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3,235 ft · Northwest Highlands, Scotland

Sgurr Mhor

Sgurr Mhor is a 3,235 ft peak in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Beinn Alligin Traverse: 6 mi, 3,900 ft of gain, Class 3.

Sgurr Mhor in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland

Sgurr Mhor at a glance

  • Elevation3,235 ft986 m
  • RouteBeinn Alligin TraverseClass 3
  • Distance6 mi3,900 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeNorthwest HighlandsScotland

Climbing the Beinn Alligin Traverse

From Kinlochewe, follow the A896 to Torridon and take the minor road west along the north shore of Loch Torridon. Start from the Beinn Alligin car park. The usual loop climbs Coire nan Laogh to Tom na Gruagaich, descends its narrow rocky north ridge, and follows the rim of Toll a' Mhadaidh past the Eag Dubh gash to the summit. The descent crosses the Horns of Alligin, a Grade 1 scramble (Class 3); the bypass path below them is steep and slippery. Cliffs edge the ridge, so navigate carefully in mist. Winds are strong on the crest, and midges swarm lower down in summer.

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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • High winds
  • Slippery terrain
  • Low visibility
  • Insects

Quests with Sgurr Mhor

Peaks near Sgurr Mhor

  1. Tom na Gruagaich

    Tom na Gruagaich

    3,025 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Mullach an Rathain

    Mullach an Rathain

    3,359 ft · 3.6 mi away

  3. Spidean a' Choire Lèith

    Spidean a' Choire Lèith

    3,461 ft · 4.4 mi away

  4. Ruadh-stac Mòr

    Ruadh-stac Mòr

    3,314 ft · 5.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Sgurr Mhor?

Sgurr Mhor is 3,235 feet (986 m) tall. It is in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland.

How does Sgurr Mhor rank among the Munros?

At 3,235 feet, Sgurr Mhor is the 163rd highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to climb Sgurr Mhor?

The Beinn Alligin Traverse is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Sgurr Mhor?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Beinn Alligin Traverse, covering 6 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Is Sgurr Mhor dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, fast-changing weather and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Sgurr Mhor?

It is a good idea. The scrambling has rock overhead on the Beinn Alligin Traverse, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Sgurr Mhor?

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

Climb Sgurr Mhor 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