Sgùrr nan Each
923m
Ullapool
“Peak of the Horses”
923mHeight
30.1kmRound trip
9.5–12.4hWalk time
HardDifficulty 4/5
Photo: GeographBot · CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
About this Munro
Sgùrr nan Each is a 923m Munro in the Ullapool region, its Gaelic name meaning “peak of the horses”. It stands 267th of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Eastern Fannichs from Dirrie Mòr — is a 30.1km round trip taking 9.5–12.4 hours, rated hard (4/5).
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Routes & Navigation
There is 1 route to the summit of Sgùrr nan Each, covering 30.1km.
Route preview
Eastern Fannichs from Dirrie Mòr
Hard9.5–12.4h round trip30.1km distance↑738m ascent
Bog ratingBoggy
ParkingLoch Glascarnoch Layby
Step-by-step guideIn the app
Climbing Sgùrr nan Each
Your ascent of Sgùrr nan Each forms part of the Eastern Fannichs traverse from Dirrie Mòr, an epic 30.1km expedition…
Climbing Sgùrr nan Each
Your ascent of Sgùrr nan Each forms part of the Eastern Fannichs traverse from Dirrie Mòr, an epic 30.1km expedition…
Your ascent of Sgùrr nan Each forms part of the Eastern Fannichs traverse from Dirrie Mòr, an epic 30.1km expedition that represents one of the longest and most demanding Munro routes in Scotland. The terrain underfoot is challenging, with a bog level rated 4 out of 5, meaning you'll encounter extensive wet ground, peat hags, and waterlogged sections particularly on the approaches.
The route is graded 4 out of 5 for difficulty, reflecting not just the technical challenges but the sheer physical and mental demands of 9.5-12.4 hours of mountain travel. Sgùrr nan Each sits within a complex landscape of peaks and corries that requires excellent navigation skills, with limited clear paths once you leave the initial stalkers' tracks. The mountain's name, Peak of the Horses, hints at its use in Highland history.
The terrain varies from wet moorland to rocky ridges, with the gradient fluctuating as you traverse between multiple summits. This is remote, pathless terrain with limited escape options once committed, making Sgùrr nan Each a serious undertaking for experienced hillwalkers only.
Best Time to Climb Sgùrr nan Each
The extreme length of the Eastern Fannichs traverse means you should only attempt Sgùrr nan Each during the longest days…
Best Time to Climb Sgùrr nan Each
The extreme length of the Eastern Fannichs traverse means you should only attempt Sgùrr nan Each during the longest days…
The extreme length of the Eastern Fannichs traverse means you should only attempt Sgùrr nan Each during the longest days of late spring and summer, when you'll have 16-18 hours of daylight to complete the 9-12 hour expedition with margins for safety. Even in midsummer, an alpine start is advisable to ensure completion in daylight. The Ullapool region receives substantial rainfall, making the already boggy approaches to Sgùrr nan Each even more challenging after wet weather.
Summer offers the most reliable conditions, though midges can be intense in the glens during calm periods. Autumn brings beautiful colours but rapidly shortening days that make this route increasingly marginal for safe completion. Winter transforms Sgùrr nan Each into a serious mountaineering expedition requiring winter skills and potentially avalanche assessment, with very short days making the long distance extremely challenging.
The remote nature of Sgùrr nan Each means weather conditions can differ from valley forecasts, so build in safety margins. Spring often brings unstable snow conditions that persist on north-facing slopes into May.
Getting to Sgùrr nan Each
Your expedition to Sgùrr nan Each begins at the Loch Glascarnoch Layby on the A835 Inverness to Ullapool road. This…
Getting to Sgùrr nan Each
Your expedition to Sgùrr nan Each begins at the Loch Glascarnoch Layby on the A835 Inverness to Ullapool road. This…
Your expedition to Sgùrr nan Each begins at the Loch Glascarnoch Layby on the A835 Inverness to Ullapool road. This informal parking area offers limited space, so arrive very early to secure a spot and ensure you're not blocking access for other users. The A835 is well-maintained year-round, making access straightforward by Highland standards.
However, the Loch Glascarnoch Layby is remote with no facilities whatsoever, so come fully self-sufficient with all water, food, and supplies you'll need for the full day. The nearest services are in Ullapool to the north or Garve to the south, both requiring significant driving time. Mobile phone signal at the parking area is unreliable and becomes non-existent once you head into the mountains towards Sgùrr nan Each.
This remoteness is part of the character of these mountains but demands self-reliance and careful planning. The scenic drive along Loch Glascarnoch provides views of the Fannichs that help with mental preparation for the serious day ahead.
