Munro · North-West Highlands
Sgurr na Ruaidhe
Sgurr na Ruaidhe (993m) is a steep, rocky peak in the wild sandstone mountains of the North-West Highlands. It shares ridgeline connections with neighbouring hills, making it a natural addition to a longer day combining two or three summits. The summit, marked by a large cairn, gives views of the Minch, the Outer Hebrides and the rugged Atlantic coastline. The nearest town is Inverness in Highland.
Gaelic: “sharp, rocky peak” · Pronunciation: skoor
Quick facts
- Height
- 993m/ 3258ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 874 m
- Time
- 4.9 hrs
- Difficulty
- 5 / 5Expert
- Grid ref
- NH289426
- Parking
- NH280430
- Nearest city
- Inverness
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 17km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 17km with 874m 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 large cairn.
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 connecting ridges to adjacent hills are well-defined but involve noticeable re-ascent.
In winter
In winter, Sgurr na Ruaidhe 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. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 27m
- Edinburgh4h 44m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:45
- Sunset
- 20:50
- Civil dawn
- 05:00
- Civil dusk
- 21:35
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026