Druim Shionnach

Druim Shionnach, at 987 metres, is the second Munro of the South Glen Shiel Ridge, offering a dramatic overlook of the rugged Coire nan Leac, where the bellowing of rutting deer echoes around a lochan far below in autumn.

Reached from Creag a' Mhàim via a narrowing ridge, the final section of the approach is genuinely narrow and rocky, though a bypass path just to the left avoids the most exposed section for those preferring it. From the summit, the ridge continues broadly for around three kilometres with fairly gentle undulations, great slabby crags sweeping down into corries to the north while the southern slopes remain much gentler, en route to Aonach air Chrith, the highest summit of the entire ridge.

The full South Glen Shiel Ridge, taking in all seven Munros, is around 25 kilometres with roughly 1,900 metres of ascent, typically ten to eleven hours.

The narrow, rocky summit approach demands care, particularly in wet or windy conditions, and the sustained length of this ridge day means fitness and pacing matter as much as any single technical section — full navigation skills are essential given the linear nature of the route and the steep ground on either side.

Parking in the layby east of the Cluanie Inn is free; Citylink buses between Glasgow and Inverness run along the A87, stopping at Cluanie Inn on request.