How hard is Sgurr na Dubh-chreige?

We grade Sgurr na Dubh-chreige at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Knobbly Lewisian gneiss — small slabs and ribs separated by deep heather pockets and tiny lochans.

How prominent is Sgurr na Dubh-chreige?

Sgurr na Dubh-chreige has 164m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.

When should I climb Sgurr na Dubh-chreige?

The standard good-weather months for Sgurr na Dubh-chreige are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 na Dubh-chreige?

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

By Gary

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Marilyn · Glen Coe & Lochaber

Sgurr na Dubh-chreige

Sgurr na Dubh-chreige — the peak of the black crag — is just 197m high but a fully fledged Marilyn on the rocky Arisaig peninsula near Loch nan Ceall. The summit is a knot of dark gneiss with an outlook over the Small Isles that belies the modest height.

Gaelic: “sharp peak, of the, black” · Pronunciation: skoor na doo chreige

Quick facts

Height: 197m/ 646ft
Prominence: 164 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NM 69066 93775
Nearest city: Fort William· 46km
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

heather moorland 50% · rocky slopes 35% · grass slopes 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

From the B8008 near Arisaig village, head north on a track and then over open hillside to the cairn. Short and easy, mostly on grippy gneiss with occasional bog. Under 2 hours and a useful winter day option when the higher hills are unreachable.

Terrain

Knobbly Lewisian gneiss — small slabs and ribs separated by deep heather pockets and tiny lochans. Underfoot dryer than most coastal Marilyns thanks to free-draining rock.

In winter

At 197m on the open coast, winter is effectively a non-issue. The dark gneiss can ice in cold spells; otherwise this is a year-round walk and a useful day when the inland hills are storm-bound.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Sgurr na Dubh-chreige. 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 West 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

Glasgow5h 57m
Edinburgh7h 16m

OS maps: OS Landranger 40, OS Explorer 398W

Mobile signal: Reasonable. The Arisaig coastal masts give good signal on the summit.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 12mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:51
Sunset: 19:47
Civil dawn: 06:13
Civil dusk: 20:25

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Sgurr na Dubh-chreige on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Mallaig

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

3km from the hill

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Sgurr na Dubh-chreige — common questions

How hard is Sgurr na Dubh-chreige?: We grade Sgurr na Dubh-chreige at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Knobbly Lewisian gneiss — small slabs and ribs separated by deep heather pockets and tiny lochans.
How prominent is Sgurr na Dubh-chreige?: Sgurr na Dubh-chreige has 164m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
When should I climb Sgurr na Dubh-chreige?: The standard good-weather months for Sgurr na Dubh-chreige are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 na Dubh-chreige?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Sgurr na Dubh-chreige?: Reasonable. The Arisaig coastal masts give good signal on the summit.
Is Sgurr na Dubh-chreige safe in winter?: At 197m on the open coast, winter is effectively a non-issue. The dark gneiss can ice in cold spells; otherwise this is a year-round walk and a useful day when the inland hills are storm-bound.

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