Maol Chean-dearg ascent, Coulags

GLEN CARRON: LOCHCARRON TO ACHNAHSHEEN


Summary :	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.
Terrain :	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.
Grade :		Distance :	14km/8.75 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	5 - 7 hours
Start :	Coulags on A890.	Grid ref :	NG956451
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 429 – Glen Carron online	Ascent :	950m
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Public Transport :	Bus[Click for timetables - choose Area 5]

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, a bothy maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association which is available outside the stalking season. 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 stony path on the left that you take to zig zag up to the bealach or col.

3. Once at the bealach a Choire Garbh, turn right up an indistinct path heading north west over quartzite scree. 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.

4. The final ascent is up smallish sandstone boulders until the large summit cairn comes into view. 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.

5. The descent is via the same outward route. This last photo shows the north face of Maol Chean-dearg as viewed from the summit of Beinn Damh.

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Route profile

Accommodation links for this area:
Hotels in Glen Carron: Loch Carron to Achnasheen
Glen Carron: Loch Carron to Achnasheen Bed and Breakfasts
Self catering cottages in Glen Carron: Loch Carron to Achnasheen
Torridon & Gairloch hostels
Campsites in Torridon and Gairloch region