Munro · Central Highlands
Sgurr nan Conbhairean
Sgurr nan Conbhairean — "peak of the dog-keepers" — is the 1109m Munro on the north side of Loch Cluanie, the highest of three Munros in the rolling country between Glen Affric and Glen Moriston. The summit area carries both a large cairn and a small windshelter, with views south across Loch Cluanie to the Five Sisters of Kintail and north into the Affric wilderness. Often combined with Carn Ghluasaid and Sail Chaorainn for a three-Munro round.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1109m/ 3638ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 976 m
- Time
- 7–10 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH129138
- Parking
- NH154104
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Cluanie Inn path 25% · Open hillside / ridge 40% · Summit 35%
The classic line is from the lay-by on the A87 at the Cluanie Inn end of Loch Cluanie. Take the old military road past the dam to climb the long south ridge of Carn Ghluasaid, then traverse the broad ridge north over Sgurr nan Conbhairean to Sail Chaorainn. Around 18km return with 976m of ascent. Strong walkers extend the traverse to include the smaller Carn na Coinnich.
Terrain
The old military road is firm gravel. The climb onto Carn Ghluasaid is on rough heather and grass. The connecting ridges are broad grassy walking with no exposure. The summit area has both a large cairn and a small stone shelter; the high point is between the two. Easy ground throughout in clear weather.
In winter
A moderate winter Munro round. The summit ridge picks up snow but no avalanche slopes of consequence on the standard line. Cornicing on the north sides facing Glen Affric. The A87 itself is gritted reliably but the lay-by ices over. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 59m
- Edinburgh3h 27m
OS maps: OS Landranger 34
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m above Loch Cluanie. The Cluanie Inn has reasonable 4G. Download maps before heading into the hills.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 22:10
- Civil dawn
- 03:23
- Civil dusk
- 23:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgurr nan Conbhairean.
On a long-distance route
Sgurr nan Conbhairean sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Sgurr nan Conbhairean on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgurr nan Conbhairean — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr nan Conbhairean?
- Sgurr nan Conbhairean is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 18km with 976m of ascent and takes most walkers 7-10 hours. Terrain: The old military road is firm gravel.
- Where do I park for Sgurr nan Conbhairean?
- Standard parking is at NH154104 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 Conbhairean?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgurr nan Conbhairean 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 Conbhairean?
- 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 Conbhairean?
- No signal above 700m above Loch Cluanie. The Cluanie Inn has reasonable 4G. Download maps before heading into the hills.
- Is Sgurr nan Conbhairean safe in winter?
- A moderate winter Munro round. The summit ridge picks up snow but no avalanche slopes of consequence on the standard line. Cornicing on the north sides facing Glen Affric. The A87 itself is gritted reliably but the lay-by ices over. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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