How hard is Creag Scalabsdale?

Creag Scalabsdale is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Old Red Sandstone bands underlie heather and tussock grass.

When is the best time to climb Creag Scalabsdale?

The standard good-weather months for Creag Scalabsdale 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 Creag Scalabsdale?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Creag Scalabsdale?

Creag Scalabsdale is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Old Red Sandstone bands underlie heather and tussock grass.

When is the best time to climb Creag Scalabsdale?

The standard good-weather months for Creag Scalabsdale 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 Creag Scalabsdale?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Angus Rickman / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · North-West Highlands

Creag Scalabsdale

Creag Scalabsdale is a sandstone-fronted 555m hill in the NC97 square just inside the Sutherland-Caithness border, set above the upper Scalabsdale Burn. It looks east across Strath Ullie to Morven.

Quick facts

Height: 555m/ 1821ft
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NC 97002 24050
Nearest city: Inverness· 84km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

blanket bog 55% · heather moorland 30% · rocky summit 15%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Park beside the A897 at Ramscraigs side road, then follow estate tracks up Scalabsdale before pulling onto the western shoulder. Allow 5-6 hours including the return.

Terrain

Old Red Sandstone bands underlie heather and tussock grass. Several stalkers paths exist on the lower slopes but the upper hill is pathless.

In winter

Snow lies in north-facing hollows well into spring. The summit sandstone outcrops can develop verglas; consider light crampons in February-March.

This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow6h 10m
Edinburgh6h 59m

OS maps: OS Landranger 17, OS Explorer 444E

Mobile signal: Poor. Sutherland/Caithness border; all networks fail. PLB recommended.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 46mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:10
Sunset: 22:22
Civil dawn: 02:53
Civil dusk: 23:39

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Creag Scalabsdale on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Helmsdale station

Far North coast; Strath of Kildonan; Flow Country gateway

10km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Clynelish

Brora — waxy, coastal-Highland classic on the Far North line

21km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Creag Scalabsdale — common questions

How hard is Creag Scalabsdale?: Creag Scalabsdale is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Old Red Sandstone bands underlie heather and tussock grass.
When is the best time to climb Creag Scalabsdale?: The standard good-weather months for Creag Scalabsdale 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 Creag Scalabsdale?: 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 Creag Scalabsdale?: Poor. Sutherland/Caithness border; all networks fail. PLB recommended.
Is Creag Scalabsdale safe in winter?: Snow lies in north-facing hollows well into spring. The summit sandstone outcrops can develop verglas; consider light crampons in February-March.

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