Sgairneach Mhor

Sgairneach Mhor

Sgairneach Mhor Group Walks | Join a Walk

991m Elevation
182m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

Marilyn Munro Sim High Hill of Britain

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Elevation

991m

3,253 ft

Prominence

182m

Coordinates

56.8284, -4.2981

NN598731

OS Map

42

Explorer: OL50 393

At the Summit

The summit boasts a large stone cairn and a trig point, both excellent for a photo opportunity or a brief contemplation of your next snack.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky paths and grassy slopes with some sections that can be boggy in wet conditions. Proper footwear is recommended to keep your feet dry—or at least avoid total sogginess.

Sgairneach Mhor is primarily composed of sandstone and quartzite, which have been shaped by glacial activity, creating its rugged charm. The mountain displays classic glacial features, including striations and erratics, telling tales of a chilly past.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can expect breathtaking views of the surrounding Munros, including Lochnagar, and, on a clear day, perhaps even as far as the North Sea.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Sgairneach Mhor' translates to 'Great Rough Hill' in Scots Gaelic, which is quite fitting considering its rugged nature.

Historical Significance

Sgairneach Mhor, like many Munros, holds historical significance for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts as a quintessential challenge within the British hillwalking culture.

Popular Routes

Cairnwell Route

Moderate

A widely used approach starting from the Cairnwell Pass, which offers stunning vistas from the outset.

12.5 km 4 hours

Glen Callater Route

Moderate

A beautiful route following the glen which is less frequented, offering a sense of solitude among nature.

14 km 5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at the Glen Callater Lodge, approximately 4 km from the start of the route, which provides a good base for beginning your adventure.

Public Transport

Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus service runs to Braemar, from where you would have to walk or taxi to the starting points.

Nearby Facilities

Braemar offers several cafes and shops where you can stock up on snacks, as well as public toilets for a pre-hike pit stop.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks underfoot, particularly on the ascent; changes in weather can happen quickly—one minute you're basking in the sun, the next you're singin' in the rain.

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Sgairneach Mhor?

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

Are there other walkers around Sgairneach Mhor?

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 Sgairneach Mhor search or of course create your own walk for Sgairneach Mhor

Can I organise a walk to Sgairneach Mhor?

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 Sgairneach Mhor.

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 Sgairneach Mhor?

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 Sgairneach Mhor 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