Munro · North-West Highlands
Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich
Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich (945m) — universally known as "Cheesecake" by hillgoers — is a strikingly pointed quartzite Munro at the head of Loch Monar in genuinely remote Achnashellach country. Despite its modest height the hill has a dramatic profile and is paired with the broader Lurg Mhòr to the south on a long expedition through some of the wildest land in Scotland. The summit views span the Mullardoch, Strathfarrar and Torridon hills.
Gaelic: “pinnacle, of the, corrie” · Pronunciation: bee-jen uh chor-a sheasgaich
Quick facts
- Height
- 945m/ 3100ft
- Prominence
- 208 m
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 832 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH049412
- Parking
- NH039492
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 62km
- 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
Remote track / path 45% · Open hillside 30% · Rocky summit 25%
See Lurg Mhòr for the standard pair route. The most efficient approach starts at Craig on the A890 and follows the Allt a' Chonais path west (refer to Sgùrr a' Chaorachain), then drops south from the high bealach into the Loch Monar headwaters. Climb the steep south ridge of Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich (sustained scrambling-grade ground) to the small pointed summit, then continue south-east along the link to Lurg Mhòr. Around 28km return with 1500m of ascent for the pair.
Terrain
The Allt a' Chonais path is excellent stalkers' track for the lower section. The drop south from the high bealach down into the Loch Monar basin is pathless heather and broken rock. The south ridge of Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich is sustained scrambling-grade ground — steep grass, broken rock and one or two short scrambly steps. The summit is a small pointed cairn perched on a tiny rocky platform.
In winter
A serious remote Achnashellach winter day. Under snow the south ridge of Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich climbs at Grade I. Persistent cornices form along the north and east flanks of the summit ridge. The Loch Monar headwaters bealach holds avalanche-prone snow. Bearnais bothy gives basic shelter. SAIS Northern Highlands applies; mobile reception absent throughout.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 32m
- Edinburgh4h 58m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: No signal anywhere on the approach. One of the most remote Munros in Scotland — 15km from the nearest road. Get maps saved before departing Achnasheen.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:00
- Sunset
- 21:55
- Civil dawn
- 04:03
- Civil dusk
- 22:52
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich.
Around Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich — common questions
- Is Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich a hard climb?
- Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 16km with 832m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Allt a' Chonais path is excellent stalkers' track for the lower section.
- How prominent is Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich?
- Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich has 208m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
- Where should I park to climb Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich?
- Standard parking is at NH039492 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When should I climb Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich?
- The standard good-weather months for Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich are 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 Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich?
- No signal anywhere on the approach. One of the most remote Munros in Scotland — 15km from the nearest road. Get maps saved before departing Achnasheen.
- Is Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich safe in winter?
- A serious remote Achnashellach winter day. Under snow the south ridge of Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich climbs at Grade I. Persistent cornices form along the north and east flanks of the summit ridge. The Loch Monar headwaters bealach holds avalanche-prone snow. Bearnais bothy gives basic shelter. SAIS Northern Highlands applies; mobile reception absent throughout.
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