What difficulty is Biod an Fhithich?

On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Biod an Fhithich comes in at 3/5 — moderately challenging. Expect roughly 12km and 484m of ascent on the usual route — 3-5 hours for most parties. Terrain: Deer fence then steep grass and bracken on the lower slopes — a hard pull straight up.

How prominent is Biod an Fhithich?

Biod an Fhithich has 154m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.

Where should I park to climb Biod an Fhithich?

Standard parking is at NG934196. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When should I climb Biod an Fhithich?

The standard good-weather months for Biod an Fhithich 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 Biod an Fhithich?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Trevor Littlewood / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Graham · Kintail

Biod an Fhithich

Biod an Fhithich (645m) — the raven's peak — is a sharp little summit in the NG91 square above Mam Ratagan, overlooking Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. The cairn sits on a rocky perch with a memorable view across to Faochag and the long ridge of the Sisters.

Quick facts

Height: 645.9m/ 2119ft
Prominence: 154 m
Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 484 m
Time: 3–5 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NG950147
Parking: NG934196
Nearest city: Fort William· 44km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

No GPX track yet

Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.

Submit your GPX

Standard route

grass slopes 55% · rocky outcrops 30% · heather patches 15%

12km · 484m ascent · 3.2 hrs

Park at the top of the Mam Ratagan pass between Glenelg and Shiel Bridge. Cross the cattle grid and follow the deer fence north up the open hillside — pathless but firm. The angle steepens onto a rocky shoulder, ending with a short rib of broken outcrops directly to the cairn.

Terrain

Deer fence then steep grass and bracken on the lower slopes — a hard pull straight up. Above, broken rock outcrops give a hands-on finish to the perched cairn. The descent is best by the same line; the east slope drops abruptly into the corrie.

In winter

Mam Ratagan and the Five Sisters area get full west-coast snow. Biod an Fhithich's short rib at the top freezes quickly into mixed ground that needs an axe.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Biod an Fhithich. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS The Northwest Highlands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 7m
Edinburgh4h 41m

Parking: NG934196

OS maps: OS Landranger 33

Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Mam Ratagan / Glenelg area; weak on most networks.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

16h 44mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:50
Sunset: 21:02
Civil dawn: 05:04
Civil dusk: 21:48

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 August 2026

Got a photo of Biod an Fhithich?

30 seconds, helps other walkers.

Submit a photo

Walked it with a GPX?

From your watch or phone.

Submit GPX

Trip report?

Share what it was actually like.

Get in touch →

Around Biod an Fhithich on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Kyle of Lochalsh station

Skye Bridge; Five Sisters of Kintail; Glen Shiel; Plockton

23km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Mallaig

Ferry port for Skye and the Small Isles; CWT finish supply

32km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Biod an Fhithich — common questions

What difficulty is Biod an Fhithich?: On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Biod an Fhithich comes in at 3/5 — moderately challenging. Expect roughly 12km and 484m of ascent on the usual route — 3-5 hours for most parties. Terrain: Deer fence then steep grass and bracken on the lower slopes — a hard pull straight up.
How prominent is Biod an Fhithich?: Biod an Fhithich has 154m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
Where should I park to climb Biod an Fhithich?: Standard parking is at NG934196. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
When should I climb Biod an Fhithich?: The standard good-weather months for Biod an Fhithich 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 Biod an Fhithich?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Biod an Fhithich?: Poor. Remote Mam Ratagan / Glenelg area; weak on most networks.
Is Biod an Fhithich safe in winter?: Mam Ratagan and the Five Sisters area get full west-coast snow. Biod an Fhithich's short rib at the top freezes quickly into mixed ground that needs an axe.

Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly

One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.