgùrr an Fhuarain as part of a two-day expedition from the head of Loch Arkaig, basing at Kinbreack bothy. From the bothy, climb north onto the ridge above Glen Kingie and traverse west over Sgùrr Beag and onto Sgùrr an Fhuarain. Single-day attempts start from the Loch Quoich dam, around 28km return with serious peat-hag terrain. Allow 9–11 hours as a single day; 6–7 hours from a bothy base.
Terrain
Long stretches of trackless peat hag and tussock on the approach — slow and tiring even in dry weather. Stalkers' paths exist in places but are vague and often lost in the moor. The upper ridge is firm grass and scree with no rocky difficulties; the top itself is a broad grassy crown crowned by a small trig pillar.
In winter
A serious far-west winter day rarely attempted because of the approach length. The combination of short midwinter daylight, no phone signal, no road access for help, and committing terrain means single-day winter ascents are for very experienced parties only. Two-day with a bothy base is more sensible.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 6m
- Edinburgh3h 24m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33, OS Landranger 40
Mobile signal: No usable signal anywhere on the approach or hill. PLB or satellite messenger strongly recommended for solo or single-day attempts
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:37
- Sunset
- 22:01
- Civil dawn
- 03:36
- Civil dusk
- 23:02
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr an Fhuarain.
Around Sgurr an Fhuarain on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Glenfinnan station
Glenfinnan Viaduct; Streap, Sgurr Thuilm, Glen Finnan Munros
19km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
27km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics
26km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Sgurr an Fhuarain — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr an Fhuarain?
- Sgurr an Fhuarain is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 28km with 1200m of ascent and takes most walkers 9-13 hours. Terrain: Long stretches of trackless peat hag and tussock on the approach — slow and tiring even in dry weather.
- Where do I park for Sgurr an Fhuarain?
- Standard parking is at NN071995 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 an Fhuarain?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr an Fhuarain 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 an Fhuarain?
- 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 an Fhuarain?
- No usable signal anywhere on the approach or hill. PLB or satellite messenger strongly recommended for solo or single-day attempts
- Is Sgurr an Fhuarain safe in winter?
- A serious far-west winter day rarely attempted because of the approach length. The combination of short midwinter daylight, no phone signal, no road access for help, and committing terrain means single-day winter ascents are for very experienced parties only. Two-day with a bothy base is more sensible.