Corbett · North-West Highlands
Sgurr Dubh
Sgurr Dubh — "the dark peak" — is the 782m Corbett east of Beinn Liath Mhor in the Coulin Forest, between Achnashellach and Glen Torridon. The dark Torridonian sandstone of the summit cone gives the hill its name. With Beinn Liath Mhor (Munro) directly to its west and Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine (Corbett) just south, it sits in some of the finest Wester Ross country and is often included in a long Coire Lair round.
Gaelic: “sharp peak, black” · Pronunciation: skoor doo
Quick facts
- Height
- 782m/ 2566ft
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 641 m
- Time
- 4–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG979557
- Parking
- NH005485
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 69km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Coire Lair path 40% · steep heather 25% · broken ridge 25% · shelter cairn 10%
Start from the Achnashellach station car park on the A890 in Glen Carron and follow the well-built Coire Lair stalkers path north. Beyond the head of the corrie, branch east up a steep heather-and-rock pull onto the south-west shoulder of Sgurr Dubh, then follow the broken ridge to the summit shelter cairn. Around 14km return with 641m of ascent. Frequently combined with Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine or Beinn Liath Mhor for a longer day.
Terrain
The Coire Lair stalkers path is one of the best-built in Wester Ross — firm and well drained. Above the path the ground turns to broken sandstone and steep heather; the climb onto the south-west shoulder is the technical heart of the day. The summit ridge is short rocky steps with the windshelter cairn near the high point. No exposure on the standard line.
In winter
The Coire Lair amphitheatre is a great Wester Ross winter venue — Fuar Tholl across the corrie holds famous ice routes. Sgurr Dubh itself ices up readily and the south-west shoulder becomes an avalanche slope after westerly loading. Cornices form along the summit ridge. A proper winter day; axe and crampons mandatory.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 50m
- Edinburgh4h 16m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: Intermittent at Achnashellach; nothing in Coire Lair
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:34
- Sunset
- 22:05
- Civil dawn
- 03:30
- Civil dusk
- 23:08
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr Dubh.
Around Sgurr Dubh on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgurr Dubh — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr Dubh?
- Sgurr Dubh is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 641m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: The Coire Lair stalkers path is one of the best-built in Wester Ross — firm and well drained.
- Where do I park for Sgurr Dubh?
- Standard parking is at NH005485 near Ullapool. 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 Dubh?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr Dubh 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 Dubh?
- 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 Dubh?
- Intermittent at Achnashellach; nothing in Coire Lair
- Is Sgurr Dubh safe in winter?
- The Coire Lair amphitheatre is a great Wester Ross winter venue — Fuar Tholl across the corrie holds famous ice routes. Sgurr Dubh itself ices up readily and the south-west shoulder becomes an avalanche slope after westerly loading. Cornices form along the summit ridge. A proper winter day; axe and crampons mandatory.