Marilyn · Kintail
Sgurr Marcasaidh
Sgurr Marcasaidh — possibly the marketplace peak from old drove-road associations — rises to 580m at NH 354 592 above the lower Strathconon road. Its conical eastern profile makes it conspicuous from the A835 between Garve and Achnasheen.
Quick facts
- Height
- 580m/ 1903ft
- Prominence
- 295 m
- Grid ref
- NH 35408 59262
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 34km
- 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 50% · rocky slopes 35% · grass slopes 15%
Park by the bridge at Little Scatwell and follow the forestry track north then west to gain the eastern shoulder. Pleasant heathery climb with views to Ben Wyvis. About 3-4 hours round trip.
Terrain
Forestry track to about 300m, then open heather and short grass. Some peat hags on the broad summit plateau; the small rocky cone at the top is easily climbed.
In winter
Low enough that snow seldom lies more than a few weeks. The forestry track gives a snow-free start in most winters. Microspikes useful on icy track sections; full crampons unnecessary.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 40m
- Edinburgh6h 52m
OS maps: OS Landranger 26, OS Explorer 437S
Mobile signal: Poor. no EE at all; nearest bars near Gairloch or Loch Carron.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 06:46
- Sunset
- 19:43
- Civil dawn
- 06:07
- Civil dusk
- 20:23
NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026
Around Sgurr Marcasaidh on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Dingwall station
Ben Wyvis approach; Easter Ross; junction for Kyle and Far North lines
20km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Inverness
Highland capital — gateway to Cairngorms, Affric, Far North
34km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Glen Ord
Muir of Ord — Black Isle distillery; the Singleton range's Highland anchor
20km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Sgurr Marcasaidh — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr Marcasaidh?
- We grade Sgurr Marcasaidh at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Underfoot: Forestry track to about 300m, then open heather and short grass.
- What is Sgurr Marcasaidh's prominence?
- 295m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Sgurr Marcasaidh to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
- When is the best time to climb Sgurr Marcasaidh?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Sgurr Marcasaidh. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Sgurr Marcasaidh dog-friendly?
- 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 Sgurr Marcasaidh?
- Poor. no EE at all; nearest bars near Gairloch or Loch Carron.
- Is Sgurr Marcasaidh safe in winter?
- Low enough that snow seldom lies more than a few weeks. The forestry track gives a snow-free start in most winters. Microspikes useful on icy track sections; full crampons unnecessary.
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