Munro · Skye & The Small Isles
Sgurr a' Mhadaidh
Sgurr a' Mhadaidh (918m) is a steep, rocky peak in the volcanic mountains of Skye and the Small Isles. It shares ridgeline connections with neighbouring hills, making it a natural addition to a longer day combining two or three summits. The summit, marked by a cairn, gives views of the Cuillin Ridge, the Atlantic Ocean and the Outer Hebrides. The nearest town is Fort William in Highland.
Gaelic: “sharp, rocky peak” · Pronunciation: skoor
Quick facts
- Height
- 918m/ 3012ft
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 808 m
- Time
- 4.5 hrs
- Difficulty
- 5 / 5Expert
- Grid ref
- NG446235
- Parking
- NG44632343
- Nearest city
- Fort William
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 16km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 16km with 808m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross rough moorland and coastal grassland. Higher up, the terrain changes to gabbro and basalt rock — superb grip on Cuillin gabbro, loose scree on Red Hills granite. Good paths on tourist routes but serious mountaineering terrain in the Cuillin — the rock is excellent but the exposure is real. The summit is marked by a cairn.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Good paths on tourist routes but serious mountaineering terrain in the Cuillin — the rock is excellent but the exposure is real. Good ridge connections to neighbouring summits make multi-hill days a natural option.
In winter
In winter, Sgurr a' Mhadaidh is a serious proposition. Maritime conditions with heavy rainfall, low cloud and salt-laden winds. The Cuillin in winter is Grade I mountaineering at minimum. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 45m
- Edinburgh5h 30m
OS maps: OS Landranger 32
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:51
- Sunset
- 20:55
- Civil dawn
- 05:07
- Civil dusk
- 21:39
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026