When is the best time to climb Sgurr nan Caorach?

The standard good-weather months for Sgurr nan Caorach 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 nan Caorach?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

When is the best time to climb Sgurr nan Caorach?

The standard good-weather months for Sgurr nan Caorach 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 nan Caorach?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · skye

Sgurr nan Caorach

Sgurr nan Caorach (peak of the sheep) sits near the southern tip of the Sleat peninsula at 281m, looking south to Mallaig and Knoydart across the Sound of Sleat. A frequently overlooked little summit at Skye's far end.

Quick facts

Height: 281.2m/ 923ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NG 59377 03000
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather moorland 55% · rocky slopes 30% · grass slopes 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

From the road end at Aird of Sleat, take the Point of Sleat path then break off east to climb the short heathery hillside. Around 6 km return including the walk-in.

Terrain

Good path for the first kilometre then rough heather and sheep-cropped grass to the small rocky top.

In winter

Mild maritime location keeps this snow-free most years. Combine with the lighthouse walk to Point of Sleat for a memorable short winter trip.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow5h 25m
Edinburgh8h 44m

OS maps: OS Landranger 32, OS Landranger 39, OS Explorer 412

Mobile signal: Poor. No reliable coverage; remote island or Skye hill with no infrastructure.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 09mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:28
Sunset: 22:21
Civil dawn: 03:20
Civil dusk: 23:29

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Sgurr nan Caorach on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Mallaig station

End of the Road to the Isles — ferry to Skye, Knoydart, Small Isles

10km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Mallaig

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

10km from the hill

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Sgurr nan Caorach — common questions

How hard is Sgurr nan Caorach?: Sgurr nan Caorach is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Good path for the first kilometre then rough heather and sheep-cropped grass to the small rocky top.
When is the best time to climb Sgurr nan Caorach?: The standard good-weather months for Sgurr nan Caorach 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 nan Caorach?: 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 Sgurr nan Caorach?: Poor. No reliable coverage; remote island or Skye hill with no infrastructure.
Is Sgurr nan Caorach safe in winter?: Mild maritime location keeps this snow-free most years. Combine with the lighthouse walk to Point of Sleat for a memorable short winter trip.

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