Corbett · Glen Shiel
Sgurr Mhic Bharraich
Sgùrr Mhic Bharraich is the rocky 779m Corbett rising at the head of Glen Shiel directly opposite the Saddle, accessed from Shiel Bridge. The mountain is overshadowed by the great Kintail Munros to the north — the Five Sisters, the Saddle, the South Glen Shiel ridge — but gives a satisfying short Corbett day with a striking summit view directly across into the heart of the Saddle and along the line of the Forcan Ridge. A useful hill day when poor weather rules out the bigger Munros.
Quick facts
- Height
- 779m/ 2556ft
- Distance
- 9 km
- Ascent
- 770 m
- Time
- 2–4 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG917173
- Parking
- NG937185
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
glen path 20% · steep grass 40% · rocky upper section 30% · summit area 10%
Park at the public car park in Shiel Bridge village (NG937185). Walk south on the minor road past the campsite, then take the path heading east-south-east up through Coire Mhicrolt. The path climbs through woodland and onto open hill, gaining the broad north ridge of Sgùrr Mhic Bharraich. A modest cairn marks the top, set on a rocky knob above the corrie. Allow 4–5 hours.
Terrain
Excellent stalkers' path through the lower corrie — well-built. The middle and upper section is grass and rock with small outcrops on the summit ridge. The cairn is small but the position above the corrie is striking. Easy descent on the same path.
In winter
Sgùrr Mhic Bharraich under snow gives a satisfying short winter day, the ascent route well away from avalanche-prone terrain. The Kintail SAIS bulletin covers conditions. Shiel Bridge stays accessible by car in most winters. The descent ices up readily on the pitched path — take care.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 12m
- Edinburgh4h 46m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: No signal in Shiel Bridge/Glenelg area
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:37
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:35
- Civil dusk
- 23:04
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr Mhic Bharraich.
Around Sgurr Mhic Bharraich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgurr Mhic Bharraich — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr Mhic Bharraich?
- Sgurr Mhic Bharraich is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 9km with 770m of ascent and takes most walkers 2-4 hours. Terrain: Excellent stalkers' path through the lower corrie — well-built.
- Where do I park for Sgurr Mhic Bharraich?
- Standard parking is at NG937185 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 Mhic Bharraich?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr Mhic Bharraich 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 Mhic Bharraich?
- 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 Mhic Bharraich?
- No signal in Shiel Bridge/Glenelg area
- Is Sgurr Mhic Bharraich safe in winter?
- Sgùrr Mhic Bharraich under snow gives a satisfying short winter day, the ascent route well away from avalanche-prone terrain. The Kintail SAIS bulletin covers conditions. Shiel Bridge stays accessible by car in most winters. The descent ices up readily on the pitched path — take care.