Màm Sodhail

Màm Sodhail, at 1,181 metres, is the second highest mountain north of the Great Glen, almost always climbed together with its twin neighbour Càrn Eige above the shores of beautiful Loch Affric.

The route starts from the small car park at Chisholm Bridge at the head of Loch Affric, following a good path into Coire Leachavie before a steep zig-zag climb up the corrie wall to gain the south ridge. The summit is marked by an unusually large cairn — the remains of a Victorian survey station, big enough to stand inside — and offers what many consider the finer of the two twin summits' views, sweeping across a huge stretch of the northern and central Highlands.

From here the route continues north over a bealach, with Loch Uaine visible below, to reach Càrn Eige, before most walkers retrace their steps back down into Coire Leachavie.

The round trip taking in both summits is around 19 kilometres with 1,500 metres of ascent, typically eight to ten hours for a full day out.

The ridges here are grassy and generally straightforward compared to some Cairngorms terrain, but this is still big, remote country, and the descent path back into Coire Leachavie is easily missed in mist — take care to locate it rather than continuing along the ridge by mistake.

The Glen Affric car park at Chisholm Bridge is free but limited in size.