Sgùrr nan Each Summit
At 923 metres, the summit of Sgùrr nan Each offers extensive views across the Fannichs and northwest Highlands, though…
Sgùrr nan Each Summit
At 923 metres, the summit of Sgùrr nan Each offers extensive views across the Fannichs and northwest Highlands, though…
At 923 metres, the summit of Sgùrr nan Each offers extensive views across the Fannichs and northwest Highlands, though by the time you reach it you'll likely have already climbed several other peaks on the traverse. The top is marked by a cairn on a rocky platform characteristic of these quartzite-based mountains. The remoteness of Sgùrr nan Each means you'll likely have the summit to yourself, far from the crowds found on more accessible peaks.
Shelter on the summit is minimal, with only occasional larger boulders providing any lee from the wind that frequently sweeps across these exposed heights. The summit area gives views across a wilderness of peaks and lochs, emphasising the scale of the landscape you're traversing. The sense of achievement at reaching Sgùrr nan Each is tempered by the knowledge that you still have a long journey back to the road.
The mountain's position within the ridge means you'll see other Fannichs peaks arrayed around you, creating a genuine alpine atmosphere of high mountain terrain stretching in all directions.
Wildlife on Sgùrr nan Each
The approach to Sgùrr nan Each takes you through some of the most remote and unspoiled habitat in the northwest…
Wildlife on Sgùrr nan Each
The approach to Sgùrr nan Each takes you through some of the most remote and unspoiled habitat in the northwest…
The approach to Sgùrr nan Each takes you through some of the most remote and unspoiled habitat in the northwest Highlands. The extensive boggy ground supports specialised plant communities including sundews, butterworts, and bog asphodel, adapted to nutrient-poor acidic conditions. Sphagnum mosses in various colours create a living carpet in wetter areas.
As you gain height towards Sgùrr nan Each, the vegetation transitions to montane grassland and heath communities dominated by mat-grass, bilberry, and dwarf shrubs. Red deer roam these mountains in significant numbers, though the remoteness means they're often less wary of humans than in more frequently visited areas. Golden eagles hunt across these ranges, and you may see them quartering the slopes or soaring on thermals.
Ptarmigan inhabit the summit ridges of Sgùrr nan Each, perfectly camouflaged among the rocks. Ravens are year-round residents, and ring ouzels nest in boulder fields during summer. The remote pools and lochans support breeding greenshank and dunlin, waders that have become scarce in many parts of Scotland.
Sgùrr nan Each Tips
Attempting Sgùrr nan Each as part of the Eastern Fannichs requires excellent fitness, navigation skills, and mountain…
Sgùrr nan Each Tips
Attempting Sgùrr nan Each as part of the Eastern Fannichs requires excellent fitness, navigation skills, and mountain…
Attempting Sgùrr nan Each as part of the Eastern Fannichs requires excellent fitness, navigation skills, and mountain experience. This is not a route for inexperienced hillwalkers. Carry map, compass, and GPS device, and be proficient in their use as much of the terrain is pathless and featureless in mist. Take ample water for a 12-hour day, or carry a filter to treat water from mountain streams. Pack substantial food including emergency rations.
Mobile signal is non-existent throughout the route, so you must be entirely self-reliant and inform someone of detailed plans and expected return time. Waterproof boots and gaiters are absolutely essential given the extensive boggy ground, and trekking poles are highly recommended. Pack full waterproofs, warm layers, hat, gloves, and emergency shelter. In winter, this becomes an extreme mountaineering expedition requiring specialist skills and equipment.
Start very early to ensure completion in daylight, and be prepared to abandon the route if conditions deteriorate. The remoteness of Sgùrr nan Each means any accident is serious, so consider travelling with experienced companions. This is a route that demands respect and thorough preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Sgùrr nan Each.
How tall is Sgùrr nan Each?
Sgùrr nan Each stands at 923 metres (3,028 feet), making it the 267th tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Sgùrr nan Each mean in Gaelic?
The name Sgùrr nan Each translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Peak of the Horses”.
How long does it take to climb Sgùrr nan Each?
Climbing Sgùrr nan Each typically takes between 9.5 and 12.4 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen.
Where do I park for Sgùrr nan Each?
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Sgùrr nan Each, in the Ullapool area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
How difficult is Sgùrr nan Each to climb?
Sgùrr nan Each is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5).
What is the best route up Sgùrr nan Each?
The most popular route up Sgùrr nan Each covers 30.1km, 9.5–12.4 hours round trip.
Is Sgùrr nan Each good for beginners?
Sgùrr nan Each (difficulty 4/5 at 923m) is best suited to experienced hillwalkers in the Ullapool area. Expect sustained steep terrain and the need for confident navigation in poor visibility.
What region is Sgùrr nan Each in?
Sgùrr nan Each is in the Ullapool region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include A' Chailleach (Fannichs), A' Mhaighdean, Am Faochagach.