Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe

Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe, at 1,027 metres, is the first Munro reached on the classic Five Sisters of Kintail ridge traverse, one of Scotland's great long ridge walks above Glen Shiel.

The route starts from the Glen Shiel car park on the A87, just east of a gap between two forestry blocks — this is a linear, one-way walk requiring public transport, a bike, or a pre-arranged lift back to the start. A steep, often boggy path climbs directly from the car park, gaining around 480-550 metres in under a kilometre, before reaching the ridge at Bealach an Lapain — the hardest climbing of the day is done at this point. Heading west, a long, undulating but fine ridge leads to the Munro Top of Sgùrr nan Spainteach ("peak of the Spaniards"), from where the descent is a little rocky with a short scramble just before the bealach. Beyond, the ridge briefly splits into two confusing crests before a steep climb reaches Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe's massive summit cairn, with a short continuation giving a superb full-length view down Loch Duich.

From here, the ridge continues west to Sgùrr na Càrnach, broader and less well-defined than the ground already crossed, descending to Bealach na Craoibhe before the next climb.

The full Five Sisters traverse, taking in all three Munros, is around 15 kilometres, typically seven to nine hours, with a serious initial ascent, sustained ridge walking, and easy but real scrambling throughout.

This is a demanding, linear ridge walk with genuine exposure in places and confusing terrain in poor visibility on the twin-crested section before Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe — full navigation and fitness are essential, and public transport arrangements for the return journey should be confirmed before setting out.

The Glen Shiel car park is free; Citylink buses between Glasgow and Inverness run along the A87, stopping at the driver's discretion.