Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan

Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan, at 1,151 metres, is one of the most imposing and remote mountains in Scotland, its name meaning "peak of the quarters" for the vast area its many long ridges divide, and rated the fourth most difficult Munro to climb once remoteness and height are both taken into account.

The standard approach starts at Alltbeithe, also known as Glen Affric Youth Hostel — the remotest hostel in Britain, with no road access, reached only by a long walk in from Glen Affric to the east, Morvich to the west via Gleann Lichd or the Bealach na Sgairne, or the Cluanie Inn to the south. An overnight stay at the hostel, at nearby Camban bothy, or by camping is essential for most parties. From Alltbeithe, an excellently constructed path climbs east of a stream through two deer-fence gates onto the mountain's east ridge, reaching a col at 843 metres shared with the neighbouring Munro of An Socach. The narrow, undulating east ridge continues over three minor tops before the final summit is reached; the mountain's true highest point sits at the eastern of two summits separated by 500 metres of narrow, craggy ridge, with the western top a mere eight metres lower — crossing between them involves an easy scramble in summer, more serious in winter conditions.

Most parties combine the ascent with neighbouring An Socach, reached via the west ridge from the same col, and the truly committed continue further to the remote Mullach na Dheiragain, one of the least accessible Munros in Britain, requiring considerable additional ascent and descent along a further ridge.

The round trip from Alltbeithe taking in Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan alone is a long day; combined with An Socach and the approach and return to a road end, this is realistically a two-day expedition for most walkers, with total distances easily exceeding 30-40 kilometres depending on approach.

This is a serious, remote mountain expedition rather than a single-day hillwalk for the great majority of people — full navigation, wild camping or bothy skills, and genuine self-sufficiency are essential given the distance from any help, and winter conditions add considerably to the difficulty of the ridge scrambling between summits.

There is no vehicle access to Alltbeithe; the nearest road ends are at Glen Affric, Morvich, or the Cluanie Inn, all served by limited Citylink bus routes.