Sgùrr nan Conbhairean

Sgùrr nan Conbhairean, at 1,109-1,110 metres, is the highest of a little-known group of three Munros north of Loch Cluanie, and one of only a handful of summits north of the Great Glen to breach 1,100 metres — a grand peak with a summit cairn perched airily on the lip of a huge eastern corrie.

Reached from Càrn Ghluasaid via the minor top of Creag a' Chaorainn and a stony saddle at Creag Bealach, the ridge turns north and climbs steeply to the graceful summit dome, marked by a suitably large cairn — the name translates roughly as "peak of the keepers of the hounds." The views are very extensive, particularly impressive looking east over the fine corries, with the neighbouring Glen Affric giants and Mullach Fraoch-choire's dramatic ridge visible to the west.

From the summit, a well-defined ridge continues north, with grand views down to crags and corries on the right and the regenerating forest of Gleann na Cìche on the left, dropping to a bealach before a short rise to Sàil Chaorainn, the third Munro of the day.

On the return, it isn't necessary to climb back over Sgùrr nan Conbhairean's full summit — a small cairn at the foot of the summit cone marks a path that traverses below to the west, avoiding the reascent before continuing down the south-west ridge, narrowing to a fine arête with Gorm Lochan below to the left.

The combined round taking in all three Munros from Lundie is around 17-18 kilometres with roughly 1,320 metres of ascent, typically eight to eight and a half hours.

Being high and relatively far inland, this mountain can hold significant snow, and the edge of the corrie cliffs between Sgùrr nan Conbhairean and Sàil Chaorainn may become heavily corniced in winter — full navigation and, when snow is present, winter equipment are essential.

Parking at Lundie is free; Citylink buses between Glasgow and Inverness run along the A87, stopping at the driver's discretion.