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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 14: Mam Sodhail

Region: Loch Duich to Loch Ness, South of Loch Mullardoch
Height: 1,181m (3,875 ft)

Mam Sodhail is the twin summit to Carn Eige, and together they form the highest pair of Munros outside the Ben Nevis range. Known for its massive cairn and sweeping views, Mam Sodhail offers a rewarding climb through wild terrain. For campervan travellers, access mirrors that of Carn Eige, with Glen Affric providing the gateway.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Affric Lodge Car Park (Glen Affric)

  • Location: End of the public road in Glen Affric, near Cannich
  • Grid Reference: NH200233
  • Capacity: Limited, suitable for small campervans during the day
  • Facilities: No toilets or water; nearest services in Cannich
  • Charges: Free
  • Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

  • Dog Falls Car Park: Forestry site with toilets, 5 km from the trailhead
  • Cannich: Campsite with full facilities, suitable for overnight stays
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys along the Glen Affric road (check signage)

Note: The approach road is narrow and winding. Drive cautiously, especially in larger vehicles

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Via Coire Leachavie, often extended to include Carn Eige and Beinn Fhionnlaidh.

  • Distance: Approximately 26 km round trip
  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,300 metres
  • Distance and elevation may vary slightly depending on route choice and inclusion of Beinn Fhionnlaidh.
  • Terrain: Estate tracks, steep slopes, rocky ridges
  • Time Estimate: 8 to 10 hours

Navigation Notes

  • Remote terrain with limited signage map; a compass, or GPS is essential
  • Often combined with Carn Eige and Beinn Fhionnlaidh for a full-day traverse
  • The Summit Cairn is one of the largest in Scotland, visible from afar

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Affric Lodge Car Park allows daytime campervan access (small vehicles only)
  • Dog Falls Car Park offers overflow and facilities

Overnight Options

  • Cannich Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking may be possible in designated laybys (check signage and local guidance)
  • No overnighting permitted at Affric Lodge or Dog Falls

Fuel and Supplies

  • Cannich: Small shop and fuel station
  • Nearest supermarket: Drumnadrochit or Inverness

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Màm Sodhail” may translate to “rounded hill of Sodhail”
  • Summit features: Massive cairn, formerly used as a survey point
  • Notable geography: Often climbed with Carn Eige and Beinn Fhionnlaidh
  • Known for: Remote beauty, long circuits, and high-level solitude

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 14 in our every-second-day campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Mam Sodhail, parked in Glen Affric, or have tips for navigating the circuit, feel free to share your comments. Your insights help shape the archive and support fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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