Graham · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor)
Sithean Mor (601m) is a coastal Graham in the NM72 square between Arisaig and Lochailort, rising abruptly from the wooded shoreline of Loch nan Uamh. A large block of pale Lewisian gneiss tops the summit, with a view that takes in Rum, Eigg, Muck and the Sound of Arisaig spread across the western horizon. The hill is little-frequented despite its proximity to the Road to the Isles, the steep flanks and bracken cover keeping casual walkers at bay.
Gaelic: “big” · Pronunciation: sithean more (sidhean mor)
Quick facts
- Height
- 601.5m/ 1973ft
- Prominence
- 324 m
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 451 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NM729866
- Parking
- NM798843
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 40km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Most lines start from the verge at NM798843 on the A830, threading up through old birchwood and bracken onto the broad south ridge. Around 12km return with 451m of ascent if extended over the lesser tops to the north. The summit block requires a brief easy scramble to gain its top; an obvious step on the east side gives the simplest line up onto the rock.
Terrain
The bracken belt is heavy in summer and best tackled by following the burns that run down the south flank — they cut clear lines through the green wall. Higher up the slope is broken into knolls of gneiss, with hidden lochans tucked into the depressions. The summit block itself is a single big chunk of rock about three metres high; the gneiss is rough and gives reliable holds in dry weather.
In winter
Snow rarely lasts here for more than a few days at a time, but the gneiss summit block is slick with ice after any cold clear spell and the easy scramble onto its top becomes the technical crux of the day. The lower bracken slopes are deceptively slippery once frosted. Sunset comes early behind the Cuillin in midwinter, even from this far west.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 10m
- Edinburgh4h 39m
OS maps: OS Landranger 40
Mobile signal: Weak. Remote Wester Ross; blank on every network.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:48
- Sunset
- 22:09
- Civil dawn
- 03:48
- Civil dusk
- 23:10
NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 July 2026
Around Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor) on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor) — common questions
- How hard is Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor)?
- We grade Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor) at 3/5, which puts it in moderately challenging territory. The usual route is around 12km with 451m of climbing; allow 3-5 hours. Terrain: The bracken belt is heavy in summer and best tackled by following the burns that run down the south flank — they cut clear lines through the green wall.
- How prominent is Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor)?
- Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor) has 324m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
- Where should I park to climb Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor)?
- Standard parking is at NM798843. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When should I climb Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor)?
- The standard good-weather months for Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor) are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor)?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor)?
- Weak. Remote Wester Ross; blank on every network.
- Is Sithean Mor (Sidhean Mor) safe in winter?
- Snow rarely lasts here for more than a few days at a time, but the gneiss summit block is slick with ice after any cold clear spell and the easy scramble onto its top becomes the technical crux of the day. The lower bracken slopes are deceptively slippery once frosted. Sunset comes early behind the Cuillin in midwinter, even from this far west.
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