Sgurr a' Ghlaisein

Tucked away in the rugged Flowerdale Forest near Gairloch, this rocky Graham offers a wilder alternative to the Torridon giants. Its summit rewards the rough trek across bog and heather with exceptional, close-up views across Loch Maree to the Slioch massif and the quartzite peaks of Beinn Eighe.

• •The name is Gaelic, with Sgùrr meaning a sharp, rocky peak and Ghlaisein likely derived from glas, meaning grey or green, or glais, referring to a stream or rivulet.
• •The most popular approach begins near Victoria Falls on the A832, following a track through the Flowerdale Estate before heading onto the pathless, undulating moorland that guards the peak.
• •The summit offers a unique perspective of the Torridon 'Big Three', looking south across the wild interior towards the northern ramparts of Liathach and the horns of Beinn Alligin.
• •To the west, the hill is flanked by the massive, multi-summited ridge of Baosbheinn, a mountain that dominates the local skyline despite being significantly higher than Sgurr a' Ghlaisein.
• •It is often said that a North West Highland mile is longer than a standard one; on these pathless slopes, the local conversion rate is usually measured by how many hidden bog holes you can find per hour.