Five majestic peaks lined up behind a picturesque loch, wreathed in trailing cloud. Why are they called the Five Sisters of Kintail? The legend goes like this …
This is MacRae country! The old clan once held the land around Loch Duich, including Eilean Donan Castle. And so it happened, at a time not further specified, that two brothers came from Ireland and were warmly welcomed by Clan MacRae. The chief of the MacRaes had seven daughters, and two of them soon married the two Irishmen.
But what was to become of the other five sisters? No problem, the two Irishmen promised. They themselves had five more brothers, and they would send for them, so that they too might marry the remaining five MacRae daughters. And so the Irishmen set off homeward with their wives.
The five sisters waited from then on for their promised husbands. They waited, and waited, and so that they would not lose their beauty in the meantime, a witch doctor promptly turned them into mountains.
The Five Sisters of Kintail still wait to this day at the end of Loch Duich, where anyone can see them.
Did you know: about the Five Sisters of Kintail
The Five Sisters of Kintail are all around 1,000 metres high and draw many hillwalkers. From west to east, the peaks are named “Sgurr nan Saighead”, “Sgurr Fhuaran”, “Sgurr na Carnach”, “Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe” and “Sgurr nan Spainteach”.
The highest of them is Sgurr Fhuaran, at 1,067 metres. Its name also happens to be the war cry of Clan MacRae: “Sgurr Uaran”, pronounced roughly “skoor oo-ran”, with the stress on the second syllable.
Personal note: a magnificent view
This view is well worth a detour, whether you’re travelling to or from Skye. As is typical, there’s also a table with benches at the viewing platform. In good weather, it makes for a wonderful picnic with a Highland backdrop.
Tips: the view and a round trip via Skye
To get a good view of the five sisters, you can drive up to the large viewing platform above the village of Ratagan. From there, you also get a panoramic view over Loch Duich.
Continuing along the road, you reach the small car ferry at Glenelg on the other side of the mountain, which – when it’s running – will also take you across to the island. On the far shore begins a beautiful and secluded road that brings you back to the A87 near Kyleakin, where the bridge to the mainland is.
Getting there:
To reach the Mam Ratagan viewpoint, take the A87 towards Shiel Bridge. Shortly before it, turn left at a petrol station – a brown sign marks the campsite here. Simply follow this road straight on. It winds up the hillside, and after a while a car park and the viewing platform appear on the right.
