Munro · North-West Highlands
Sgurr Ban
Sgùrr Bàn (989m) — "white peak" — is one of the Fisherfield Six Munros, named for the pale quartzite scree that mantles its summit. The hill sits in the interior of the Fisherfield Forest, the largest roadless wilderness in Britain, accessed only by long walks from Dundonnell (Corrie Hallie) or Poolewe. Always tackled as part of a multi-day Fisherfield expedition or a single very long day, almost always with neighbouring Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair.
Gaelic: “sharp peak, fair” · Pronunciation: skoor bahn
Quick facts
- Height
- 989m/ 3245ft
- Prominence
- 165 m
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 870 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH055745
- Parking
- NH114859
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 68km
- 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 approach track 40% · Open hillside 30% · Quartzite ridge 30%
The standard approach is from Corrie Hallie near Dundonnell — see Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair for the full Fisherfield round. Sgùrr Bàn is reached over the long quartzite ridge from the Mullach. The summit cairn is a substantial pile of pale quartzite blocks. Continue south-east to Beinn a' Chlàidheimh (now a Corbett since the 2012 demotion) for the full traverse. The Fisherfield Six round totals 50km with 2500m of ascent — usually a two-day trip with overnight at Shenavall.
Terrain
The quartzite scree on Sgùrr Bàn's upper slopes and summit ridge is slippery underfoot, particularly when wet. The connecting ridge from Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair is broad with broken rocky outcrops. Fisherfield approach paths from Corrie Hallie or Shenavall are rough and demand confident navigation. After heavy rain the rivers (Abhainn Loch an Nid, Abhainn Srath na Sealga) can become unfordable.
In winter
A committing winter wilderness day. The quartzite ridges glaze with verglas and become genuinely treacherous in winter conditions. The river crossings can be unfordable after snowmelt. Shenavall bothy offers basic overnight shelter. There is no mobile reception anywhere in the Fisherfield. SAIS Northern Highlands is the relevant avalanche forecast area. Self-sufficient winter mountaineering kit and competence are essential.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 9m
- Edinburgh4h 29m
OS maps: OS Landranger 19
Mobile signal: No signal in the Fisherfield Forest. Download maps at home — the approach paths are too remote for any mobile coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:58
- Sunset
- 21:58
- Civil dawn
- 04:00
- Civil dusk
- 22:56
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr Ban.
Around Sgurr Ban on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgurr Ban — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr Ban?
- We grade Sgurr Ban at 5/5, which puts it in very challenging territory. The usual route is around 17km with 870m of climbing; allow 6-9 hours. Ground conditions: The quartzite scree on Sgùrr Bàn's upper slopes and summit ridge is slippery underfoot, particularly when wet.
- How much drop does Sgurr Ban have?
- The drop is 165m: measured from the summit of Sgurr Ban down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for Sgurr Ban?
- Park at NH114859 near Ullapool. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb Sgurr Ban?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September on Sgurr Ban. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Sgurr Ban?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Sgurr Ban?
- No signal in the Fisherfield Forest. Download maps at home — the approach paths are too remote for any mobile coverage.
- Is Sgurr Ban safe in winter?
- A committing winter wilderness day. The quartzite ridges glaze with verglas and become genuinely treacherous in winter conditions. The river crossings can be unfordable after snowmelt. Shenavall bothy offers basic overnight shelter. There is no mobile reception anywhere in the Fisherfield. SAIS Northern Highlands is the relevant avalanche forecast area. Self-sufficient winter mountaineering kit and competence are essential.
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