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
- 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).
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Standard route
grass slopes 55% · rocky outcrops 30% · heather patches 15%
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. The pass road is usually clear in winter and the hill makes a tight, weather-sensitive half-day with SAIS West Highlands appropriate.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 7m
- Edinburgh4h 41m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Mam Ratagan / Glenelg area; weak on most networks.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:51
- Sunset
- 22:04
- Civil dawn
- 03:52
- Civil dusk
- 23:04
NOAA Solar Calculator · 17 July 2026
Around Biod an Fhithich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
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. The pass road is usually clear in winter and the hill makes a tight, weather-sensitive half-day with SAIS West Highlands appropriate.
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