Marilyn · torridon
Ben Shieldaig
Ben Shieldaig stands at 534m at NG 833 524 directly above the village of Shieldaig on Loch Torridon. Its name borrows the Norse-origin word for the herring loch below, and the hill carries fragments of the largest native Scots pine wood in north-west Scotland on its flanks.
Quick facts
- Height
- 534m/ 1752ft
- Grid ref
- NG 83363 52393
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 83km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Torridonian sandstone 40% · heather moorland 40% · rocky summit 20%
From the centre of Shieldaig, take the road south then bear east onto a stalkers' path that climbs through pine wood before opening onto heather slopes. The summit ridge gives one of the finest Torridon panoramas. Around 4 hours.
Terrain
Pine wood at the start gives way to terraced Torridonian sandstone steps, then short heather across the broad ridge. A few rocky steps near the highest point are easily picked through.
In winter
Lower than the Torridon Munros but on the same weather front — snow can plaster the summit slabs in days of north-westerly storm. The sandstone terraces become slippery when iced. Crampons sometimes useful on the upper ridge.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 33m
- Edinburgh7h 28m
OS maps: OS Landranger 24, OS Explorer 428N
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Torridon/Wester Ross; limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:23
- Sunset
- 22:23
- Civil dawn
- 03:12
- Civil dusk
- 23:34
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Ben Shieldaig on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Ben Shieldaig — common questions
- How hard is Ben Shieldaig?
- Ben Shieldaig is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Pine wood at the start gives way to terraced Torridonian sandstone steps, then short heather across the broad ridge.
- When is the best time to climb Ben Shieldaig?
- The standard good-weather months for Ben Shieldaig are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Ben Shieldaig?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Ben Shieldaig?
- Poor. Remote Torridon/Wester Ross; limited coverage.
- Is Ben Shieldaig safe in winter?
- Lower than the Torridon Munros but on the same weather front — snow can plaster the summit slabs in days of north-westerly storm. The sandstone terraces become slippery when iced. Crampons sometimes useful on the upper ridge.
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