The Saddle

The Saddle

The Saddle Group Walks | Join a Walk

1,012m Elevation
334m Prominence
Scotland Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Sim High Hill of Britain

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore The Saddle together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

1,012m

3,319 ft

Prominence

334m

Coordinates

57.1624, -5.4147

NG936131

OS Map

33

Explorer: 414N 414S

At the Summit

The summit boasts a rocky cairn with a magnificent panoramic view. A perfect backdrop for your summit selfies!

Terrain & Geology

Primarily grassy with rocky sections and some boggy areas particularly early in the season.

The Saddle features granitic rocks, offering great exposures of gneiss and some fantastic glacial deposits that speak to its ancient geological past. Keep an eye out for interesting rock formations along the route.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy stunning views of the Cairngorms to the east and the vastness of Highland Scotland sprawled out before you.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'The Saddle' likely refers to its distinctive shape that resembles a saddle, offering a unique silhouette among the peaks.

Historical Significance

The Saddle is a popular choice among seasoned and novice walkers alike, contributing to the cultural tapestry of Scottish hillwalking traditions.

Popular Routes

North West Ridge Route

Moderate

Starting from the car park near the foot of the Allt a' Chaoil, this route provides a steady ascent with stunning backdrops of the surrounding hills.

8.5 km 4 hours

South East Approach

Challenging

A more challenging option leading from Laggan Locks, this approach provides a more rugged trail but rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Loch Laggan.

10 km 5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the end of the B862 road at Cluny, with space for several cars.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Newtonmore, from which local buses operate, but having a car is beneficial for more flexibility.

Nearby Facilities

Cafes and toilets can be found in Newtonmore, especially appreciated after a long trek up The Saddle.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Weather can change quickly in the Highlands, so be prepared for sudden rain or strong winds. The rocky terrain can be tricky, especially when it's wet.

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

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up The Saddle?

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

Are there other walkers around The Saddle?

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 The Saddle search or of course create your own walk for The Saddle

Can I organise a walk to The Saddle?

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 The Saddle.

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 The Saddle?

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 The Saddle 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