NH1225 : Heading Home for Hogmanay

Mam Sodhail

1,179m Elevation
132m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NH1225 : Heading Home for Hogmanay

Adam Ward Photo source

Explore routes near Mam Sodhail

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

Ben Nevis via Mountain Path

15.6 km ~7h 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.

Mam Sodhail and Carn Eige Circular via Glen Affric

A classic and popular circular route starting from the Glen Affric car park, this route ascends Mam Sodhail via Coire Leachavie before continuing to Carn Eige, the neighbouring Munro. The descent is made along the ridge back towards Glen Affric, offering stunning views of Loch Affric and the surrounding peaks. This is a challenging but rewarding hike, often considered one of the finest in Scotland.

27 km ~10 hours Strenuous

Mam Sodhail and Beinn Fhionnlaidh Traverse

This route takes in Mam Sodhail in combination with Beinn Fhionnlaidh, another Munro in the area. Starting from Affric Lodge, the path climbs steadily through Gleann nam Fiadh, reaching Mam Sodhail first. From there, the route traverses to Beinn Fhionnlaidh, offering expansive views of the wilderness of Glen Affric. Descent is made via the same glen, providing a full day of mountain adventure.

23 km ~9 hours Strenuous

Direct Ascent of Mam Sodhail via Coire Leachavie

This shorter route focuses solely on Mam Sodhail, making it ideal for those wishing to target a single Munro. Starting at the Glen Affric car park, the trail follows a well-defined path through the impressive Coire Leachavie. The terrain becomes steeper closer to the summit, but the views of Glen Affric and beyond make the effort worthwhile. The return is via the same path.

15 km ~7 hours Moderate

Mam Sodhail and Tom a' Choinich Ridge Walk

This route combines Mam Sodhail with Tom a' Choinich, a neighbouring Munro known for its dramatic ridge. Starting from the Glen Affric car park, the route ascends Tom a' Choinich first before continuing across the ridge to Mam Sodhail. The descent follows a path down Coire Leachavie, completing a memorable circuit of two impressive peaks.

20 km ~8.5 hours Strenuous

Glen Affric to Mam Sodhail Linear Route

This linear route begins at the Glen Affric Youth Hostel, offering a more remote and tranquil approach to Mam Sodhail. The trail follows the upper reaches of Glen Affric before ascending the mountain from the southwest. This approach provides a unique perspective on Mam Sodhail and its surrounding landscape. The return is by the same route.

18 km ~7.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

1,179m

3,869 ft

Prominence

132m

Coordinates

57.2798, -5.1203

NH120253

OS Map

25

Explorer: 414N

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a substantial stone cairn, offering a perfect spot for a picture postcard view. Up here, you might even feel like king or queen of the hill.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some boggy areas at lower elevations.

Mam Sodhail is primarily composed of granite and gneiss, typical of the rugged Scottish Highlands. The mountain's elevation and geological history contribute to its stark, awe-inspiring landscapes.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy views of the surrounding peaks, including the majestic Ben Nevis to the south-west and Loch Ness to the east.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Mam Sodhail translates to 'The Hill of the Sodhail', with roots in the Gaelic language, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Historical Significance

Mam Sodhail is not just a mountain, it's a Munro! Hikers often seek to conquer all 282 Munros, and Mam Sodhail is a beloved stop on that journey.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the roadside near the small community of Dundreggan, with space for several vehicles. Get there early, as spots fill up fast!

Public Transport

Buses run from nearby Inverness, though it’s advisable to check local schedules as they can vary.

Nearby Facilities

There are a few cafes and shops in Invermoriston, but facilities are limited on the mountain itself, so come prepared!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of changing weather conditions which can shift in a heartbeat. Loose rocks can make for tricky footing, so watch your step!

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

Are there group walks up Mam Sodhail?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Mam Sodhail through the maps

Are there other walkers around Mam Sodhail?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Mam Sodhail search or of course create your own walk for Mam Sodhail

Can I organise a walk to Mam Sodhail?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Mam Sodhail.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Mam Sodhail?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Mam Sodhail here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Mam Sodhail location map

Grid reference: NH120253

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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