The Five Sisters of Kintail
One of Scotland's classic ridges, from Glen Shiel over three Munros to Loch Duich.
- Distance
- 12.8 km
- Ascent
- 1440 m
- Time
- 5.5–7.5 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Linear
- High point
- 1069 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
The Five Sisters of Kintail is a hard 12.8 km linear walk with 1,440 m of ascent, taking 5.5 to 7.5 hours. It starts at Glen Shiel forest car park, A87 (grid reference NH 005 136). It climbs 3 listed hills, the highest Sgurr Fhuaran at 1,069 m. The start can be reached by public transport.
The Five Sisters are the famous view from Loch Duich, a line of steep peaks above Glen Shiel. The route climbs steeply from Glen Shiel to the Bealach an Làpain, then follows the ridge west over Sgùrr na Cìste Duibhe, Sgùrr na Càrnach and Sgùrr Fhuaran.
The ridge is narrow and rocky in places, with steep drops. The descent heads north to Loch Duich, so this is a one-way route: arrange transport back.
Route
-
1
To the bealach
Climb steeply from Glen Shiel to the Bealach an Làpain.
-
2
Along the ridge
Follow the ridge west over Sgùrr na Cìste Duibhe and Sgùrr na Càrnach to Sgùrr Fhuaran.
-
3
Down to Loch Duich
Descend north to Ault a' chruinn by Loch Duich.
Summits
1027 m
1002 m
1069 m
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does The Five Sisters of Kintail take?
- Most walkers take 5.5–7.5 hours for the 12.8 km route, which has 1,440 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Glen Shiel forest car park, A87 (grid reference NH 005 136). Car park in Glen Shiel. The route finishes at Ault a' chruinn on Loch Duich.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Citylink coaches between Glasgow, Inverness and Skye stop on request; check times and book ahead. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Very steep climb to the ridge; narrow, rocky ridge path; steep descent.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Sgurr Fhuaran (1069 m, Munro); Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe (1027 m, Munro); Sgurr na Carnach (1002 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Deer stalking takes place on these hills from mid-August to October. Stick to the main paths and check Heading for the Scottish Hills before you go. The National Trust for Scotland owns the Kintail estate.
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Walks nearby
All walks near Shiel Bridge
Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe from Glen Shiel forest car park
Glen Shiel forest car park
9.6 km · 1200 m · 4.5–6 h
Sgurr na Carnach from Glen Shiel forest car park
Glen Shiel forest car park
12.5 km · 1430 m · 5.5–7.5 h
