Munro · North-West Highlands
Slioch
Slioch (981m) — "the spear" — is one of the most iconic mountains in Scotland, its dramatic terraced sandstone profile rising straight out of Loch Maree opposite Beinn Eighe. The classic view from Loch Maree showing Slioch reflected in the still water is among the great images of the Highlands. Despite its bold appearance, the summit itself is a broad mossy plateau — the drama is in the cliffs falling to the loch. The hill stands genuinely alone with no immediate Munro neighbours.
Quick facts
- Height
- 981.2m/ 3219ft
- Prominence
- 626 m
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 863 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH004690
- Parking
- NH038625
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 70km
- 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 45% · Open hillside 30% · Summit plateau 25%
Start from the Incheril car park at Kinlochewe. Take the path north-west along the Kinlochewe River, then bear north up Gleann Bianasdail. Climb the steep but well-built path onto the south-east shoulder of Slioch, then onto the broad summit plateau. The Munro summit is the small rocky outcrop on the west side of the plateau. Return reverses the line. Around 21km return with 860m of ascent.
Terrain
The Incheril path along the Kinlochewe River is firm well-built track for the lower section. Gleann Bianasdail is rough boggy ground that improves as the path climbs higher. The south-east shoulder of Slioch is sustained steep grass and broken sandstone. The summit plateau is a broad mossy area — the high point lies at the west end with the cliffs falling almost vertically to Loch Maree on the south side. Keep clear of the corrie rim in mist.
In winter
A serious Northern Highlands winter day. The east face of Slioch holds Grade II–IV winter climbing routes. The south-facing summit plateau gathers wind-loaded snow after south-westerly storms; cornicing on the south edge above Loch Maree is consistent. The Kinlochewe Hotel makes a useful winter base. Mobile reception fades above 400m; consult SAIS Torridon during the rated season.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 4m
- Edinburgh4h 27m
OS maps: OS Landranger 19
Mobile signal: Moderate signal at Kinlochewe. Signal vanishes above 400m. The classic approach via Loch Maree gives one of the most dramatic mountain views in Scotland.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:58
- Sunset
- 21:57
- Civil dawn
- 04:00
- Civil dusk
- 22:55
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Around Slioch on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Slioch — common questions
- How difficult is Slioch?
- Slioch carries a 5/5 (very challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 17km, 863m of ascent and a 6-9 hour day on the standard route. Terrain: The Incheril path along the Kinlochewe River is firm well-built track for the lower section.
- How prominent is Slioch?
- Slioch has 626m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
- Where should I park to climb Slioch?
- Standard parking is at NH038625 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When should I climb Slioch?
- The standard good-weather months for Slioch 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 Slioch?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Slioch?
- Moderate signal at Kinlochewe. Signal vanishes above 400m. The classic approach via Loch Maree gives one of the most dramatic mountain views in Scotland.
- Is Slioch safe in winter?
- A serious Northern Highlands winter day. The east face of Slioch holds Grade II–IV winter climbing routes. The south-facing summit plateau gathers wind-loaded snow after south-westerly storms; cornicing on the south edge above Loch Maree is consistent. The Kinlochewe Hotel makes a useful winter base. Mobile reception fades above 400m; consult SAIS Torridon during the rated season.
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