Sgorr Ruadh, Achnashellach
GLEN CARRON: LOCHCARRON TO ACHNAHSHEEN
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1. The walk as described is for Sgorr Ruadh only; if planning to include Beinn Liath Mhor in the walk, it is best to climb that peak first as the route up Sgorr Ruadh is easier to find in ascent. Either way, if in a car, park at the layby on the A890 opposite the telephone box and the private road to Achnashellach station. From here walk up the road to the station, turning right after the outbuildings. Cross the railway line with care and proceed up the track a short way until you reach a crossroads. Here turn left slightly back on yourself and continue on a forestry track, passing through a gate and into thinning trees. Ahead there is a good view of the prow of Fuar Tholl, at 907 metres, just missing out on Munro status. The ascent of Fuar Tholl can easily be included in this route.
2. After a short distance take a path to the left marked with a cairn and signed for Torridon. The path heads towards the River Lair, passing through a gate with an ingenious dog stile, and through a mixture of gorse, broom, birch and single pine trees. The path begins to climb revealing fine views and passing the Achnashellach Estate deer stalking information sign. The stalking season here is 15 September to 20 October during which walkers should keep to the paths or phone the estate for further information.
3. Follow the stony path as it winds uphill, ignoring a smaller path to the left. The ground becomes much barer as the path climbs above the last of the pines. After the gradient eases off, a path junction marked with a cairn is reached. There is a good view Sgorr Ruadh and its majestic sandstone cliffs on the left side of the valley ahead, and further left the even mightier cliffs of Fuar Tholl are seen in full stature, whilst the long scree-flanked ridge of Beinn Liath Mhor guards the right side of the valley. Take the left fork. The path heads down to the River Lair which must be crossed; there is no bridge, and the crossing may not be possible if the river is in spate. Beyond, the path climbs gently at first, passing just left of a minor knoll, before steepening as it ascends towards the bealach between Fuar Tholl and Sgorr Ruadh. There are many tiny lochans around the flat, wide bealach.
4. At this point, the route to Fuar Tholl goes off left, keeping just to the right of the main ridge line and avoiding the impressive cliffs
of the Mainreachan Buttress, beloved of rock-climbers.. The route to Sgorr Ruadh however heads just west of north, passing to the left of the largest
of the lochans, Loch a Bhealaich Mhor. Beyond here the route steepens considerably. Climb directly north up the open slope, which is a mix of grass and
sandstone boulders. The slope eases as the summit ridge is reached by a tiny lochan. Turn left up the ridge, now on easier ground, to reach the summit.
Photo ©David Maclennan, reproduced under this Creative Commons license.
5. The summit of Sgorr Ruadh is a Munro 962 metres and, like all the peaks in the Coulin Forest, it is a magnificent viewpoint, with shapely,
individual and cliff-girt mountains in all directions. Many walkers include Beinn Liath Mhor in the days walk, but
unless doing this the easiest route of return is to retrace the outward journey.
Photo ©David Maclennan, reproduced under this Creative Commons license.
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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
