Graham · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Druim Fada
Druim Fada (710m) — the long ridge — at NG89 forms the spine of the Glenelg peninsula opposite Skye, separating Loch Hourn from the Sound of Sleat. The two-summit ridge gives a striking sea view: the Knoydart skyline to the south, the entire Cuillin to the west, and the Five Sisters of Kintail eastward across Glen More. Beorus Hill (the eastern Marilyn) is the high point of the ridge proper.
Gaelic: “ridge, long” · Pronunciation: drim fah-dah
Quick facts
- Height
- 710.7m/ 2332ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 582 m
- Time
- 4–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG894083
- Parking
- NG926091
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 50% · bog and wet grass 30% · rocky outcrops 20%
From the public parking at NG926091 near Bernera, climb steeply north-west onto the ridge crest, then traverse the entire spine. The long roof-like undulation gives surprisingly fast progress on short turf once the initial climb is done. Around 13km with 582m of cumulative ascent on the full ridge, returning by the same line or descending to Glenelg village.
Terrain
The initial pull through bracken and boulder is the only stiff section. Above 400m the ridge is cropped turf and lichen-spotted rock, with several bog hollows between the tops to slow walkers in wet weather. Cliffs fall steeply north toward Glenelg Bay — keep south of the crest in poor visibility.
In winter
Cold Atlantic systems hit the Glenelg coast hard, with sustained 70mph westerlies in winter storms not unusual. The ridge collects deep lee snow on north-facing aspects. SAIS Northern Highlands covers the Cluanie and Affric area immediately to the east and gives useful context. Short December daylight here is around seven hours.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 3m
- Edinburgh4h 40m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: Patchy signal. O2 occasionally picks up near ridge crest; otherwise poor.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:37
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:36
- Civil dusk
- 23:04
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Druim Fada on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Druim Fada — common questions
- How hard is Druim Fada?
- Druim Fada is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 582m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: The initial pull through bracken and boulder is the only stiff section.
- Where do I park for Druim Fada?
- Standard parking is at NG926091 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 Druim Fada?
- The standard good-weather months for Druim Fada 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 Druim Fada?
- 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 Druim Fada?
- Patchy signal. O2 occasionally picks up near ridge crest; otherwise poor.
- Is Druim Fada safe in winter?
- Cold Atlantic systems hit the Glenelg coast hard, with sustained 70mph westerlies in winter storms not unusual. The ridge collects deep lee snow on north-facing aspects. SAIS Northern Highlands covers the Cluanie and Affric area immediately to the east and gives useful context. Short December daylight here is around seven hours.