NG8661 : Eag Dubh na h-Eigheachd, Beinn Alligin
Strenuous; exposed scrambling on the Horns

Beinn Alligin - Sgurr Mor

986m Elevation
601m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NG8661 : Eag Dubh na h-Eigheachd, Beinn Alligin

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Overview

Sgurr Mor (986 m) is the higher of Beinn Alligin’s two Munros, above Loch Torridon in the north-west Highlands. Tom na Gruagaich and the three Horns of Alligin are separate tops on the mountain. The usual circuit is a strenuous ridge walk with exposed scrambling; the Eag Dubh cleft cuts the slope below Sgurr Mor.

Beinn Alligin – Sgurr Mor

Sgurr Mor is the 986 m main summit of Beinn Alligin. The separate lower Munro, Tom na Gruagaich, is 921.8 m in DoBIH v18.6; the Horns are further rocky tops, not another name for the main summit. The large cairn and nearby outcrop are recorded in DoBIH.

Routes and safety

The NTS circuit climbs Coir nan Laogh to Tom na Gruagaich, crosses to Sgurr Mor and returns over the Horns. Its 10.5 km and 7–8-hour estimate covers the complete circuit. The reverse direction is described by UK Scrambles.

To avoid the Horns, Walking Britain describes returning over Tom na Gruagaich: 9.8 km, 6 hours 50 minutes. This remains a strenuous mountain walk. Use the established ridge routes; do not attempt a direct summit shortcut from Coire Mhic Nobuil across the eastern slopes.

Walkhighlands warns that the first-two-Horns grassy bypass can be more hazardous than the crest. Scrambling, steep drops and the final sandstone descent demand care. Carry navigation and emergency equipment; Scottish Mountain Rescue explains preparation and the 999/112, Police, Mountain Rescue procedure. In snow or ice, use winter-mountaineering planning.

Access and landscape

Start at Coire Mhic Nobuil car park, NG868576, west of Torridon village. Village facilities are separate from the route start. NTS currently lists its countryside centre as closed. Check current visitor information before travelling.

Torridonian sandstone, glacial corries and the Eag Dubh rockslide scar are described by JNCC. Mountaineering Scotland explains the mountain’s name and ridge landscape. No ridge camping pitch is endorsed; follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Explore routes near Beinn Alligin - Sgurr Mor

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

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Fairy Lochs Liberator Wreckage Circuit

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Loch Affric full circuit from River Affric

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Glen Affric: Coire Loch Woodland Trail

4.6 km ~2h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Clockwise two-Munro circuit via the Horns

From Coire Mhic Nobuil car park (NG868576), take the path west of the river bridge into Coir nan Laogh. Climb Tom na Gruagaich, then follow the ridge to Sgurr Mor. Continue over the Horns and descend the steep southeast ridge, returning by the footbridges and glen path. NTS and Walkhighlands give 7–8 hours for this full circuit. Requires scrambling experience and suitable conditions.

10.5 km Strenuous; exposed scrambling

Anti-clockwise circuit: Horns first

From Coire Mhic Nobuil car park, use the glen path and footbridges to reach the southeast ridge. Climb the Horns first, continue to Sgurr Mor, then cross to Tom na Gruagaich and descend through Coir nan Laogh. UK Scrambles gives about 9.6 km and 7 hours for this direction. The rocky ridge is exposed; this is not a westward shortcut from the car park.

9.6 km ~7 hours Strenuous; exposed scrambling

Sgurr Mor via Tom na Gruagaich, returning the same way

From NG868576, ascend Coir nan Laogh to Tom na Gruagaich and continue along the rocky ridge to Sgurr Mor. Retrace the ridge over Tom na Gruagaich and descend the same corrie path. This avoids the Horns but includes re-ascent and steep rocky sections. Walking Britain gives 9.8 km and 6 hours 50 minutes. It is not a direct climb from Coire Mhic Nobuil.

9.8 km Strenuous; steep rocky ridge

Eastern slopes: not a walking shortcut

Sgurr Mor’s eastern slopes are not the ascent described by these walking routes. Reach the summit along the ridge via Tom na Gruagaich or the Horns; do not attempt a direct shortcut from Coire Mhic Nobuil. To avoid the Horns, return along the ridge over Tom and descend Coir nan Laogh.

Use the established ridge routes

Overnight traverse: plan route and camp separately

Plan any camping separately from the ridge traverse; this page does not identify a campsite. Assess exposure, forecast and escape options before carrying overnight kit over scrambling terrain. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, respect local advice and leave no trace. Keep a defined walking itinerary: an overnight stay does not make the Horns easier.

Strenuous; exposed mountain terrain
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

986m

3,235 ft

Prominence

601m

Coordinates

57.5908, -5.5728

NG865612

OS Map

19 24

Explorer: 433

At the Summit

A very large cairn marks Sgurr Mor. DoBIH notes an outcrop 10 m south is as high as the cairn base. The trig point on Tom na Gruagaich belongs to the separate lower Munro.

Terrain & Geology

Steep mountain paths rocky ridges and sandstone steps. The Horns require exposed scrambling followed by a very steep descent; returning over Tom na Gruagaich still involves rough steep mountain ground.

Beinn Alligin is a Torridonian sandstone mountain shaped by glacial erosion. The Eag Dubh cleft below Sgurr Mor marks a major rock-slope failure, with a large spread of sandstone debris in Toll a’ Mhadaidh Mor.

Views & Scenery

The Horns form the foreground to Beinn Dearg; other views take in Baosbheinn across Loch a’ Bhealaich, with Liathach and Beinn Eighe to the east. Visibility depends on conditions.

Best Seasons

Clear conditions offer wide views in any season. Choose the day using a mountain forecast; spring and autumn do not guarantee clear skies, and snow can change the difficulty substantially.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Beinn Alligin is commonly rendered as “mountain of beauty” or “jewelled mountain”; Sgurr Mor means “big peak”.

Historical Significance

Beinn Alligin has two Munros: Sgurr Mor and Tom na Gruagaich. Tom na Gruagaich was promoted from a Munro Top to a Munro in 1997.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Coire Mhic Nobuil car park, grid reference NG868576, on the Torridon–Inveralligin/Diabaig road immediately west of the bridge over Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuil. This is the usual Beinn Alligin start, about 3 km west of Torridon village.

Public Transport

Walkhighlands lists no public transport to the Coire Mhic Nobuil car-park start. If travelling by bus or rail to the wider Torridon area, plan the onward and return connection separately and check current timetables before travel.

Nearby Facilities

Public toilets, Torridon Stores and Café, and the Wee Whistle Stop at the community centre are in Torridon village, not at the summit or route start. Check opening times. The NTS countryside centre is currently closed (checked 16 October 2026).

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Exposed scrambling and steep drops on the Horns; the final descent crosses very steep sandstone terraces.
  • The grassy bypass below the first two Horns is steep and can be slippery; it is not a reliably easier escape.
  • Wet rock, high winds and poor visibility increase the seriousness of the ridges. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice turn the ridges into winter mountaineering terrain. Short daylight, cornices and avalanche risk require appropriate planning, winter skills and equipment, including trained use of an ice axe and crampons. Check mountain weather and available avalanche information.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

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Location

Beinn Alligin - Sgurr Mor location map

Grid reference: NG865612

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