Sgurr Dearg
About Sgurr Dearg
Sgurr Dearg is famous for the Inaccessible Pinnacle on its summit, a vertical rock tower requiring rock climbing skills. It's the only Munro that must be climbed rather than walked.
Height & Prominence of Sgurr Dearg
Sgurr Dearg stands at 986 metres (3235 feet) above sea level, according to Ordnance Survey data. Its topographic prominence is 56 metres, meaning it rises at least that far above the col connecting it to the nearest higher peak. Sgurr Dearg is part of the Cuillin. The OS grid reference is NG 444215, which you can use to locate the summit on any Ordnance Survey Explorer or Landranger map.
Sgurr Dearg carries the classification of Munro. As a Munro, it is one of Scotland's 282 summits over 3,000 ft (914.4 m), as originally catalogued by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891.
Location & Nearest Towns
Sgurr Dearg is located in Scotland, Highland. It sits in the Cuillin area.
For official access information and any seasonal restrictions, check the relevant national park authority.
Safety Tips
Always check forecasts before setting out. Summit conditions differ dramatically from valley level.
Carry map, compass/GPS, water, food, first aid, whistle, torch, and waterproofs.
Tell someone your route and return time. Stick to marked paths. Be ready to turn back.
Ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Know your grid reference.
On the Mountain: Walking Sgurr Dearg
Sgurr Dearg is a hard walk that rewards careful planning. The summit sits at 986m, where conditions can feel distinctly different from the valley — wind speeds are typically 30–50% stronger above 800m, and the temperature drops roughly 1°C for every 100m of ascent. In cloud, the cairn at the top can be hard to spot, so keep a map and compass to hand even on well-marked paths.
After your walk, the nearest village is a good place for a pint and a debrief. For detailed route descriptions and trip reports from other walkers, Walkhighlands is an excellent resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sgurr Dearg one of the best mountains to climb in the UK?
Yes, Sgurr Dearg is considered one of the best mountains to climb in the UK thanks to its scenic routes, 986m elevation, and hard difficulty level.
What difficulty level is Sgurr Dearg?
Sgurr Dearg has a difficulty rating of Hard. Various routes are available for different experience levels.
When is the best time to climb Sgurr Dearg?
The best season is Spring to Autumn. Summit temperatures are typically 5–10°C colder than the valley, and conditions can change rapidly.
Why Visit Sgurr Dearg?
Sgurr Dearg stands at 986m (3235ft) in Scotland, Highland. Classified as a Munro, it is a rewarding destination for hikers, climbers, and photographers.
Browse our UK mountains directory to discover more peaks, or see all mountains A–Z.
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