Slioch - Image 1
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Slioch Scotland

5
·26 reviews·, United Kingdom

A majestic mountain in Wester Ross, Slioch offers iconic views of Loch Maree and a challenging, rewarding hike through wild Scottish landscapes.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Best chance for clear views

CrowdMedium
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Slioch - Image 1

Slioch Scotland

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Best chance for clear views

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A majestic mountain in Wester Ross, Slioch offers iconic views of Loch Maree and a challenging, rewarding hike through wild Scottish landscapes.

5
(26 reviews)

"One of the most scenic Munros in Wester Ross, offering incredible Highland scenery."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots

Essential for rocky, boggy terrain. Don't underestimate the path!

🦟 Insect Repellent

Midges and horseflies can be a nuisance, especially near fields. Pack it!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Loch Maree Panorama

Loch Maree Panorama

Summit Ridge

Iconic views of Loch Maree and surrounding mountains, a truly world-class Highland landscape.

Spectacular Waterfalls

Spectacular Waterfalls

Near Incheril Approach

Detour to admire beautiful cascades and waterfalls along the initial part of the walk.

Rugged Summit Ridge

Rugged Summit Ridge

Summit

Experience the dramatic, often mist-shrouded, summit ridge for a sense of accomplishment.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for a Long Trek

Slioch is a significant hike, often taking 7-8 hours round trip. The approach can be rocky and boggy, so sturdy hiking boots are essential. Be ready for changing weather conditions in the Highlands, even on a good day.

Embrace the Wild

Wester Ross offers solitude, but also encounters with nature. Midges and horseflies can be present, especially near fields and car parks. Pack insect repellent and be prepared for a truly wild Scottish experience.

Best Times

When
Summer Mornings
Why
Best chance for clear views
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn Afternoons
Why
Golden light on the landscape
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Slioch (Scottish Gaelic: An t-Sleaghach) is a mountain in the Scottish Highlands situated in Wester Ross, eight kilometres north of the village of Kinlochewe. Slioch reaches an elevation of 981 metres (3,219 feet) and towers above the southeastern end of Loch Maree to give one of the best known and most photographed sights (from the A832 road) in the Highlands. VisitScotland, the Scottish national...
@tintcamcam
896 likes • 4.1K views

👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots

Essential for rocky, boggy terrain. Don't underestimate the path!

🦟 Insect Repellent

Midges and horseflies can be a nuisance, especially near fields. Pack it!

🥪 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy your lunch with unparalleled views from the summit.

🗺️ Be Prepared for Mist

Summit views can be obscured; enjoy the journey regardless.

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots

Essential for rocky, boggy terrain. Don't underestimate the path!

🦟 Insect Repellent

Midges and horseflies can be a nuisance, especially near fields. Pack it!

🥪 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy your lunch with unparalleled views from the summit.

🗺️ Be Prepared for Mist

Summit views can be obscured; enjoy the journey regardless.

💧 Check Weather Forecast

Highland weather changes rapidly. Be ready for anything.

What Travellers Say

5
(26 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Slioch is lauded as one of the most scenic Munros in Wester Ross, offering breathtaking Highland scenery and a rewarding, albeit long, hiking experience. Reviewers praise the spectacular views of Loch Maree and the rugged landscapes, though some note the challenging terrain and potential for midges and horseflies. The solitude and wildness of the area are also frequently highlighted as major draws.

"Slioch – one of the most scenic Munros in Wester Ross

Slioch offers an incredible mix of Highland scenery, from peaceful lochs to rugged ridges. The approach from Incheril is long but rewarding. Expect a rocky and sometimes boggy path with a few steeper sections, but nothing too technical. Beautiful waterfalls appear around 5–6 km into the walk, and it’s worth taking a short detour after the bridge to enjoy the cascades up close.

The full route, including the detour to the waterfalls, was 22 km and took us 7 hours 40 minutes to complete, with a total ascent of 1,255 m. According to our tracker, we burned about 2,500 kcal on the way. This was our 50th Munro and a perfect choice for such a milestone.

The summit was in thick mist, as is often the case here, but the views on the way up were breathtaking – dramatic mountains, lochs and wild landscapes. Along the way we were greeted by curious cows, swarms of midges at the car park and relentless horseflies near the lower fields.

A long hike, but on a good day it’s one of the most spectacular Munros in the Northwest Highlands."

Damian Kurczyk

"Loch Maree is one of the more outstanding loch landscapes in the Western Highlands, which effectively means one of the best in the world. The view from the top of this hill is a great spot to enjoy that cheese sandwich that you purchased at the Co-op in Ullapool.

With Slioch, like every hill that you walk on in Wester Ross, you’ll be pretty much on your own, during the long walk in by the waters edge, the steady pull up and then into the final amphitheatre and onto the summit ridge and promenade.

