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3,251 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland

Sgairneach Mhòr

Sgairneach Mhòr is a 3,251 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Coire Dhomhain: 7 mi, 1,840 ft of gain, Class 2.

Sgairneach Mhòr in the Central Highlands, Scotland

Sgairneach Mhòr at a glance

  • Elevation3,251 ft990 m
  • RouteNormal Route via Coire DhomhainClass 2
  • Distance7 mi1,840 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeCentral HighlandsScotland

Climbing the Normal Route via Coire Dhomhain

From Dalwhinnie, take the A9 south to the summit of the Pass of Drumochter. Start from Layby 79 on the A9, follow the old road and pass beneath the railway through a small tunnel, fording a small burn onto the Coire Dhomhain track. Cross the first bridge over the main burn and climb a faint, peaty path toward the bealach, then follow the ridge above the crags of Coire Creagach to the trig point. The route is Class 2. Usually combined with Beinn Udlamain. Snow cornices overhang Coire Dhomhain in spring, and the broad summit is easy to misjudge in white-out.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 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

  • Boggy terrain
  • Low visibility
  • Cornices
  • Stream crossing

Quests with Sgairneach Mhòr

Peaks near Sgairneach Mhòr

  1. Beinn Udlamain

    Beinn Udlamain

    3,317 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. A' Mharconaich

    A' Mharconaich

    3,199 ft · 2.0 mi away

  3. Geal-charn

    Geal-charn

    3,009 ft · 3.2 mi away

  4. A' Bhuidheanach Bheag

    A' Bhuidheanach Bheag

    3,071 ft · 4.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Sgairneach Mhòr?

Sgairneach Mhòr is 3,251 feet (990 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.

How does Sgairneach Mhòr rank among the Munros?

At 3,251 feet, Sgairneach Mhòr is the 155th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Sgairneach Mhòr?

The Normal Route via Coire Dhomhain is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 7 miles with 1,840 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Sgairneach Mhòr?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Normal Route via Coire Dhomhain, covering 7 miles with 1,840 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Sgairneach Mhòr?

Usually, if you are fit. The Normal Route via Coire Dhomhain is a common first summit for hikers ready for 4 – 6 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Sgairneach Mhòr?

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 Sgairneach Mhòr 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