Munro · Cairngorms
An Sgarsoch
An Sgarsoch (1006m) is one of the most remote Munros in Scotland — a broad mossy summit standing on the watershed between Glen Feshie, Glen Tilt and the Geldie river. The name means "the place of sharp rocks" though the hill itself is anything but sharp. Historically a cattle drovers' tryst site (the great Sgarsoch fair) — there are still remains of stone-built drovers' shielings near the summit. Always paired with its near-twin Càrn an Fhìdhleir on a long expedition through some of the wildest country in Scotland.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1006.5m/ 3302ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 886 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN933836
- Parking
- NO062898
- Nearest
- Perth· Inverness 67km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Glen track 50% · Open moorland 35% · Summit 15%
The most efficient approach is from Linn of Dee (NTS) — cycle west up the Geldie track to the disused White Bridge ruins (around 9km), then climb the broad north-east slope of An Sgarsoch directly. Traverse west to Càrn an Fhìdhleir, returning across the broad bealach and the same Geldie track. Alternatively a multi-day walk-in from Blair Atholl via Glen Tilt and the Feith Uaine bothy. Round-trip from Linn of Dee with bike is 32km with 800m of ascent.
Terrain
The Geldie estate landrover track is firm and ideal for bikes for the long approach. The Geldie water crossings (Geldie Burn and Bynack Burn) can be impassable after rain — assess before committing. Off the tracks the going is rough wet heather and peat hags. The summit area is a vast featureless mossy plateau with a small cairn — a serious navigation challenge in cloud. The bealach to Càrn an Fhìdhleir is broad and boggy.
In winter
A genuinely remote winter Munro day. The Linn of Dee road can sometimes drift but is usually open. The Geldie crossings can be unfordable after snowmelt or in spate. The vast featureless summits are exposed to easterly continental winds and accumulate deep drifts. Phone signal absent throughout the day. SAIS Southern Cairngorms is the closest official forecast. Self-sufficient winter navigation essential.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 37m
- Edinburgh2h 26m
OS maps: OS Landranger 43
Mobile signal: No signal whatsoever. One of the most remote Munros in Scotland. Linn of Dee is the last point with any coverage. Download Harvey Cairngorms before leaving Braemar.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:25
- Sunset
- 22:03
- Civil dawn
- 03:20
- Civil dusk
- 23:07
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from An Sgarsoch.
Around An Sgarsoch on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Blair Atholl station
Beinn a Ghlo; Glen Tilt corridor north to the Cairngorms
19km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Pitlochry
Perthshire base — Schiehallion, Beinn a Ghlo, Ben Vrackie
25km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Edradour
Pitlochry — until recently Scotland's smallest distillery; charming Perthshire setting
25km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
An Sgarsoch — common questions
- How hard is An Sgarsoch?
- An Sgarsoch is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 886m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Geldie estate landrover track is firm and ideal for bikes for the long approach.
- Where do I park for An Sgarsoch?
- Standard parking is at NO062898 near Perth. 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 An Sgarsoch?
- The standard good-weather months for An Sgarsoch are 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 An Sgarsoch?
- 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 An Sgarsoch?
- No signal whatsoever. One of the most remote Munros in Scotland. Linn of Dee is the last point with any coverage. Download Harvey Cairngorms before leaving Braemar.
- Is An Sgarsoch safe in winter?
- A genuinely remote winter Munro day. The Linn of Dee road can sometimes drift but is usually open. The Geldie crossings can be unfordable after snowmelt or in spate. The vast featureless summits are exposed to easterly continental winds and accumulate deep drifts. Phone signal absent throughout the day. SAIS Southern Cairngorms is the closest official forecast. Self-sufficient winter navigation essential.
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