At 1181 metres (3875 feet), it is the second highest mountain north of the Great Glen (after neighbouring Càrn Eige) and the fourteenth highest in the United Kingdom. Càrn Eige stands just one kilometre to the north of Mam Sodhail and the two are regarded as twin mountains, being roughly identical in height and appearance. They stand together above Gleann nam Fiadh (Glen of the Deer) and are linked by a high col of around 1045 metres, making the traverse of the two mountains a natural day's walk. Mam Sodhail's name translates from the Gaelic as Hill of the Barns although other sources give it as Breast (-shaped hill) of the Barns.