Scotland
Sgor Gaoith
1116M
3661FT
About Sgor Gaoith
Sgor Gaoith lives up to its name as the 'Peak of the Wind,' so hold onto your hat. While its western slopes are a gentle, grassy stroll, the summit delivers a heart-stopping, vertical plunge into Loch Einich that will make your inner ears rethink their career choices.
Key Statistics
Rank
38th Highest in The Cairngorms
Parent Range
The Cairngorms
Prominence
?
242.8m
Nearest Town
Aviemore
Geology
You are hiking across the Cairngorm Pluton, a massive body of cooled magma. These different types of granite formed deep underground, creating the solid foundation of this mountain.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NN903989
Latitude
57.0680°N
Longitude
3.8108°W
Did You Know?
- •The name translates from Gaelic as the Peak of the Wind. It sits on the western edge of the Moine Mhòr, a vast high-altitude plateau that serves as a natural wind tunnel.
- •The mountain’s eastern face is defined by the dramatic, broken cliffs of Coire Ruadh. This creates a staggering vertical drop of over 600 meters directly into the waters of Loch Einich below.
- •Despite its height, it is often bypassed by hikers aiming for the more central Cairngorm giants. It offers arguably the finest view in the range with considerably less mileage than its neighbors.
- •The surrounding plateau is a prime habitat for the elusive ptarmigan. These birds are masters of disguise, often staying perfectly still until you are approximately three inches away from stepping on them.
- •The approach is so deceptively mild and rounded that the sudden, terrifying cliff edge at the top comes as a genuine shock. It is the only Munro where you can go from 'leisurely Sunday stroll' to 'clinging to the planet for dear life' in three steps.