Munro · kintail
Creag nan Damh
Creag nan Damh (918m) — "rock of the stags" — is the westernmost Munro of the South Glen Shiel Ridge, the seven-Munro ridge above the A87 between Cluanie and Shiel Bridge. The summit is a small rocky outcrop at the end of a long undulating ridge with steep drops south into Glen Quoich. Usually traversed last on the great seven-Munro day from Cluanie.
Gaelic: “crag, of the, stag” · Pronunciation: krayg nan dav
Quick facts
- Height
- 917.2m/ 3009ft
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 807 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG983111
- Parking
- NH012116
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Glen Shiel ascent 40% · Ridge walk 45% · Summit 15%
Most parties walk the full SGS Ridge from the Cluanie Inn, taking Creag nan Damh as the seventh and final Munro. Solo ascents start from the Bridge of Allt a' Chaorainn lay-by on the A87 and climb directly north up the steep zig-zag stalkers' path onto the ridge near Sgurr Beag. From there it is a short walk west to the summit. Around 9km return for the singleton with 950m of ascent.
Terrain
The Allt a' Chaorainn stalkers' path is one of the best-built in the area — efficient zig-zags up the steep glen wall. The ridge crest is short turf and broken rock with intermittent path. The summit is a small rocky knob with a cairn — surprisingly modest for the end of the big ridge.
In winter
A serious winter undertaking, especially as the seventh peak of a long day. The southern coires hold deep wind-loaded slab and small cornices form along the north flank. SAIS Northern Highlands forecasts apply. The A87 stays open through Glen Shiel; the steep descent to the road in winter requires good axe and crampon technique.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 2m
- Edinburgh4h 36m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m on the South Glen Shiel Ridge. Download maps before setting off — the A87 at Glen Shiel has only occasional coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:29
- Sunset
- 22:11
- Civil dawn
- 03:24
- Civil dusk
- 23:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Creag nan Damh.
Around Creag nan Damh on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Creag nan Damh — common questions
- How hard is Creag nan Damh?
- Creag nan Damh is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 16km with 807m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Allt a' Chaorainn stalkers' path is one of the best-built in the area — efficient zig-zags up the steep glen wall.
- Where do I park for Creag nan Damh?
- Standard parking is at NH012116 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 Creag nan Damh?
- The standard good-weather months for Creag nan Damh 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 Creag nan Damh?
- 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 Creag nan Damh?
- No signal above 700m on the South Glen Shiel Ridge. Download maps before setting off — the A87 at Glen Shiel has only occasional coverage.
- Is Creag nan Damh safe in winter?
- A serious winter undertaking, especially as the seventh peak of a long day. The southern coires hold deep wind-loaded slab and small cornices form along the north flank. SAIS Northern Highlands forecasts apply. The A87 stays open through Glen Shiel; the steep descent to the road in winter requires good axe and crampon technique.
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