Munro · Glen Coe & Lochaber
The Saddle
The Saddle (1011m) is a Munro set in the country between Glen Shiel to Loch Hourn and Loch Quoich. Its 334m of re-ascent gives it a distinct identity — this is no subsidiary top but a hill worth visiting in its own right. The summit, marked by a small cairn, gives views of sea lochs, dramatic ridges and the peaks of the western Highlands. The nearest town is Fort William in Highland.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1011m/ 3319ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 890 m
- Time
- 4.9 hrs
- Difficulty
- 5 / 5Expert
- Grid ref
- NG936131
- Parking
- NG952111
- Nearest city
- Fort William
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 17km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 17km with 890m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross steep-sided glens with birch and oak woodland. Higher up, the terrain changes to volcanic and metamorphic rock, steep ridges and buttresses. Good stalkers' paths on popular routes but remote sections, particularly around Knoydart, are rough and pathless. The summit is marked by a small cairn.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Good stalkers' paths on popular routes but remote sections, particularly around Knoydart, are rough and pathless. The connecting ridges to adjacent hills are well-defined but involve noticeable re-ascent.
In winter
In winter, The Saddle is a serious proposition. Heavy snowfall and rapid freeze-thaw cycles make conditions changeable. Avalanche risk on steeper slopes is real — check the SAIS forecast before heading out. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 6m
- Edinburgh4h 41m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:48
- Sunset
- 20:51
- Civil dawn
- 05:04
- Civil dusk
- 21:36
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026