Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe

One of the three highest peaks (the other two being Sgurr na Carnach and Sgurr Fhuaran) of the range on the north side of Glen Shiel called the Five Sisters of Kintail. They are splendid hills of great shape and character which rise from the River Shiel in steep ridges and rocky slopes cleft by deep gullies. On their hidden side, above Gleann Lichd, there are several fine corries lined with steep crags. The outline of the Five Sisters as seen from Loch Duich to their west is very striking , as the peaks show a remarkable simplicity and symmetry of outline.

The traverse of the three peaks is best started from Glen Shiel about 1½ kilometres up the glen from the site of the Battle of Glenshiel. At that point there is a wide gap between forest plantings, and a path leads fairly directly uphill to the Bealach an Lapain. From there start the traverse westwards up the long ridge to Sgurr nan Spainteach, and continue over Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe and Sgurr na Carnach to Sgurr Fhuaran. The return to Glen Shiel may be made directly down the long west ridge of Sgurr Fhuaran, or more pleasantly over Sgurr nan Saighead and Beinn Bhuidhe and down its west ridge to finally descend the steep hillside above Loch Shiel.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)