Glen Strathfarrar Circuit

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Glen Strathfarrar Circuit: Four Munros in One Day

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026

923

Ranked #923 of 974

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HikeList Score

Glen Strathfarrar Circuit scored 68/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Good

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 52
Scenery & wildness 88
Varied terrain 100
Accommodation 45
Food & support 58
Path quality 92
Season flexibility 89

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

The Glen Strathfarrar Circuit is a strenuous 25 km loop in the Northern Highlands of Scotland, west of Struy and Strathglass. It is a long one-day hillwalk over the Strathfarrar Four: Sgurr na Ruaidhe, Carn nan Gobhar, Sgurr a' Choire Ghlais and Sgurr Fhuar-thuill. Expect about 1,720 m of ascent, a high exposed ridge, wet ground in Coire Mhuillidh and a controlled private access road. It suits fit, experienced hillwalkers with navigation skills.

Route Overview

Start and finish at the grassy parking area in Glen Strathfarrar near Loch a' Mhuillidh / Loch Beannacharan, reached by the private glen road from Struy. A clockwise round is recommended: climb the stalker's path on the east side of the Allt Coire Mhuillidh to Sgurr na Ruaidhe, then follow the broad high ridge over Carn nan Gobhar, Sgurr a' Choire Ghlais and Sgurr Fhuar-thuill before descending via Coire Mhuillidh. Vehicle access is controlled at the locked gate by Milton Cottage, with limited daily permits in season; walkers and cyclists can pass freely. For another Highland mountain objective, compare the Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail, or look north-west to the Assynt Coastal Path.

Glen Strathfarrar: pinewoods, access and the Strathfarrar Four

Glen Strathfarrar is a National Nature Reserve and SSSI noted for remnant ancient Caledonian pine forest. The four Munros on this horseshoe are widely known to hillwalkers as the Strathfarrar Munros or the Strathfarrar Four. The private gated road, with controlled vehicle access from Milton Cottage near Struy, has helped preserve the glen's quiet, remote feel and makes logistics part of the hill day.

Notable highlights

Sgurr a' Choire Ghlais summit (1,083 m): The high point of the circuit and the finest peak of the group, with broad Highland views in clear weather.
The Strathfarrar Four ridge: A clean horseshoe linking four Munros on one high crest, giving a full-value Northern Highlands ridge day.
Glen Strathfarrar pinewoods: The glen is a National Nature Reserve protecting native Caledonian pine forest, a distinctive lower-level contrast to the open ridge.
The gated private road: Vehicle access is famously controlled, with a daily car limit and Tuesday closure; walkers and cyclists are not restricted.
Sgurr na Muice crags: Dramatic crags below Sgurr Fhuar-thuill add a rugged edge on the western side of the circuit.

Challenges to expect

This is a hard, remote Munro day with about 1,720 m of ascent and 10-12 hours of walking. The ridge is broad but high and exposed, and cloud can make navigation serious. The Coire Mhuillidh descent and glen floor can be very wet and boggy. There are no facilities or accommodation on the route, and vehicle access depends on the private glen road gate system.

923

Ranked #923 of 974

See the Top 100 →