Sgòr Gaoith Summit

Many walks in the Cairngorms National Park necessitate a hefty walk-in, often extending to an overnight stay in the wilderness. Hikes up Sgor Gaoith provide utter flexibility though, thanks to the peak’s relative ease of access and absolutely staggering summit dichotomy. 

You’ll find the peak at 3,886 feet (1,118 m), so you’ll be bagging a Munro. But why stop there? Hiking trails up Sgor Gaoith can easily include neighbouring Sgoran Dubh Mòr and Càrn Bàn Mòr too, which involve barely any descent at all. These are both Munro Tops with fantastic views. 

An exhilarating summit of two halves

Approaching from the west is common, where your hike can begin in the glorious, atmospheric pine forests of Glen Feshie. With a choice of trails, you’ll work your way up to Sgor Gaoith’s lumbering, grassy back. With pathless sections on the shoulder, care needs to be taken in poor visibility to avoid losing your way but, for the most part, the hike is straightforward. 

Hikes up Sgor Gaoith from the west bide their time before knocking your merino socks off the moment you arrive at the summit. For this is the mountain’s highly-prized secret. The entire eastern half of this peak is an almost sheer, craggy drop of tremendous scale. To stand at the top is to look down and feel the breath abandon your lungs as you peer to Loch Eanaich, over 1,600 feet (500 m) below. 

You can enjoy hikes to this magnificent summit throughout the year but bear in mind that the Cairngorms experience severe weather frequently, from strong winds to deep snow and treacherous ice. Only winter mountaineers should ascend in such challenging conditions but those with the requisite skills will witness phenomenal scenes in snow. 

Food, accommodation and parking can be found in Aviemore, while you can also park in Glen Feshie at the end of the road above Achlean.