Sgùrr na Sgìne

Sgùrr na Sgìne, at 946 metres, may not rival the grandeur of its neighbour The Saddle, but it's a fine peak in its own right, with its outlying top Faochag — "the whelk" — looking improbably steep and cone-like when viewed from higher up Glen Shiel.

Reached from The Saddle via the Bealach Coire Mhalagain, a sketchy path winds up rocky slopes — a stiff climb, but one that reaches the ridge without too much difficulty. Turning south, the north-west top of Sgùrr na Sgìne is easily gained, before the ridge becomes very rocky on the continuation to the main summit, perched dramatically above a steep face.

From the true summit, the route returns over the north-west top before continuing along the ridge to its elegant termination at Faochag — despite being classified only as a Corbett Top, this striking peak has steep drops on either side and a memorable profile. Beyond Faochag's summit, a clear path descends the north-east shoulder, an 800-metre continuous, knee-jarring descent, before the Allt Mhalagain is crossed via an old footbridge to reach the roadside close to the start.

Alternatively, Sgùrr na Sgìne can be climbed alone by following the dyke bypass route to the Bealach Coire Mhalagain (avoiding the Forcan Ridge entirely) before ascending directly, with the descent made via Faochag.

The combined round taking in both The Saddle and Sgùrr na Sgìne is around 10 kilometres with roughly 1,080 metres of ascent, typically six hours or more; several regular visitors report full days extending to seven or eight hours including breaks, particularly if fatigue slows the final descent.

The long, steep descent via Faochag is hard on the knees and demands care on tired legs, and the connecting ridge between the two Munros involves genuinely rocky, exposed ground — full navigation and fitness are essential for this serious mountain day.

The A87 layby is free; Citylink buses between Glasgow, Inverness, and Portree run along the A87, stopping at the driver's discretion.