Sgùrr a' Bhealaich Dheirg

Sgùrr a’ Bhealaich Dheirg stands in Kintail on the northern side of Glen Shiel in the Scottish Highlands. It is a Munro, a mountain over 914 metres high, and the tallest of the three ‘Brothers of Kintail’. The other two are Aonach Meadhoin to the east and Sàileag to the west. The mountain has steep grassy slopes on its southern side that drop 850 metres in two kilometres to the valley floor. To the north lie rugged coires and ridges, while the eastern side falls away to Coire nan Eun. Four ridges radiate from the summit plateau, linking the mountain to its neighbours. The mountain sits on Scotland’s main east–west watershed, sending water to both coasts. Two rivers rise in its northern corries. The River Croe flows north-west for 12 kilometres to Loch Duich on the west coast. The River Affric runs east for 80 kilometres to the Beauly Firth on the east coast. The southern slopes below 450 metres are covered in trees from the Glenshiel Forest. The steepness of the southern face makes direct climbs from the A87 road difficult. Most walkers reach the summit by crossing from the adjoining Munros along the east or west ridges. The traverse of all three Brothers starts near the Cluanie Inn or from a parking place in Glen Shiel. The highest point lies 80 metres along a narrow north-east ridge, marked by a dry-stone wall. A short scramble leads to the summit cairn, which offers wide views over the surrounding mountains. The narrow ridge and exposed position add to the challenge of the climb.