Munro · North-West Highlands
Sgurr nan Clach Geala
Sgurr nan Clach Geala — "peak of the white stones" — is the 1093m Munro widely considered the finest summit in the Fannaichs north of Ullapool. The hill earns its name from the pale quartzite cap that crowns the upper mountain, contrasting with the darker schist of the lower slopes. The north-east face is one of the most dramatic Munro corrie walls in the area, holding Grade III-IV winter routes. The summit is a small cairn on a narrow rocky crest.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1093.4m/ 3587ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 962 m
- Time
- 7–10 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH184714
- Parking
- NH162761
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 55km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Dam road / loch-side track 30% · Open hillside 35% · Rocky ridge / summit 35%
The standard line is from the A832 at Braemore Junction, taking the long path south up the Allt Breabaig glen to the bealach below Sgurr nan Clach Geala. Climb the north ridge to the summit, then continue south to Sgurr nan Each or Meall a' Chrasgaidh for a multi-Munro round. Around 18km return with 962m of ascent for the single summit; longer rounds add 5-10km.
Terrain
The Allt Breabaig stalkers path is firm peat through the lower glen. The pull onto the ridge crosses steep grass and broken rock bands. The summit crest is short and rocky with serious exposure above Coire Mhoir; one tricky section near the top. The connecting ridges to other Fannaich Munros are broad short turf.
In winter
A serious winter Munro. The north-east face is a major climbing venue (Grade III-V routes including the classic Skyscraper Buttress). Cornicing along the summit ridge is consistent through the season. Avalanche risk on the corries after westerly storms. The A832 corridor is gritted. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 2m
- Edinburgh4h 19m
OS maps: OS Landranger 20
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m. Garve or Achnasheen has the nearest coverage. The Fannaich hills are consistently out of range — download maps before the drive.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:14
- Civil dawn
- 03:15
- Civil dusk
- 23:23
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr nan Clach Geala.
On a long-distance route
Sgurr nan Clach Geala sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Sgurr nan Clach Geala on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgurr nan Clach Geala — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr nan Clach Geala?
- Sgurr nan Clach Geala is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 18km with 962m of ascent and takes most walkers 7-10 hours. Terrain: The Allt Breabaig stalkers path is firm peat through the lower glen.
- Where do I park for Sgurr nan Clach Geala?
- Standard parking is at NH162761 near Ullapool. 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 Clach Geala?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr nan Clach Geala 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 nan Clach Geala?
- 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 Clach Geala?
- No signal above 700m. Garve or Achnasheen has the nearest coverage. The Fannaich hills are consistently out of range — download maps before the drive.
- Is Sgurr nan Clach Geala safe in winter?
- A serious winter Munro. The north-east face is a major climbing venue (Grade III-V routes including the classic Skyscraper Buttress). Cornicing along the summit ridge is consistent through the season. Avalanche risk on the corries after westerly storms. The A832 corridor is gritted. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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