Marilyn · argyll
Tom an t-Saighdeir
Tom an t-Saighdeir, the Soldier's Knoll, rises to 303m on the wooded ridge between Loch Awe and Loch Avich. The name hints at a half-forgotten military tale, and the summit's position above Dalavich gives a pleasing overview of mid-Argyll forest country.
Quick facts
- Height
- 303m/ 994ft
- Grid ref
- NM 97197 15229
- Nearest city
- Oban· 19km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Forest tracks from Dalavich gain height through Sitka plantations before walkers strike off uphill onto open ground to reach the 303m top. Reckon on two to three hours round trip from the Forestry car park.
Terrain
Hard forest tracks lead to a short bash through tussocky heather and bilberry to the summit cairn. Some firebreaks help navigation but felling activity can disrupt routes.
In winter
Low enough to stay snow-free much of the season, though forest tracks can ice up. A head torch is sensible in short December daylight.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 52m
- Edinburgh5h 28m
OS maps: OS Landranger 55, OS Explorer 360N, OS Explorer 360S
Mobile signal: Poor. EE absent; nearest coverage near Inveraray or Lochgilphead.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:32
- Sunset
- 22:12
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 23:15
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Tom an t-Saighdeir 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
18km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Oban
Argyll ferry hub — Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra
18km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Oban
Oban town centre — tiny two-still distillery bridging Highland and West Coast styles
19km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Tom an t-Saighdeir — common questions
- How hard is Tom an t-Saighdeir?
- Tom an t-Saighdeir is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Hard forest tracks lead to a short bash through tussocky heather and bilberry to the summit cairn.
- When is the best time to climb Tom an t-Saighdeir?
- The standard good-weather months for Tom an t-Saighdeir 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 Tom an t-Saighdeir?
- 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 Tom an t-Saighdeir?
- Poor. EE absent; nearest coverage near Inveraray or Lochgilphead.
- Is Tom an t-Saighdeir safe in winter?
- Low enough to stay snow-free much of the season, though forest tracks can ice up. A head torch is sensible in short December daylight.
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