Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Maiden Pap
Maiden Pap is an instantly recognisable conical 484m peak in the ND04 grid square above Berriedale, and one of the most photographed silhouettes in Caithness. It rises sharply beside its bigger neighbour Morven.
Quick facts
- Height
- 484m/ 1588ft
- Grid ref
- ND 04832 29353
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 92km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
blanket bog 45% · heather moorland 35% · rocky summit 20%
Park at the Braemore road end, follow the well-built track towards Morven, then peel off and take the steep grassy west ridge directly to the cone. Allow 3-4 hours.
Terrain
A short, steep grass and heather climb leads to a small rocky cap. The cone is exposed and ground falls away on all sides from the summit.
In winter
The steep cone holds verglas and wind slab on its upper sections. In full winter conditions it warrants an ice axe even though it is below 500m.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 22m
- Edinburgh6h 2m
OS maps: OS Landranger 11, OS Landranger 17, OS Explorer 444E
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Caithness; limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:09
- Sunset
- 22:22
- Civil dawn
- 02:51
- Civil dusk
- 23:39
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Maiden Pap on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Maiden Pap — common questions
- How hard is Maiden Pap?
- Maiden Pap is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: A short, steep grass and heather climb leads to a small rocky cap.
- When is the best time to climb Maiden Pap?
- The standard good-weather months for Maiden Pap 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 Maiden Pap?
- 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 Maiden Pap?
- Poor. Remote Caithness; limited coverage.
- Is Maiden Pap safe in winter?
- The steep cone holds verglas and wind slab on its upper sections. In full winter conditions it warrants an ice axe even though it is below 500m.
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