Sgùrr na Càrnach

Mountain Scottish mountain in the Torridon hills

One of several peaks on a long ridge, popular for linked summits and undisturbed views. Routes include rocky sections and peatland; walkers typically start from coastal glens and plan for full days.

Main image

Sgùrr na Càrnach is a mountain peak in Scotland located at latitude 57.18901, longitude -5.34921, and is recorded by its Gaelic name on standard maps. It is a natural highland summit within Scotland.

Terrain around the summit comprises typical mountain ground of ridges, steep slopes and rocky sections used by hillwalkers; approaches can be rough and routefinding is sometimes required. Clear weather provides broad views over neighbouring peaks and glens.

The landform owes its shape to glacial and post-glacial processes and carries no separate built history. Lower slopes are used for grazing and seasonal outdoor activities.

The feature lies in the Scottish Highlands; the coordinates place it in an upland, sparsely populated area with access via local tracks and mapped paths.

Sgùrr na Càrnach
57.1890, -5.3492

How to Get to Sgùrr na Càrnach #

Most walks start from minor roads off the A832 (between Kinlochewe and Dundonnell). The common approach is from Kernsary (follow single-track roads; parking limited) or from Corrie Hallie via a longer ridge route. Public transport is very limited-nearest train stations are at Achnasheen or Inverness, followed by taxi. Walk-in approaches require navigation across rough ground.

Tips for Visiting Sgùrr na Càrnach #

  • Start the Sgùrr na Càrnach ridge early-summit ridge can be exposed and becomes unpleasant in strong wind after mid-morning.
  • Use the An Teallach ridge approach from Kernsary (A832) rather than the steep direct line: the path from Corrie Hallie is clearer in winter.
  • Equip with a map and compass; GPS can be unreliable in the corries and on misty days. Munro-baggers should carry crampons in winter-the final crest is knife-edged in snow.

Best Time to Visit Sgùrr na Càrnach #

Best visited late spring through autumn for safer footing and longer daylight; winter requires mountaineering skills.

Late spring-early summer
May-June · 4-12°C
Long daylight and reduced midges make approach and ridge travel easier; snow patches may remain on north-facing gullies.
Autumn
September-October · 2-10°C
Crisp weather brings clear visibility and dramatic cloud inversions, but days shorten fast and gales are more likely.
Winter (for experienced mountaineers)
December-March · -5-3°C
Serious winter conditions: hard snow, ice on the crest and avalanche risk in gullies; only for well-equipped parties.

Weather & Climate near Sgùrr na Càrnach #

Climate

Sgùrr na Càrnach's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -2°C to 14°C. Heavy rainfall (3071 mm/year), wettest in January.

Best Time to Visit
MayJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (367 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

26 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

367 mm
Rainfall
12.8 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.1h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (247 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

26 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

247 mm
Rainfall
12.6 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (305 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

305 mm
Rainfall
11.7 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

169 mm
Rainfall
9.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.1h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
8.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
16.4h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

151 mm
Rainfall
8.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
17.6h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

170 mm
Rainfall
8.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
17.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

197 mm
Rainfall
8.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
15.0h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (288 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

288 mm
Rainfall
9.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (331 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

331 mm
Rainfall
11.0 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (349 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

349 mm
Rainfall
11.9 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.8h daylight

December

December is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (352 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

352 mm
Rainfall
11.3 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.4h daylight

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