Marilyn · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Sgorr an Tarmachain
Sgorr an Tarmachain — the Peak of the Ptarmigan — is a 757m rocky summit set well inside Ardgour, often climbed in tandem with neighbouring Druim Garbh. The slim summit cone sits above a broad rough plateau, and ptarmigan are indeed seen here in winter. Views look out to Garbh Bheinn and the long western seaboard.
Quick facts
- Height
- 757.6m/ 2486ft
- Grid ref
- NM 83952 71432
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 27km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 50% · rocky slopes 35% · grass slopes 15%
Approach from Cona Glen using the estate track, then strike south up steep grass and broken slabs to gain the summit ridge. The final cone is steep but straightforward in summer. Six to seven hours allowing for the long walk in.
Terrain
A long estate track to the foot of the hill, then deep heather and rocky outcrops on the climb. The summit cone has small slabby sections that need careful line choice.
In winter
Holds snow well on its north and east aspects, and the summit cone develops icy patches that ask for crampons. The long walk back from Cona Glen in fading light is the bigger hazard.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 6m
- Edinburgh6h 27m
OS maps: OS Landranger 40, OS Explorer 391
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Moidart peninsula; EE and Vodafone both absent.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:29
- Sunset
- 22:17
- Civil dawn
- 03:22
- Civil dusk
- 23:23
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Sgorr an Tarmachain on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Glenfinnan station
Glenfinnan Viaduct; Streap, Sgurr Thuilm, Glen Finnan Munros
11km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
27km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics
29km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Sgorr an Tarmachain — common questions
- How hard is Sgorr an Tarmachain?
- Sgorr an Tarmachain is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: A long estate track to the foot of the hill, then deep heather and rocky outcrops on the climb.
- When is the best time to climb Sgorr an Tarmachain?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgorr an Tarmachain are April, May, June, 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 Sgorr an Tarmachain?
- 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 Sgorr an Tarmachain?
- Poor. Remote Moidart peninsula; EE and Vodafone both absent.
- Is Sgorr an Tarmachain safe in winter?
- Holds snow well on its north and east aspects, and the summit cone develops icy patches that ask for crampons. The long walk back from Cona Glen in fading light is the bigger hazard.
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