Sgùrr Fhuaran

Sgùrr Fhuaran is a Scottish Munro standing 1,067 metres high on the northern side of Glen Shiel. It is the highest point for many kilometres and commands wide views from its summit. The mountain’s name may mean ‘Peak of wells or springs’, for many streams flow from its slopes. Another tradition links the name to a disciple of Columba or to a phrase meaning ‘wolf’. Clan Macrae once used the mountain’s name in its war cry. The mountain forms part of the Five Sisters of Kintail, three of which are Sgùrr Fhuaran, Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe and Sgùrr na Càrnach. Seen from Màm Ratagan above Loch Duich, the Five Sisters are among the best-known views in the Western Highlands. Local legend tells how five sisters were turned into peaks while waiting for absent suitors. The mountain has steep slopes dropping more than thirty degrees on its western side. Four ridges radiate from the summit, the best known being the WNW ridge which falls 1,000 metres in just over two kilometres. A direct climb starts at sea level at the foot of Glen Shiel and follows a grass path up the WNW ridge. A longer route goes via Sgùrr na Saighead before taking the northern ridge to the top. The full traverse of the Five Sisters ridge is rated among the best walks in Scotland. Walkers usually start at Morvich in Strath Croe and follow Gleann Lichd to the ridge head. From there they follow the ridge south to north, finishing near Loch Duich.