![Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fphotos%2F64%2F66%2F646694_ea1e6745.jpg&w=1920&q=75&dpl=dpl_7ePACdZYQ7y2AH4ZpfRw32HGS6CX)
Marilyn · Torridon
Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor]
Sithean Mor — the big fairy hill — rises to 383m at NG 836 740 north of Poolewe, between Loch Ewe and the Fionn Loch. Its conical profile, particularly when seen from the south, prompted the old name: in Gaelic folklore conspicuous shapely hills were often the homes of the sidhe.
Gaelic: “big” · Pronunciation: sithean more [sidhean mor]
Quick facts
- Height
- 383m/ 1257ft
- Prominence
- 151 m
- Grid ref
- NG 83599 74001
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 88km
- 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 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
A short walk-in from the lay-by at the head of Loch Ewe near Drumchork. Damp ground gives way to a heathery climb up the southern slopes to the prominent summit cairn. Around 2-3 hours.
Terrain
Wet peat for the first stretch then a heather climb on Lewisian gneiss. The conical south face is the most direct line; an easier-angled west ridge gives an alternative descent.
In winter
Coastal hill, often kept clear of snow by sea air. After cold easterlies a frosting may catch the summit and the descents on the south face can be greasy. A short, daylight-flexible winter outing.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 58m
- Edinburgh8h 47m
OS maps: OS Landranger 19, OS Explorer 433, OS Explorer 434
Mobile signal: Poor. Wester Ross interior; zero coverage on EE, Vodafone and Three.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 06:50
- Sunset
- 19:47
- Civil dawn
- 06:10
- Civil dusk
- 20:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026
Around Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor] — common questions
- How hard is Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor]?
- We grade Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor] at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Wet peat for the first stretch then a heather climb on Lewisian gneiss.
- How prominent is Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor]?
- Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor] has 151m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
- When should I climb Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor]?
- The standard good-weather months for Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor] 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 Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor]?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor]?
- Poor. Wester Ross interior; zero coverage on EE, Vodafone and Three.
- Is Sithean Mor [Sidhean Mor] safe in winter?
- Coastal hill, often kept clear of snow by sea air. After cold easterlies a frosting may catch the summit and the descents on the south face can be greasy. A short, daylight-flexible winter outing.
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