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3,606 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland

Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Sgùrr a' Mhàim is a 3,606 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge: 5 mi, 3,440 ft of gain, Class 2.

Sgùrr a' Mhàim in the Central Highlands, Scotland

Sgùrr a' Mhàim at a glance

  • Elevation3,606 ft1,099 m
  • RouteNorthwest RidgeClass 2
  • Distance5 mi3,440 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeCentral HighlandsScotland

Climbing the Northwest Ridge

From Fort William, follow the Glen Nevis road from the A82 Nevis Bridge roundabout to the Polldubh car park by the Lower Falls. At Achriabhach, take the Coire a' Mhusgain path a short way, then turn up the relentless northwest ridge on a clear, eroded path to the summit. Class 2, finishing on loose quartzite scree. The Ring of Steall links it with Am Bodach, Stob Coire a' Chairn and An Gearanach by way of the narrow Devil's Ridge, an easy but airy scramble. The scree is slippery in rain and cloud often hides the top. Take the steep descent slowly, as it is hard on the knees.

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

  • Loose rock
  • Slippery terrain
  • Low visibility
  • High winds

Quests with Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Peaks near Sgùrr a' Mhàim

  1. Am Bodach

    Am Bodach

    3,386 ft · 1.2 mi away

  2. Stob Bàn

    Stob Bàn

    3,280 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. Stob Coire a' Chàirn

    Stob Coire a' Chàirn

    3,220 ft · 1.4 mi away

  4. An Gearanach

    An Gearanach

    3,222 ft · 1.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Sgùrr a' Mhàim?

Sgùrr a' Mhàim is 3,606 feet (1,099 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.

How does Sgùrr a' Mhàim rank among the Munros?

At 3,606 feet, Sgùrr a' Mhàim is the 51st highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Sgùrr a' Mhàim?

The Northwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 5 miles with 3,440 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Sgùrr a' Mhàim?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Northwest Ridge, covering 5 miles with 3,440 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Sgùrr a' Mhàim?

Usually, if you are fit. The Northwest Ridge 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 Sgùrr a' Mhàim?

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 Sgùrr a' Mhàim 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