Corbett · Knoydart
Sgurr Cos na Breachd-laoidh
Sgùrr Cos na Breachd-laoidh — 'the peak of the dappled calf's hollow' — is Fraoch Bheinn's slightly smaller western neighbour, the second of the Strathan Corbett pair at the head of Loch Arkaig. The two hills are usually climbed together; the bealach between them is broad and the traverse natural. At 835m the summit gives a particularly fine view west into Glen Dessarry toward Sgùrr na Cìche, and east back along the long line of Loch Arkaig — one of the most secluded vantage points on the western seaboard.
Quick facts
- Height
- 835m/ 2740ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 1100 m
- Time
- 4–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NM948946
- Parking
- NM987916
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
glen track 20% · rough heather 40% · rocky slopes 30% · summit area 10%
Approached from the same Strathan road end as Fraoch Bheinn (NM987916). Walk a short distance up Glen Dessarry, then climb the south flank of Fraoch Bheinn first — there is no good independent line up Sgùrr Cos na Breachd-laoidh. Drop west off Fraoch Bheinn to the bealach, then climb the east ridge of Cos na Breachd-laoidh to the summit cairn. Return via the same bealach and reverse over Fraoch Bheinn, or descend south back to Strathan via rough ground. Allow 8–9 hours for the pair.
Terrain
Best tackled as a paired round with Fraoch Bheinn — the connecting bealach is broad and grassy. The hill itself is rough heather and rock with no path of consequence. The summit ridge is firm with mild exposure on the north side; a small cairn on a rocky outcrop marks the high point.
In winter
In winter the connecting bealach holds drift in any easterly weather, and the steeper east ridge of Cos na Breachd-laoidh becomes a sustained snow climb. The drive to Strathan along the single-track Loch Arkaig road is the main winter complication; once it ices up the road can be impassable.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 4m
- Edinburgh3h 25m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33, OS Landranger 40
Mobile signal: No signal — deep South Glen Shiel area
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:38
- Sunset
- 22:01
- Civil dawn
- 03:37
- Civil dusk
- 23:02
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr Cos na Breachd-laoidh.
Around Sgurr Cos na Breachd-laoidh 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
15km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
26km 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
25km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Sgurr Cos na Breachd-laoidh — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr Cos na Breachd-laoidh?
- Sgurr Cos na Breachd-laoidh is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 1100m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: Best tackled as a paired round with Fraoch Bheinn — the connecting bealach is broad and grassy.
- Where do I park for Sgurr Cos na Breachd-laoidh?
- Standard parking is at NM987916 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 Cos na Breachd-laoidh?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr Cos na Breachd-laoidh 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 Cos na Breachd-laoidh?
- 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 Cos na Breachd-laoidh?
- No signal — deep South Glen Shiel area
- Is Sgurr Cos na Breachd-laoidh safe in winter?
- In winter the connecting bealach holds drift in any easterly weather, and the steeper east ridge of Cos na Breachd-laoidh becomes a sustained snow climb. The drive to Strathan along the single-track Loch Arkaig road is the main winter complication; once it ices up the road can be impassable.