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Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe

Munro
Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
1027 m (3369 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
NG98391496
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
105 of 282 Munros
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
1
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Rocky peak of the black chest
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  33   Loch Alsh, Glen Shiel & Loch Hourn
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

  Description
Sgurr na Ciste Dubh is one of three Munros on the North Glen Shiel ridge in the group known as the "Five Sisters".

The three Munros enclose Coire Domain to the E and to the W form the steep and rocky towering E wall of Glen Shiel. The curved summit ridge of Sgurr na Ciste Dubh links to Sgurr na Carnach to the NW and Sgurr nan Spainteach to the E.

Its S and W slopes to Glen Shiel are steep and rocky and to the N of the summit there is a short craggy NE ridge into Coire Domain.

The normal ascent route is from Bealach an Lapain via Sgurr nan Spainteach. The route from Sgurr nan Spainteach involves some scrambling and the ridge to Sgurr na Ciste Dubh has a double crest which can be confusing in poor visibility.

Hazards you may encounter on Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe include
 Steep slopes on or near ascent routes.
 Crags near summit.
 Narrow Ridges, with exposure.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Picture Gallery for Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe

The Five Sisters as seen from Bealach an Lap.

© Lynda Langlands
Image by Lynda Langlands

Note that the bridge at NG947181 is out of action

© Kevin Mckeown
Image by Kevin Mckeown

Looking up the undulating east ridge of Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe, with the summit left, Sgurr nan Spainteach summit and east top to the right.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown

Loch Duich from Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe

© Nicholas Blease
Image by Nicholas Blease
View All 20 Images for Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

  Weather & OS Maps
North West Highlands
by MWIS (PDF format) 		West Highlands
by Met Office 		Ladhar Bheinn
by Metcheck
Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

A selection of local accommodation options who advertise with Munromagic.com.

  Where to Stay
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sponsored accommodation listings for this area.

The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe.

Click on the route title to load the full content for that route.

  Routes that include Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 1809 m 20.24 km 7.5 hrs Sgurr Fhuaran, Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe and Sgurr na Carnach  A moderate to strenuous route on the "Five Sisters of Kintail" involving some relatively easy scrambling. This is a classic route.  
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe

  Baggers Gallery for Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe

Nick Butterworth on top of Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe 02/06/12

© Steve Marlow
Image by Steve Marlow

Me on Sgurr na Ciste Dhuibe

© Janet Weir
Image by Janet Weir

Summit of Sgurr Fhuaran 26/02/2011

© john wells
Image by john wells

Summit of Sgurr na Carnach 26/02/2011

© john wells
Image by john wells
View All 11 Baggers Images for Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe
The logging section stores any entries for Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe in your own log. From here you can
  1. Add a route log entry that includes this mountain
  2. Write a full account of your route including photos
  3. Edit an existing log entry including uploading a GPX file or add a photo
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  Logging
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Recently Climbed By
Claire Wales on 29 Nov 2023
Alan Dobson on 17 Oct 2023
Graeme Mcphee on 13 May 2023

If a member has uploaded a tracklog as part of their personal route log and opted to share it then it will be presented here.

You can view a members route overlayed on an online map or download the KMZ file for use in Google Earth.

 Shared Members Track Logs
 

Post a few words about Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Showing the most recent 5 of 6 comments. Would you like to view all 6?
Kevin Mckeown
wrote on
September 1, 2009
The bridge is NOT to be attempted at all especially in very heavy rain fall as was tried in Aug 30th 09 better to head for the nearest pub and have a few beers.
Brian Howarth
wrote on
May 1, 2009
Note that the bridge at NG947181 is out of action. It can be crossed with a great deal of difficulty. 1. Ignore the signs saying not to use it. 2. Climb over the boarding at the end 3. Treat missing section of bridge as a wire rope bridge Though it might be easier to find another route!
Kathleen Haddow
wrote on
June 14, 2004
The allt a' Chruinn track is another good descent off the ridge. It is a little muddy to start with but improves lower down. The path is currently being repaired nr Ault a' chruinn but is still open (June 04). This route also has the advantage of finishing about ten muinutes away from an excellent refreshment stop.
David S Brown
wrote on
June 23, 2002
The ascent track up to Bealach an Lapain begins at the absolute east end of the gap between plantations. The P marked on OS map is small with a height-measuring beam, ?for commercial vehicles. The main car park is in the middle of the gap, about 50 metres west from the start of the track. On ascent keep directly up the slope when you come to the top of the trees, there is a well-trodden track which contours above the trees from below Saileag which it is easy to follow then have to back-track.
David S Brown
wrote on
June 23, 2002
I descended west ridge of Beinn Bhuidhe heading for col with Sgurr an t-Searraich thence SW to bridge. Got 'stuck' in large bog centred NG957186 half mile before col. Picked across it SW but couldn't make descent due to crags, contoured NW above them eventually descending from col direction but at first unpleasantly through knee-deep heather hiding boulders. Got within 20 metres of bridge but very soft bog amongst trees had me swinging from tree to tree looking for a way to the bridge. Cannot recommend this descent route, poor finish to a fabulous traverse.
 
 

A full written account of a climb submitted by our members.

You can prepare your own write up by first making an entry in your route log and then visiting the logging section above.

  Route Write-Ups
  Date Title Written by Including...
1 29 Apr 2011 5 Sisters George Dyball Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe, Sgurr na Carnach and Sgurr Fhuaran Not Yet Rated
 
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