Mam Sodhail, Carn Eighe and Beinn Fhionnlaidh
The highest mountains north of the Great Glen, from Glen Affric's Caledonian pinewoods.
- Distance
- 27.2 km
- Ascent
- 1750 m
- Time
- 9–12.5 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 1183 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Mam Sodhail, Carn Eighe and Beinn Fhionnlaidh is a hard 27.2 km circular walk with 1,750 m of ascent, taking 9 to 12.5 hours. It starts at River Affric car park, Glen Affric (grid reference NH 177 225). It climbs 3 listed hills, the highest Carn Eighe at 1,183 m.
Carn Eighe and Mam Sodhail are the two highest mountains north of the Great Glen. From the Glen Affric road end, the route follows Gleann nam Fiadh, then climbs to Mam Sodhail, whose huge summit cairn was built by Ordnance Survey surveyors in the 1840s.
A ridge leads to Carn Eighe, and a detour north reaches the remote Beinn Fhionnlaidh. The route returns over Carn Eighe and down its east ridge. A long, high day.
Route
-
1
Gleann nam Fiadh
Follow the track and path into the glen.
-
2
Mam Sodhail and Carn Eighe
Climb to Mam Sodhail and follow the ridge to Carn Eighe.
-
3
Beinn Fhionnlaidh
Detour north to Beinn Fhionnlaidh, return to Carn Eighe and descend its east ridge.
Summits
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does Mam Sodhail, Carn Eighe and Beinn Fhionnlaidh take?
- Most walkers take 9–12.5 hours for the 27.2 km route, which has 1,750 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at River Affric car park, Glen Affric (grid reference NH 177 225). Forestry car park at the road end (charge).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Track and glen path; steep slopes; high, rocky ridges.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Carn Eighe (1183 m, Munro); Mam Sodhail (1179 m, Munro); Beinn Fhionnlaidh (1005 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Deer stalking takes place on these hills from mid-August to October. Stick to the main paths and check Heading for the Scottish Hills before you go.
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Walks nearby
All walks near Shiel Bridge
An Socach, Mullach na Dheiragain and Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan
Glen Affric
39.7 km · 1910 m · 12–16.5 h
Mam Sodhail from River Affric car park
River Affric car park
20.3 km · 1010 m · 6.5–8.5 h