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
- 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 ↗
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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
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:15
- Civil dawn
- 03:15
- Civil dusk
- 23:24
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 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?
- Sgurr Ban is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 870m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The quartzite scree on Sgùrr Bàn's upper slopes and summit ridge is slippery underfoot, particularly when wet.
- Where do I park for Sgurr Ban?
- Standard parking is at NH114859 near Ullapool. 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 Sgurr Ban?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr Ban 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 Sgurr Ban?
- 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 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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