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Sgurr a' Mhadaidh

Munro
Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
918 m (3011 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
NG44692353
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
277 of 282 Munros
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
1
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Rocky peak of the fox
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  32   South Skye & Cuillin Hills
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

  Description
Sgurr a' Mhadaidh is a craggy peak on the Black Cuillin Ridge that can be climbed together with Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh.

The Cuillin are composed of gabbro rock which gives wonderful grip even when wet, but these mountains have steep faces and narrow ridges which invariably require scrambling or even rock-climbing to reach the summit.

The ascent starts in Coire a' Ghreadaidh on grass leading to scree slopes which should be ascended to reach the col, An Dorus (the door), between the two peaks.

From An Dorus ascend to the crest of the ridge and traverse to the base of a buttress where a testing scramble with considerable exposure leads to easier slopes to the summit.

Hazards you may encounter on Sgurr a' Mhadaidh include
 Stony/rocky Slopes on or near ascent routes.
 Crags on or near ascent routes.
 Crags near summit.
 Narrow Ridges, with exposure.
 Scrambling (major), greater exposure and steeper rock.
 Magnetic rock, compass bearings inacurate.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Picture Gallery for Sgurr a' Mhadaidh

The stunning view down to Loch Coruisk from the summit of Sgurr a' Mhadaidh.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown

The summit of Sgurr a' Mhadaidh: its small cairn perched precariously on a giant inclined basalt slab.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown

Sgurr a' Mhadaidh from the north-west.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown

On the narrow ridge between Sgurr Thuilm and Sgurr a Mhadaidh.

© Mark Blackwell
Image by Mark Blackwell
View All 13 Images for Sgurr a' Mhadaidh

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

  Weather & OS Maps
North West Highlands
by MWIS (PDF format) 		West Highlands
by Met Office 		Sgurr na Banachdich
by Metcheck
Sgurr a' Mhadaidh Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

A selection of local accommodation options who advertise with Munromagic.com.

  Where to Stay
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sponsored accommodation listings for this area.

The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include Sgurr a' Mhadaidh.

Click on the route title to load the full content for that route.

  Routes that include Sgurr a' Mhadaidh
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 1050 m 9.18 km 4 hrs Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh and Sgurr a' Mhadaidh  This is one of the easier routes on the Cuillin Ridge, with its "sticky" Gabro rock. However, the Cuillin as a whole should not be attempted unless you have scrambling skills and are comfortable with exposure (see image gallery for further details).  
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Sgurr a' Mhadaidh

  Baggers Gallery for Sgurr a' Mhadaidh

And its No 8 of my Traverse on the 28-29th May 2013 at 615 am !!!

© Colin Fridge
Image by Colin Fridge

the lads from Auchinleck hill walking club

© John Frew
Image by John Frew

Neil on the left with me on my 200th Munro, 29.5.10.

© Mark Thomson
Image by Mark Thomson
 
The logging section stores any entries for Sgurr a' Mhadaidh in your own log. From here you can
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Recently Climbed By
neil scott on 12 Aug 2023
WILLIAM BISHOP on 13 Jun 2023
Stevie Yates on 24 May 2023

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Post a few words about Sgurr a' Mhadaidh or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Chris Bowles
wrote on
September 1, 2009
This Cuillin peak is very easily climbed using An Dorus. Parking is available at the Youth Hostel at which a good path leads into Coire a' Greadaidh. In the NE corner is Coire an Dorus where a good scree gully can be used to reach 'the door'. At the top of this narrow gap awkward grade 3 scrambling is required for the first few metres on polished rock before the last climb on rocky ledges leads to the summit. Just before the summit an airy cracked ledge must be crossed which adds to the enjoyment.
 
 

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