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Sgòr Gaoith Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Hard Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
6h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
15.5km
out and back
Elevation gain
890m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
1,118 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
No
Marked
No
Popularity
Low
Region
Cairngorms
Start point
57.08768, -3.89467
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Sgòr Gaoith hike takes you to the summit of a spectacular Munro culminating at 1,118 meters, at the western end of the Cairngorms massif. From the summit, perched on the edge of steep cliffs, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of Loch Einich, 500 meters below, as well as the imposing Braeriach massif opposite. However, the ascent passes through more ordinary landscapes: first a Caledonian pine forest, then heather-covered slopes.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Sgòr Gaoith Hike

Difficulties of the hike

The hike to the summit of Sgòr Gaoith is long and physically demanding, with an elevation gain of nearly 900 meters over a 15.5-kilometer round trip. The unmarked route begins with an excellent trail that crosses the pine forest alongside the Allt Ruadh.

The ascent continues across open terrain, mainly covered with short moss and heather, where the trail becomes less visible. The direction to follow remains relatively clear in good weather, but it is important to bring a GPS or map in case of reduced visibility.

What you'll love

  • The view from the summit: a spectacular bird's-eye view of Loch Einich nestled 500 meters below and, facing you, the imposing walls of Braeriach.
  • Crossing the Caledonian forest at the beginning of the route, with its ancient pines characteristic of this protected area of the national park.
Path at the start of the hike
Path at the start of the hike
First part in a pine forest
First part in a pine forest
Allt Ruadh stream
Allt Ruadh stream
Loch Eanaich
Loch Eanaich
Sgor Gaoith
Sgor Gaoith
Sgor Gaoith
Sgor Gaoith
Loch Eanaich
Loch Eanaich
Cairngorms
Cairngorms
Loch Eanaich from the summit of Sgor Gaoith
Loch Eanaich from the summit of Sgor Gaoith
Loch Eanaich
Loch Eanaich
Loch Eanaich
Loch Eanaich
Back to the pine forest
Back to the pine forest

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/sgor-gaoith/