Maol Chean-dearg, named bald red head on account of its red sandstone boulder summit and lower band of white quartzite, is a popular Munro. The ascent involves a pleasant walk in along the Fionn abhainn with good views of the prow of Meall nan Ceapairean on the way. The section of scree is steep but short and the route above this presents no difficulties. There are great views from the summit, particularly of Torridon to the north.
Summary
Well constructed paths up the glen, then an easy to follow stony zig zag path to the bealach. The climb to the summit involves an indistinct path on steep quartzite scree followed by sandstone boulders on the more gentle final ascent.
Terrain
NG956451
Grid ref
14km/8.75 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
Public transport
1. There is a parking area on the north side of the A890 road just west of the bridge at Coulags. Cross the bridge and go through the gate on the left signed for Glen Torridon. Follow the track until just before the house where you turn left down some steps to the river side. The well constructed path crosses open moorland as it follows the glen on the east side of the Fionn-abhainn. The river is soon crossed on a wooden bridge and the path continues on the other side passing a memorial on a stone a little further on.
2. Soon a building comes into view. This is Coire Fionnaraich, a bothy maintained by volunteers the Mountain Bothy Association which is available for use outside the stalking season - please help to keep it clean and tidy and leave a report on its condition on its page on the MBA website. A little further on a large stone, the Clach nan Con-fionn, is passed. Looking a bit like a Henry Moore sculpture, legend has it that the stone was used by the giant, Fionn to tether his hunting dogs. 400 metres further on, a small cairn marks a path junction; turn left here to begin a zig-zag climb up a stalkers path.
3. The path is clear all the way up to the bealach, with the looming crags of Meall nan Ceapairnean on the left. Once at the bealach a Choire Garbh there is an impressive view of the Corbett An Ruadh-stac. Turn right up an indistinct path heading north west, initally over quartzite scree.
4. The path splits into a number of routes but less scree is found by keeping slightly to the east of the ridge point. The scree section is short and followed by a grassy plateau with only a faint path. The final ascent is up smallish sandstone boulders until the large summit cairn comes into view.
5. Just beyond the cairn, with its numerous shelters, is a fabulous view down the steep face to Loch an Eion below and across to the Torridon peaks. The descent is via the same outward route back to the bealach. From here the easiest route is to retrace your steps back down the stalkers path. Other alternatives include making a long circular walk all the way round Maol Chean-dearg (description here), or returning over Meall nan Ceapairnean as described in the An Ruadh Stac route.
Photo ©: Nigel Brown, reproduced under CCSA
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