Sgùrr na Càrnach

Sgùrr na Càrnach, at 1,002 metres, is the second Munro of the Five Sisters traverse, only promoted to full Munro status in 1997, though most Munroists had already climbed it as part of the classic ridge walk regardless of its official status.

Reached from Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe via a descent to Bealach na Craoibhe, an excellent path winds up stony slopes with views of Loch Duich, Skye, and the Cuillins on a clear day, though the going remains genuinely rough throughout. From the summit, an almost identical descent leads to Bealach na Càrnach, with a little very easy rocky scrambling on flakes along the way.

Beyond the bealach, the ascent to Sgùrr Fhuaran — the highest and central of the Five Sisters — begins, steep and bouldery, with the path branching into various lines as walkers seek the easiest route through the boulder field; keeping to the left is generally reported as slightly easier than the alternatives on the right.

The full Five Sisters traverse, taking in all three Munros, is around 15 kilometres, typically seven to nine hours from the Glen Shiel car park.

The rocky, undulating terrain between Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe and Sgùrr Fhuaran demands sustained concentration, and while the scrambling is generally easy and well-protected, tired legs later in a long day make careful footing increasingly important — full hillwalking fitness and equipment are essential for this demanding ridge.

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