Scotland
Sgurr an Fhuarail
987M
3238FT
About Sgurr an Fhuarail
Rising steeply above the Cluanie Inn, this prominent Munro Top serves as the grand eastern gateway to the North Shiel ridge. Its broad, grassy flanks give way to a stony crest that offers an exceptional perspective over Loch Cluanie and the jagged arête of the Forcan Ridge across the glen.
Key Statistics
Rank
40th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North West Highlands
Prominence
?
71m
Nearest Town
Athnamulloch
Geology
You are walking on the Glenfinnan Group. This peak is made of layers of hardened sandstone and mudstone, transformed by heat and pressure deep underground.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NH054139
Latitude
57.1745°N
Longitude
5.2207°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is Gaelic, translating as 'Peak of the Cold Place' or 'Chilly Peak', a fitting description for a summit that bears the brunt of easterly winds whipping up through the Great Glen and Glen Shiel.
- •It marks the usual start of the 'Brothers of Kintail' traverse; hikers ascending from the A87 road must endure a direct, uncompromising climb of over 500 metres before the gradient finally relents at this summit.
- •Despite reaching a height of 987 metres—comfortably taller than many famous Munros—it is classified only as a Munro Top because it is separated from its parent peak, Aonach Meadhoin, by a relatively shallow col.
- •The summit provides a classic 'earned' view of the sprawling Grey Height (An Caisteal) and the remote mountains surrounding the head of Loch Mullardoch to the north.
- •The hill is often used as a litmus test for the day ahead; if you reach this first cairn and the Kintail weather has already soaked you through, the long ridge walk to the west will be a very character-building experience.