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
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 904 m
- Time
- 6–10 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG984149
- Parking
- NG990135
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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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
- 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 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 hard is Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe?
- Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 904m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-10 hours. Terrain: The Bealach an Lapain initial climb is 700m of unrelenting steep grass with no real path until the bealach itself.
- Where do I park for Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe?
- 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 Ciste Duibhe?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe 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 Ciste Duibhe?
- 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 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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