To be savoured and remain long in the memory"

Simon Cooper

"Be prepared for a long walk in which feels even longer on the walk back. That said, you're rewarded with amazing views from the top if the weather allows."

Stuart Waddell

What People Like

Spectacular Loch Maree views
Wild Highland scenery
Sense of solitude

What People Dislike

Long, tiring walk-in
Boggy and rocky terrain
Midges and horseflies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common starting point is from Incheril, near Kinlochewe. You'll typically drive to the car park there. The approach involves a long walk along the edge of Loch Maree before ascending the mountain. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for rural roads.

Public transport options are very limited for reaching the trailhead. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle for flexibility and access to the starting point.

The classic route starts from Incheril, following a path alongside Loch Maree before climbing towards the summit. This route offers the most iconic views and is well-documented by hikers.

The full hike, including any detours, can take between 7 to 8 hours to complete. It's a substantial undertaking, so start early.

Yes, there is a car park at the Incheril starting point. Be aware that it can get busy, and you might encounter midges and horseflies here.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Slioch is a mountain and part of the Scottish Highlands landscape. There are no admission fees or tickets required to hike it.

As a natural mountain, Slioch is accessible at all times. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.

There is no entry fee to hike Slioch. It's a public access mountain.

While not mandatory, guided tours are available from local outdoor activity providers if you prefer to hike with an experienced guide.

No permits are required for general hiking on Slioch. You are free to explore the mountain.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The terrain is varied, starting with a long, relatively flat walk along Loch Maree, followed by a rocky and sometimes boggy ascent. The summit ridge is exposed and can be challenging.

Expect breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Maree, surrounding Munros, and the wild Wester Ross landscape. The saddle offers particularly iconic vistas.TikTok

It's considered a challenging hike due to its length and the varied terrain. While not overly technical, it requires good fitness and stamina.

There are no facilities on the mountain itself. You'll need to use facilities at your accommodation or in nearby villages before or after your hike.

You might encounter curious cows in lower fields, and potentially deer in the more remote areas. Be aware of midges and horseflies, especially in warmer months.

📸 📸 Photography

The iconic view of Slioch looming over Loch Maree from the A832 road is a must-capture.TikTok On the hike, the approach along the loch and the summit ridge offer stunning photographic opportunities.

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic effects on the landscape. However, clear weather is the most crucial factor for capturing the best views.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan for long exposures or low light.

Include elements like the loch, trees, or even yourself in the frame to give a sense of scale to the vastness of the mountain and its surroundings.

The biggest challenge is often the weather, with mist and rain common. Also, the long walk-in can be tiring, so managing your gear is important.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hiking Slioch with children is a significant undertaking and best suited for older, experienced young hikers. The long duration (7-8 hours) and varied, sometimes boggy terrain can be challenging for younger children. Consider focusing on the initial walk along Loch Maree for a shorter, more manageable experience, or opt for a different, less demanding hike in the area if you have very young children. Ensure you pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for potential encounters with midges.Reddit

🚶 Solo Adventurers

Slioch offers a fantastic opportunity for solo adventurers seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience. The long approach along Loch Maree provides a peaceful start, and the mountain itself is often quiet, especially outside peak season.Reddit Be sure to inform someone of your hiking plans, carry a map and compass (or GPS device), and be self-sufficient, as mobile signal can be unreliable. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit alone is immense.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Loch Maree View

The view of Slioch looming over Loch Maree is one of the most celebrated vistas in the Scottish Highlands.TikTok This dramatic panorama, often captured from the A832 road, showcases the mountain's distinctive saddle shape rising majestically from the dark waters of the loch. It's a scene that has inspired countless photographers and artists, embodying the wild beauty of Wester Ross. The interplay of light and shadow on the mountain and the scattered islands of the loch creates a constantly changing spectacle.

For hikers, this iconic view is not just a roadside attraction but a reward that unfolds as you ascend. The approach along the lochside offers glimpses that build anticipation for the grander perspectives from higher up. On a clear day, the visibility stretches across the water, revealing the rugged contours of the surrounding peaks. It's a view that truly justifies the effort of the long trek, offering a moment of awe and a deep connection with the Scottish landscape.

Navigating the Slioch Hike

The hike up Slioch is a significant undertaking, typically taking between 7 to 8 hours round trip. The journey begins with a long walk-in from the Incheril car park, following a path that skirts the edge of Loch Maree. This initial section, while relatively flat, can feel lengthy, especially on the return leg. Hikers often describe the path as rocky and occasionally boggy, requiring careful footing and sturdy footwear.Reddit

As you progress, the terrain becomes steeper, leading into a final amphitheater before the ascent to the summit ridge. While not technically demanding, the sustained effort and varied ground make it a challenging outing. Many reviewers highlight the importance of being prepared for all weather conditions, as the summit can be shrouded in mist even when the lower slopes are clear. The sense of solitude is a common theme, with many hikers enjoying the feeling of being immersed in the wild Scottish landscape.Reddit

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