Sgurr na Bana-Mhoraire

About Sgurr na Bana-Mhoraire

Situated on the rugged Applecross peninsula, this sandstone peak offers a quieter alternative to the more famous hills of the North West Highlands. Its name translates as the ‘Peak of the Countess’, and the climb over steep, tiered heather slopes is rewarded with an exceptional, airy perspective over the Inner Sound towards Skye.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Sgùrr na Bana-mhorair'. While 'Sgùrr' denotes a sharp peak, 'Bana-mhorair' refers to a lady of high rank or a countess, though the specific historical figure who inspired the name is no longer recorded.
• •The summit provides a focused, panoramic view west across the Inner Sound to the islands of Raasay and Scalpay, with the dramatic, serrated profile of the Skye Cuillin framing the horizon.
• •Geologically, the hill is composed of Torridonian sandstone; the characteristic horizontal bedding planes of this ancient rock create natural, step-like terraces that walkers must navigate during the ascent.
• •The hill sits just north of the famous Bealach na Bà, the historic drovers' path and current road pass that reaches 626 metres, meaning you start your walk already higher than many British hills.
• •Despite its noble name, its official classification as a Hump (a hill with a Hundred Metre Prominence) is a somewhat uncourtly title for a peak dedicated to a countess.