Munro · Kintail
Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe
Sgùrr na Cìste Duibhe (1027m) — "peak of the black chest" — is the easternmost of the celebrated Five Sisters of Kintail and the first major summit reached on the classic ridge traverse from the Bealach an Lapain. It sits immediately east of Sgùrr Fhuaran and gives some of the most theatrical views from any Scottish ridge, looking south down Glen Shiel and west towards Skye. Despite being lower than Fhuaran the steep south face is the most striking single drop on the Five Sisters.
Gaelic: “sharp peak, of the, black” · Pronunciation: skoor na ciste doo-ya
Quick facts
- Height
- 1027m/ 3369ft
- Prominence
- 178 m
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 904 m
- Time
- 6–10 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG984149
- Parking
- NG990135
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 43km
- 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
Steep hillside 55% · Rocky ridge 35% · Summit 10%
The standard line is as part of the Five Sisters traverse. Park at the small Bealach an Lapain layby on the A87 in Glen Shiel. Climb directly south through 700m of unbroken steep grass to the bealach, then turn west along the ridge over Sgurr nan Spainteach (Top) to Sgùrr na Cìste Duibhe. Continue west over the remaining Five Sisters tops to Morvich or Shiel Bridge. Around 14km with 1500m of cumulative ascent for the full traverse.
Terrain
The Bealach an Lapain initial climb is 700m of unrelenting steep grass with no real path until the bealach itself. The traverse east over Sgurr nan Spainteach to Cìste Duibhe involves a narrow ridge with one rocky scrambly step. The Cìste Duibhe summit is a broad rocky platform with a well-built cairn. The drop west to the bealach for Sgùrr na Carnach is steep and exposed on the north side.
In winter
A serious Kintail winter ridge. The steep grass below the Bealach an Lapain hardens into névé in winter, making the descent committing once the ridge is gained. The narrow connecting ridges develop continuous cornicing on the north side. The south-facing aspect glazes readily in spring. The A87 through Glen Shiel is regularly gritted but the Bealach an Lapain layby readily glazes with ice. Reception drops away as you gain the ridge; the relevant avalanche source is SAIS Northern Highlands.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 6m
- Edinburgh4h 39m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: No signal on the Five Sisters ridge. Glen Shiel layby car parks have occasional signal. Download offline maps before leaving Invergarry or Kyle of Lochalsh.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:01
- Sunset
- 21:54
- Civil dawn
- 04:05
- Civil dusk
- 22:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe.
Around Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe — common questions
- How difficult is Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe?
- Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe carries a 5/5 (very challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 17km, 904m of ascent and a 6-10 hour day on the standard route. Ground conditions: The Bealach an Lapain initial climb is 700m of unrelenting steep grass with no real path until the bealach itself.
- How much drop does Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe have?
- The drop is 178m: measured from the summit of Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe?
- Park at NG990135. 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 na Ciste Duibhe?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September on Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe. 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 na Ciste Duibhe?
- 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 na Ciste Duibhe?
- No signal on the Five Sisters ridge. Glen Shiel layby car parks have occasional signal. Download offline maps before leaving Invergarry or Kyle of Lochalsh.
- Is Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe safe in winter?
- A serious Kintail winter ridge. The steep grass below the Bealach an Lapain hardens into névé in winter, making the descent committing once the ridge is gained. The narrow connecting ridges develop continuous cornicing on the north side. The south-facing aspect glazes readily in spring. The A87 through Glen Shiel is regularly gritted but the Bealach an Lapain layby readily glazes with ice. Reception drops away as you gain the ridge; the relevant avalanche source is SAIS Northern Highlands.
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