Sgùrr Thuilm

Sgùrr Thuilm, at 963 metres, is the higher and easterly of the two Glenfinnan Munros, a fine rocky peak of great character lying just outside the Rough Bounds of Knoydart but sharing much of that region's rugged spirit.

The route starts from a car park at Glenfinnan, just east of the bridge over the River Finnan — often extremely busy in summer, particularly before a steam train is due (the viaduct nearby featured prominently in the Harry Potter films). A path or tarmac road leads under the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and up the glen, with forestry cladding the hills on both sides, before reaching Corryhully, an old cottage maintained as an open bothy for walkers outside the stalking season — much of this approach is easily cycled. Beyond, the track continues up the west bank of the River Finnan before a bridge crosses at the base of Druim Coire a' Bheithe, the spur leading towards Sgùrr Thuilm; the ascent is steep on grass at first, easing above 700 metres where a faint path follows the shoulder to the final approach, heading directly north for the last stretch to the summit — a fairly wide ridge with very steep drops on either side.

The cairn offers great views towards Knoydart and down to Loch Arkaig, along with glimpses east to Ben Nevis on clear days. From the summit, most walkers retrace steps to a line of fence posts before bearing right onto the knobbly ridge leading to Sgùrr nan Coireachan, the second Munro of the classic round.

An alternative, quieter approach starts from Strathan at the west end of Loch Arkaig, following forestry tracks into Glen Pean before grass-covered shoulders lead directly up to the ridge — though this involves significant river crossings that shouldn't be attempted if levels are high.

The combined Glenfinnan round taking in both Munros is around 23 kilometres, typically seven to nine hours — a surprisingly demanding day despite much of the approach being on tarmac.

The connecting ridge to Sgùrr nan Coireachan crosses several rocky bumps requiring sure-footedness, and the whole route, while well-pathed, should not be underestimated given its length — full navigation skills are valuable in poor visibility, particularly on the steep, eroded descent sections.

Parking at Glenfinnan is chargeable; Glenfinnan has both a train station on the West Highland Line and a bus service from Fort William.