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3,875 ft · Western Highlands, Scotland

Mam Sodhail

Mam Sodhail is a 3,875 ft peak in the Western Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Coire Leachavie: 13 mi, 3,280 ft of gain, Class 1.

Mam Sodhail in the Western Highlands, Scotland

Mam Sodhail at a glance

  • Elevation3,875 ft1,181 m
  • RouteCoire LeachavieClass 1
  • Distance13 mi3,280 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeWestern HighlandsScotland

Climbing the Coire Leachavie

From Cannich on the A831, follow the minor road to its end in Glen Affric. Start from the River Affric car park (paid parking) and walk the track along the north shore of Loch Affric past Affric Lodge, then take the stalkers' path north into Coire Leachavie. It climbs gently before zigzagging up the headwall onto the ridge, and a Class 1 path leads to the huge hollow survey cairn on the summit. Usually combined with Carn Eige and Beinn Fhionnlaidh. The upper ridge is exposed and cold in wind, and snow lingers on the corrie headwall into spring. Start early for this long day.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • High winds
  • Low visibility
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Stream crossing

Quests with Mam Sodhail

Peaks near Mam Sodhail

  1. Càrn Eige

    Càrn Eige

    3,881 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Beinn Fhionnlaidh

    Beinn Fhionnlaidh

    3,297 ft · 1.8 mi away

  3. An Socach

    An Socach

    3,022 ft · 2.4 mi away

  4. Mullach na Dheiragain

    Mullach na Dheiragain

    3,222 ft · 2.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mam Sodhail?

Mam Sodhail is 3,875 feet (1,181 m) tall. It is in the Western Highlands, Scotland.

How does Mam Sodhail rank among the Munros?

At 3,875 feet, Mam Sodhail is the 14th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Mam Sodhail?

The Coire Leachavie is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 13 miles with 3,280 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mam Sodhail?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Coire Leachavie, covering 13 miles with 3,280 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mam Sodhail?

Usually, if you are fit. The Coire Leachavie is a common first summit for hikers ready for 8 – 10 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Mam Sodhail?

The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mam Sodhail with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list