Beinn Sgulaird

Beinn Sgulaird, at 937 metres, is a solitary Munro rising steeply above upper Loch Creran, its rocky upper slopes leading to a summit renowned as one of the finest viewpoints in Scotland — on a clear day, the 360-degree panorama takes in mountains, lochs, sea, and islands in a single sweep.

The finest route approaches from the west, starting from a layby just east of Druimavuic. A bulldozed track climbs through trees via two gates before leaving the forest behind; the route continues over minor summits including Meall Garbh, with much outcropping rock and curving slabs but no real difficulties, before crossing a bealach and beginning the final ascent up Beinn Sgulaird's better-defined south ridge — an enjoyable climb that becomes rockier near the top, with a little very mild scrambling leading to the small summit plateau and its large cairn. Views inland take in the great ranges around Ben Nevis and Glencoe, with Ben Cruachan looking magnificent above Loch Etive, while the finest outlook of all runs down Loch Creran to the sea and the islands.

An alternative, more direct approach starts from Glenure Farm; a longer, boggier route is also possible from Glen Etive, following the edge of forestry round Beinn Trilleachan before a pathless ascent up the east ridge — several regular visitors report this as a genuinely muddy, tussocky slog best avoided in wet conditions.

The round trip via the western route from Druimavuic is around 13.5 kilometres with roughly 1,160 metres of ascent, typically six and a half to seven and a half hours.

The traverse over the minor summits involves rocky, rugged ground with some boulders and easy scrambling, and the descent options from the main summit are all unrelentingly steep — this is a serious, sustained mountain day despite the modest overall height, and full navigation and hillwalking skills are essential.

Parking near Druimavuic is limited; there is no public transport to the start.