Graham · Glen Coe & Lochaber
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
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 484 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG950147
- Parking
- NG934196
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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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.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
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
- 04:37
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:35
- Civil dusk
- 23:04
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 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
- How hard is Biod an Fhithich?
- Biod an Fhithich is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 484m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Deer fence then steep grass and bracken on the lower slopes — a hard pull straight up.
- Where do I park for Biod an Fhithich?
- Standard parking is at NG934196 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 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?
- 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 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.