Marilyn · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich]
Sithean na Raplaich is the highest hill of central Morvern at 551m, its Gaelic name evoking a fairy mound on the rough moor below the summit. The hill is set in genuinely remote country, with views over the empty hinterland of Morvern and out to Mull. Wild goats are sometimes seen here.
Quick facts
- Height
- 551m/ 1808ft
- Grid ref
- NM 63616 51679
- Nearest city
- Oban· 31km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
heather and bog 55% · rocky slopes 30% · grass slopes 15%
The usual approach is from the A884 north of Lochaline, climbing west through forestry edge and onto open moor. There is no path; aim for the broad summit rise. Around five hours return.
Terrain
Deep peat and heather across the approach, with hidden hags catching the unwary. The summit rise is firmer ground of short grass and weather-broken rock. A wild place to navigate in mist.
In winter
In hard winter the frozen peat hags make for easier walking than summer. Snow accumulates patchily but the lack of features means whiteout navigation is the principal hazard.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 34m
- Edinburgh7h 5m
Ferry access
Oban → Craignure
- Crossing time45 min
- Summer sailingsUp to 8 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings4–5 sailings daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead7 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable — sailings run until ~21:00 in peak summer
Foot passengers can usually turn up without booking. Book vehicle spaces in advance. The Lochaline → Fishnish crossing (15 min) is shorter but serves east Mull only.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 49, OS Explorer 383W
Mobile signal: Poor. EE absent; nearest coverage near Corran Ferry or Fort William.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:32
- Sunset
- 22:16
- Civil dawn
- 03:26
- Civil dusk
- 23:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Got a photo of Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich]?
30 seconds, helps other walkers.
Submit a photoAround Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Oban station
Argyll ferry hub; Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra connections
31km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Tobermory
Mull base — Ben More, Treshnish, ferry to Iona
13km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Tobermory
Mull — colourful harbour-front distillery making both unpeated and peated (Ledaig) whisky
13km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich] — common questions
- How hard is Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich]?
- Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich] is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Deep peat and heather across the approach, with hidden hags catching the unwary.
- When is the best time to climb Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich]?
- The standard good-weather months for Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich] 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 na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich]?
- 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 Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich]?
- Poor. EE absent; nearest coverage near Corran Ferry or Fort William.
- How do I get the ferry to Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich]?
- Oban → Craignure. Up to 8 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 4–5 sailings daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 7 days ahead. Foot passengers can usually turn up without booking. Book vehicle spaces in advance. The Lochaline → Fishnish crossing (15 min) is shorter but serves east Mull only.
- Is Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich] safe in winter?
- In hard winter the frozen peat hags make for easier walking than summer. Snow accumulates patchily but the lack of features means whiteout navigation is the principal hazard.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.
![Sithean na Raplaich [Sidhean na Raplaich]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fgeophotos%2F03%2F49%2F83%2F3498320_ab64ab74.jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_HxnhrACFBuHaG2wuQvfDwvzaqGXF)