Munro · kintail
Druim Shionnach
Druim Shionnach (987m) — "ridge of the fox" — is the second easternmost Munro on the long South Glen Shiel ridge, sitting between Creag a' Mhaim and Aonach air Chrith. It is usually one of the first summits gained on the classic seven-Munro ridge traverse from Cluanie Inn. The hill has a distinctively long flat summit ridge giving wide-ranging views west along the rest of the South Glen Shiel chain.
Quick facts
- Height
- 985.2m/ 3232ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 867 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH074084
- Parking
- NH077117
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Steep hillside 45% · Ridge walk 45% · Summit 10%
Park at the Cluanie Inn at the east end of Glen Shiel. Take the old military road south-west for around 3km, then climb directly south up steep grass to the broad east ridge of Creag a' Mhaim (first Munro), continuing west over Druim Shionnach. From here you can either descend the Allt Coire Sgoireadail for a short two-Munro day, or continue west over all seven Munros for the full traverse. Around 12km with 1100m of ascent for the eastern pair.
Terrain
The Cluanie Inn old military road approach is firm but the climb onto the ridge is sustained steep grass without a clear path until the broad ridge crest takes shape. Above 800m the ridge is mostly easy mossy turf with occasional rocky outcrops. The Druim Shionnach summit is a small cairn on a flat area. The east ridge has a section of narrow rocky crest with one short scrambly step.
In winter
A serious winter ridge Munro. In snow the east ridge climbs at Grade I. The north-facing slopes hold wind-loaded snow after westerly storms. The Allt Coire Sgoireadail bealach can be drifted; the descent from the ridge involves steep grass which ices over in winter. The A87 corridor stays gritted. SAIS Northern Highlands is the relevant forecast area.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 55m
- Edinburgh3h 26m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: No signal above 600m on the South Glen Shiel Ridge. The layby at Loch Cluanie end has occasional signal. Download maps before the drive from Invergarry.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:29
- Sunset
- 22:10
- Civil dawn
- 03:24
- Civil dusk
- 23:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Druim Shionnach.
Around Druim Shionnach on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Druim Shionnach — common questions
- How hard is Druim Shionnach?
- Druim Shionnach is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 867m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Cluanie Inn old military road approach is firm but the climb onto the ridge is sustained steep grass without a clear path until the broad ridge crest takes shape.
- Where do I park for Druim Shionnach?
- Standard parking is at NH077117 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 Shionnach?
- The standard good-weather months for Druim Shionnach 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 Druim Shionnach?
- 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 Shionnach?
- No signal above 600m on the South Glen Shiel Ridge. The layby at Loch Cluanie end has occasional signal. Download maps before the drive from Invergarry.
- Is Druim Shionnach safe in winter?
- A serious winter ridge Munro. In snow the east ridge climbs at Grade I. The north-facing slopes hold wind-loaded snow after westerly storms. The Allt Coire Sgoireadail bealach can be drifted; the descent from the ridge involves steep grass which ices over in winter. The A87 corridor stays gritted. SAIS Northern Highlands is the relevant forecast area.
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