Munro · North-West Highlands
Sgurr Breac
Sgurr Breac (999m) is a steep, rocky peak in the wild sandstone mountains of the North-West Highlands. With 450m of prominence it stands well apart from its neighbours, a genuinely isolated summit that demands a dedicated day. The summit, marked by a slab, gives views of the Minch, the Outer Hebrides and the rugged Atlantic coastline. The nearest town is Ullapool in Highland.
Gaelic: “sharp, rocky peak” · Pronunciation: skoor
Quick facts
- Height
- 999m/ 3280ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 880 m
- Time
- 4.9 hrs
- Difficulty
- 5 / 5Expert
- Grid ref
- NH158711
- Parking
- NH17517059
- Nearest city
- Ullapool
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 17km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 17km with 880m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross heather moorland and rough grass, often boggy and pathless. Higher up, the terrain changes to exposed Torridonian sandstone or quartzite, increasingly rocky. Paths are often absent above the glen floor — expect rough, trackless terrain requiring confident navigation. The summit is marked by a slab.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Paths are often absent above the glen floor — expect rough, trackless terrain requiring confident navigation. The hill's high prominence means the approach involves significant re-ascent — there are no easy shortcuts from neighbouring peaks.
In winter
In winter, Sgurr Breac is a serious proposition. Full winter conditions are common from November to April with snow, ice and fierce Atlantic winds. An ice axe and crampons are essential above 600m. At this latitude, daylight hours drop below seven in December — start early and carry a headtorch.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 2m
- Edinburgh4h 20m
OS maps: OS Landranger 20
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:45
- Sunset
- 20:52
- Civil dawn
- 05:00
- Civil dusk
- 21:37
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026