Munro · kintail
Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan)
Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan — "peak of the quarters", a name referring to ancient land divisions — is the 1151m Munro at the western end of Glen Affric, one of the most remote major hills in the country. With 433m of prominence it dominates the watershed between Affric and Kintail. The summit is a striking small cairn on a narrow rocky crest at the head of a great cliffed corrie, the Garbh Choire, that drops north toward Loch Mullardoch. The mountain is famous for genuine wilderness atmosphere — most parties stay overnight at the SYHA Alltbeithe hostel to reach it.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1149.7m/ 3772ft
- Distance
- 19 km
- Ascent
- 1012 m
- Time
- 7–11 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH057228
- Parking
- NH200234
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Glen Affric track 25% · Open hillside / remote path 35% · Complex ridge 40%
The classic line is the long approach from the Glen Affric road end at Loch Affric, walking 12km west to Alltbeithe hostel then climbing the broad south ridge of Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan. Around 30km return — a major day, usually broken with an overnight at Alltbeithe. The shorter but equally committing west approach is from Morvich in Kintail via Gleann Lichd and Camban bothy. Often combined with neighbouring Mullach na Dheiragain for a remote two-Munro day.
Terrain
The Glen Affric stalkers paths are well-built; firm gravel as far as Alltbeithe. The climb onto the south ridge mixes turf with occasional rocky pulls. Higher up the crest narrows to a slim crest with steep drops both sides — careful footwork required, no scrambling proper. The connection to Mullach na Dheiragain involves a long pathless ridge with several minor tops.
In winter
A major winter mountaineering objective with full alpine character — cornices on the north corrie rims, avalanche-prone slopes on the south face after westerly storms, and a long approach in deteriorating light. Alltbeithe hostel can be used as a winter base but verify open dates. SAIS Northern Highlands applies. Phone signal absent throughout.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 12m
- Edinburgh4h 40m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25, OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: No signal. One of the most remote Munros in Scotland. Download maps at home — no coverage for the entirety of the approach.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 22:11
- Civil dawn
- 03:22
- Civil dusk
- 23:17
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan).
On a long-distance route
Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan) sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
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Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan) — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan)?
- Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan) is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 19km with 1012m of ascent and takes most walkers 7-11 hours. Terrain: The Glen Affric stalkers paths are well-built; firm gravel as far as Alltbeithe.
- Where do I park for Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan)?
- Standard parking is at NH200234 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 nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan)?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan) 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 nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan)?
- 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 nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan)?
- No signal. One of the most remote Munros in Scotland. Download maps at home — no coverage for the entirety of the approach.
- Is Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan (Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan) safe in winter?
- A major winter mountaineering objective with full alpine character — cornices on the north corrie rims, avalanche-prone slopes on the south face after westerly storms, and a long approach in deteriorating light. Alltbeithe hostel can be used as a winter base but verify open dates. SAIS Northern Highlands applies. Phone signal absent throughout.
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