Munro · North-West Highlands
Sgurr Choinnich
Sgùrr Choinnich (999m) — "Kenneth's peak" — is the western Munro of the Achnashellach pair, the immediate neighbour of Sgùrr a' Chaorachain across a narrow bealach at the head of the Allt a' Chonais. The hill's shapely profile is visible across the Strath Carron country and the summit gives commanding views west to the Torridon hills. The two Achnashellach Munros are always climbed together from Craig.
Quick facts
- Height
- 999.3m/ 3279ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 879 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH076446
- Parking
- NH039492
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 59km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Stalkers path 35% · Open hillside 30% · Narrow summit ridge 35%
See Sgùrr a' Chaorachain for the standard Achnashellach pair route. From Craig on the A890, take the long Allt a' Chonais stalkers' path west into the heart of the hills, cross the bridge and climb to the bealach between Sgùrr Choinnich and Sgùrr a' Chaorachain. From the bealach turn west along the narrow rocky ridge to Sgùrr Choinnich. Return to the bealach and continue east to Sgùrr a' Chaorachain. The pair total roughly 22km with 1300m of climb.
Terrain
The shared Allt a' Chonais approach is excellent restored stalkers' path. The climb to the bealach is rough scree and short grass. The Sgùrr Choinnich summit ridge is narrow rocky crest with significant exposure on the north side above Coire na Sealga — one short scrambly step near the cairn. The connecting ridge back to the bealach is broad and easy. The descent from the bealach into Coire Choinnich is loose scree.
In winter
A serious Achnashellach winter day. The narrow summit crest of Sgùrr Choinnich develops cornicing on its north side. The east face of the connecting ridge holds wind-loaded snow after westerly storms. The long Allt a' Chonais approach in shortened daylight adds significant commitment. The A890 at Achnashellach stays gritted. Phone signal absent on the hill. SAIS Northern Highlands and Torridon both relevant.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 35m
- Edinburgh4h 59m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m in the Achnashellach area. Achnasheen has 4G. Download maps before the drive from Inverness.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:26
- Sunset
- 22:13
- Civil dawn
- 03:19
- Civil dusk
- 23:20
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Around Sgurr Choinnich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgurr Choinnich — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr Choinnich?
- Sgurr Choinnich is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 879m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The shared Allt a' Chonais approach is excellent restored stalkers' path.
- Where do I park for Sgurr Choinnich?
- Standard parking is at NH039492 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 Choinnich?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr Choinnich 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 Sgurr Choinnich?
- 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 Choinnich?
- No signal above 700m in the Achnashellach area. Achnasheen has 4G. Download maps before the drive from Inverness.
- Is Sgurr Choinnich safe in winter?
- A serious Achnashellach winter day. The narrow summit crest of Sgùrr Choinnich develops cornicing on its north side. The east face of the connecting ridge holds wind-loaded snow after westerly storms. The long Allt a' Chonais approach in shortened daylight adds significant commitment. The A890 at Achnashellach stays gritted. Phone signal absent on the hill. SAIS Northern Highlands and Torridon both relevant.
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