Munro · kintail
Sgurr na Carnach
Sgùrr na Carnach (1002m) — "peak of the stony place" — is the middle summit of the Five Sisters of Kintail, sitting between Sgùrr na Cìste Duibhe to the east and Sgùrr Fhuaran to the north. It is the broadest and least distinctive of the Five Sisters in profile but sits at the junction of the main ridge with the steep north corrie headwall above Gleann Lichd. Always reached as part of the Five Sisters traverse.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1002m/ 3287ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 882 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG977158
- Parking
- NG990135
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Glen / hillside 25% · Steep ascent 40% · Ridge 35%
See Sgùrr Fhuaran or Sgùrr na Cìste Duibhe for the standard Five Sisters traverse. Sgùrr na Carnach is the third summit reached from the eastern (Bealach an Lapain) start, after Sgùrr na Cìste Duibhe and Sgurr nan Spainteach. A direct ascent from Morvich up the steep north-east face is theoretically possible but unpleasant — almost everyone climbs the hill as part of the full traverse. Total round 14km with 1500m of cumulative ascent.
Terrain
The Sgùrr na Carnach summit is a broader saddle-like area than the surrounding sharper Sisters — a small rocky platform with a large cairn. The connecting ridges to Cìste Duibhe and Sgùrr Fhuaran are narrow with sustained airy exposure on both sides. The north corrie headwall above Gleann Lichd is one of the steepest faces of the Five Sisters group — keep well clear in cloud. The descent off Sgùrr na Moraich at the west end to Morvich is steep grass.
In winter
A major Scottish winter ridge. The Five Sisters traverse in winter is one of the great committing days — the narrow crest holds continuous cornicing on both sides. The north corrie above Gleann Lichd holds significant avalanche risk after southerly storms. The Bealach an Lapain start is unforgiving once committed. The relevant forecast is SAIS Northern Highlands; full alpine kit and competence are essential.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 7m
- Edinburgh4h 40m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m on the Five Sisters ridge. The Morvich NTS car park has occasional coverage. Download maps before leaving the main road.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:29
- Sunset
- 22:11
- Civil dawn
- 03:23
- Civil dusk
- 23:17
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr na Carnach.
Around Sgurr na Carnach on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgurr na Carnach — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr na Carnach?
- Sgurr na Carnach is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 882m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Sgùrr na Carnach summit is a broader saddle-like area than the surrounding sharper Sisters — a small rocky platform with a large cairn.
- Where do I park for Sgurr na Carnach?
- Standard parking is at NG990135 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 Sgurr na Carnach?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr na Carnach 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 na Carnach?
- 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 na Carnach?
- No signal above 700m on the Five Sisters ridge. The Morvich NTS car park has occasional coverage. Download maps before leaving the main road.
- Is Sgurr na Carnach safe in winter?
- A major Scottish winter ridge. The Five Sisters traverse in winter is one of the great committing days — the narrow crest holds continuous cornicing on both sides. The north corrie above Gleann Lichd holds significant avalanche risk after southerly storms. The Bealach an Lapain start is unforgiving once committed. The relevant forecast is SAIS Northern Highlands; full alpine kit and competence are essential.
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