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This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
| Altitude |
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1010 m (3313 ft)
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This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.
Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.
NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).
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NG93491306
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An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
| Stature |
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121 of 283 Munros |
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The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
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1
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Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
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The saddle |
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The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.
You can click on the map name to purchase the map for £6.29 including postage which is one of the cheapest prices we have found.
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OS Landranger Maps Required |
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| Only £6.29 (£11.69 Laminated) from |  |
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The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine are located on the S side of Glen Shiel, to the W of the famous South Glen Shiel Ridge. The Saddle is best known for, the Forcan Ridge, its NE ridge down to Meallan Odhar (610m), which offers a splendid scramble on a narrow crest. Consequently the normal ascent route is by path onto Meallan Odhar. If you wish to avoid the ridge, bear SW to Beallach Coire Mhalagain and then climb NW to the summit avoiding the steepest slope ahead. The Saddle is one peak on a long ridge which bears W then curves N around Coire Uaine offering a longer route to the bealach S of Sgurr Mhic Bharraich where a path returns to Shiel Bridge.
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Hazards you may encounter on The Saddle include
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| Steep slopes on or near ascent routes. |
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| Crags on or near ascent routes. |
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| Crags near summit. |
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| Narrow Ridges, with exposure. |
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| Scrambling (major), greater exposure and steeper rock. |
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General Considerations
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| Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent. |
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| Wind usually increases with altitude. |
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| Visibility can change markedly with cloud level. |
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| River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day. |
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The Saddle from Bealach Coire Mhalagain.
© Peter Burgess
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Image by Peter Burgess
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The Forcan ridge in profile from the col between Biod an Fhithich and Meallan Odhar.
© Peter Burgess
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Image by Peter Burgess
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The Saddle seen from the old road bridge over the River Shiel.
© David S Brown
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Image by David S Brown
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North Glen Shiel Mountains behind Forcan Ridge 16/10/09
© eileen stark
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Image by eileen stark
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Ascent
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Distance
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Time
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Including...
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Description
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Rating
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1
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1508 m
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12.28 km
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5.5 hrs
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The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine
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Difficult route due to scramble on rocky Forcan Ridge. A classic South Glen Shiel route.
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Me at the top of The Saddle after an exciting trip over Forcan Ridge in greasy, ice conditions
© chris mackinnon
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Image by chris mackinnon
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James at Trig Point after The Saddle 16/10/09
© eileen stark
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Image by eileen stark
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Calum contemplating the Forcan ridge and the saddle from the col at the top of the stalkers path.
© Calum Dinnes
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Image by Calum Dinnes
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A beautiful day in Kintail - June 2009
© Graham Murdoch
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Image by Graham Murdoch
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David S Brown
wrote on
November 11, 2005
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There is an excellent track which leaves the main Saddle ascent track where it starts the approach to the foot of the Forcan ridge by taking a right turn. If you take the fainter track straight ahead, this contours around the base of the Forcan ridge immediately above a dry stone wall to arrive about 50m below the Bealach Coire Mhalagain. (Visible on Paul Richardson's view from Faochag.) I used this as a descent route after spending time exploring The Saddle rather than bagging Sgurr na Sgine at that trip, so plan to use it as an ascent route for a future walk starting with Sgurr na Sgine.
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Ronnie Mutch
wrote on
September 4, 2005
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Did the forcan ridge today, fabulous climb!
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Odd Job
wrote on
July 6, 2005
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The Forcan ridge, 3rd time lucky. Gave up 1st time due to excessive west coast weather. Commiserated in the Clunnie Inn. Tried again in winter, different kettle of fish. Only had my ice axe, would have been happier with crampons, still, made it to the top and returned the same way. Went through 20 Regal King size and most of my vocabulary of 4 letter words, lovely views of my boots in both directions. Not reccomended for the faint hearted, celebrated in the Clunnie again. 3rd time lucky, had another go in summer, great weather, great views well worth the effort. Celebrated at the top this time.
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David S Brown
wrote on
June 23, 2002
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I set out to do the standard walk of Saddle/Sgurr na Sgine, ascending the (very fine) Forcan ridge to the summit (not easy to be sure which of 2 tops that is, the first - more easterly, or the second with trig point). But being a ridge-walker more than a Munro-bagger, the prospect of the western ridge to Spidean Dhomhuill Bhric was irresistible compared to that of the dull-looking descent to the col and reascent of Sgurr na Signe as viewed from The Saddle, so did the full ridge, then returned to trig point and descended via the 'alternative ascent' track below Forcan ridge. Superb day out.
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Paul Richardson
wrote on
April 27, 2001
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A superb choice for a really clear day - proximity to the sea and to loads of other beautiful peaks mean stunning views, especially over to Sgritheall and the islands. The Forcan was a challenge for a mildly timid English fellwalker like me, but it proved exhilarating and gave me confidence in the following couple of years to tackle the Torridon Big Ones.
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There are no Route Write-Ups submitted for The Saddle
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