Munro · North-West Highlands
A' Mhaighdean
A' Mhaighdean (967m) — "the maiden" — is widely regarded as the most remote Munro in mainland Scotland, lying at least 10km from the nearest road in every direction, deep inside the Fisherfield Forest. The summit gives one of the great Highland panoramas: Loch Maree, the Torridon peaks, An Teallach, the Cuillin and the Outer Hebrides on a clear day. The hill is one of the Fisherfield Six and is invariably climbed alongside Ruadh Stac Mòr.
Gaelic: “of the, maiden” · Pronunciation: uh vy-jen
Quick facts
- Height
- 965.8m/ 3169ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 850 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH007749
- Parking
- NH114859
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 72km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Remote track / path 45% · Open hillside 30% · Rocky summit 25%
The classic approach starts at Corrie Hallie near Dundonnell and traverses to Shenavall bothy — refer to the Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair entry for the full Fisherfield round. From Shenavall, ford the Loch an Nid and Srath na Sealga rivers, then climb south-west onto Beinn a' Chlàidheimh and continue across the Fisherfield round taking in A' Mhaighdean and Ruadh Stac Mòr. Total round 50km with 2500m of ascent — usually a two-day expedition with overnight at Shenavall.
Terrain
The Fisherfield approach paths from Shenavall are rough boggy ground; the river crossings can be unfordable after rain. The summit area of A' Mhaighdean is broken sandstone with a pointed boulder marking the high point. The connecting ridge to Ruadh Stac Mòr is broad with rocky outcrops. The summit itself is perched at the edge of dramatic sandstone cliffs falling north into Fuar Loch Mòr — keep clear of the edge in mist.
In winter
A serious wilderness winter undertaking. Tackling the Fisherfield round in winter ranks among the longest committing single-day Scottish hill outings — most teams allow two or three days using bothy or wild-camp overnights. River crossings can be unfordable after snowmelt. There is no rescue infrastructure within many kilometres. Phone signal absent throughout. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 11m
- Edinburgh5h 33m
OS maps: OS Landranger 19
Mobile signal: No signal. A' Mhaighdean is widely regarded as the most remote Munro in Scotland — 10km from the nearest road in every direction. Download maps long before departure.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:25
- Sunset
- 22:16
- Civil dawn
- 03:16
- Civil dusk
- 23:25
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from A' Mhaighdean.
Around A' Mhaighdean on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
A' Mhaighdean — common questions
- How hard is A' Mhaighdean?
- A' Mhaighdean is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 850m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Fisherfield approach paths from Shenavall are rough boggy ground; the river crossings can be unfordable after rain.
- Where do I park for A' Mhaighdean?
- Standard parking is at NH114859 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb A' Mhaighdean?
- The standard good-weather months for A' Mhaighdean are May, June, July, August, 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 A' Mhaighdean?
- 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 A' Mhaighdean?
- No signal. A' Mhaighdean is widely regarded as the most remote Munro in Scotland — 10km from the nearest road in every direction. Download maps long before departure.
- Is A' Mhaighdean safe in winter?
- A serious wilderness winter undertaking. Tackling the Fisherfield round in winter ranks among the longest committing single-day Scottish hill outings — most teams allow two or three days using bothy or wild-camp overnights. River crossings can be unfordable after snowmelt. There is no rescue infrastructure within many kilometres. Phone signal absent throughout. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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