Munro · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh)
Sgor na h-Ulaidh (994m) — "peak of the treasure" — is the quieter, hidden Munro of the Glencoe group, tucked behind the more famous peaks of Bidean nam Bian. The hill is accessed via Gleann Leac na Muidhe south of Glencoe village and has a steep, dramatic north face above Coire Duibh. Despite its proximity to one of Scotland's busiest mountain areas, Sgor na h-Ulaidh sees far fewer visitors than its celebrated neighbours.
Quick facts
- Height
- 994m/ 3261ft
- Prominence
- 415 m
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 875 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN111517
- Parking
- NN118565
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 22km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
Glen path 35% · Open hillside 35% · Rocky summit ridge 30%
Park at the Gleann Leac na Muidhe road end south of Glencoe village. Walk up the rough estate track south, then climb the east ridge of Sgor na h-Ulaidh directly — a steady pull up grass and broken rock. The summit cairn sits at the high point of a small rocky platform. Most parties return the same way; the south ridge to Beinn Maol Chaluim (Corbett) is a fine extension. Around 10km with 1000m of ascent.
Terrain
The Gleann Leac na Muidhe estate track is firm but boggy in places where forestry has been cleared. Beyond the woods the surface turns to rough heather and broken rock. The east ridge has a clear path that picks a line through the rocky bands. The summit area is a small rocky platform. The north face of Sgor na h-Ulaidh drops steeply into Coire Duibh — a serious crag close to the path; keep clear in mist.
In winter
A serious Glencoe winter day. The north face of Sgor na h-Ulaidh holds Grade III–IV winter climbing routes. The east ridge approach is exposed to westerly weather and the snow line drops quickly. The Gleann Leac road can drift but the A82 stays gritted. The relevant avalanche forecast is SAIS Glencoe. Mobile reception fades above 700m.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 6m
- Edinburgh3h 57m
OS maps: OS Landranger 41
Mobile signal: Barely anything above 700m. The A82 Glencoe road has occasional coverage. Save maps ahead of entering the Glencoe Pass.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:04
- Sunset
- 21:50
- Civil dawn
- 04:10
- Civil dusk
- 22:44
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Around Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh) on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Fort William station
Ben Nevis, Mamores, Aonachs, Knoydart ferry connection
22km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
22km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics
24km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh) — common questions
- How hard is Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh)?
- We grade Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh) at 4/5, which puts it in challenging territory. The usual route is around 17km with 875m of climbing; allow 5-8 hours. Ground conditions: The Gleann Leac na Muidhe estate track is firm but boggy in places where forestry has been cleared.
- How much drop does Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh) have?
- The drop is 415m: measured from the summit of Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh) down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh)?
- Park at NN118565. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh)?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September, October on Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh). In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh)?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh)?
- Barely anything above 700m. The A82 Glencoe road has occasional coverage. Save maps ahead of entering the Glencoe Pass.
- Is Sgurr na h-Ulaidh (Sgor na h-Ulaidh) safe in winter?
- A serious Glencoe winter day. The north face of Sgor na h-Ulaidh holds Grade III–IV winter climbing routes. The east ridge approach is exposed to westerly weather and the snow line drops quickly. The Gleann Leac road can drift but the A82 stays gritted. The relevant avalanche forecast is SAIS Glencoe. Mobile reception fades above 700m.
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