The Saddle

About The Saddle

Rising dramatically above Glen Shiel, this twin-peaked Munro is one of the most celebrated summits in the Northwest Highlands. Characterised by its rocky, alpine profile, it is famously reached via the narrow, scrambling Forcan Ridge. The summit provides a spectacular vantage point over the Five Sisters of Kintail and the Cuillin of Skye.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is a direct translation of the Scottish Gaelic 'An Diollaid'. It refers to the distinctive concave dip between the mountain's two summits, which resembles a horse's saddle when viewed from the floor of Glen Shiel.
• •The mountain is most famous for the Forcan Ridge, a classic Grade 1 scramble. While many Munro baggers seek the high point, the ridge is often cited as the highlight of the day, offering sustained exposure and narrow sections that require a steady head.
• •The mountain has two distinct summits; while the eastern top is the true Munro at 1011.5m, the western summit is an important trig point and offers the superior view down the length of Loch Duich towards the coast.
• •The northern slopes of the hill overlook the site of the Battle of Glen Shiel (1719). This historical conflict was the only battle in the Jacobite risings to involve a significant force of Spanish marines, who fought alongside the Highlanders before being defeated by government mortars.
• •From the summit, walkers earn an exceptional view south-east along the South Glen Shiel Ridge, a massive wall of seven distinct Munros that form one of the longest continuous ridge walks in the country.
• •Most Munros are satisfied with having a saddle as a minor col between peaks, but this one was so committed to the feature it decided to make it its entire personality.