Sail Mhor Walking

A small but prominent peak at the western end of the An Teallach range, the Corbett of Sail Mhor has a huge maritime view over Little Loch Broom and the western seaboard. Starting with the fantastic cascades of Ardessie Falls, then crossing pathless but straightforward ground, the out-and-back route described here is the quickest way up.

Looking into Fisherfield from Sail Mhor  © Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com
Looking into Fisherfield from Sail Mhor
Fetching Map

Detailed description

1
NH0517289606 From the roadside parking follow the verge briefly east (take care for recklessly fast traffic). Cross the road bridge over the impressive falls then turn right up rock steps to gain the muddy path above the east bank of the Allt Airdeasaidh. The path now runs upstream beside a series of idyllic cascades and pools (keep small kids and dogs away from the edge of the slot sections). Above the open falls the burn runs through a deep wooded gorge, and the path stays safely up on the east side. At about the 300m contour the trail descends slightly to re-join the burn above the gorge.
Sail Mhor from Ardessie falls. On a hot day you might struggle to bother with the hill.  © Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com
Sail Mhor from Ardessie falls. On a hot day you might struggle to bother with the hill.
© Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com, Jun 2022

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NH0488588417 Cross a side burn, and then a bouldery landslip area above the main burn. Now intermittent, the path continues upstream on the east bank to a point where several burns converge on the main stream. Ford it by boulder-hopping (no one point seems particularly better than another for this, and it'd always need some care in high water conditions).

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NH0453087602 A small cairn marks an indistinct path beside the side burn leading west towards the broad col between Sail Mhor and the small satellite peak of Ruigh Mheallain. The path soon fades into rough grass and bogs, but the general gist is obvious. Before reaching the pass bear slightly right to cut the corner, soon reaching Sail Mhor's south ridge.

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NH0317087947 Studded with rounded sandstone outcrops, but sadly requiring no scrambling, the ridge offers a short, sharp ascent. There's a clear path to follow here, and feral goats can often be seen. A cairn marks the high point, but it's worth continuing over the stony summit a short way to a stone walled windbreak on a point overlooking Little Loch Broom. This may not be the biggest of hills, but its view of the northwest coast is truly spectacular.

5
NH0340388784 It's possible to complete a circuit over Ruigh Mheallain, or alternatively the little unnamed southeast top of Sail Mhor; but it's least bother to return the way you came.

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Further Routes

by Dan Bailey UKH



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