An Ruadh-stac is a steep-sided Corbett, a near neighbour of the Munro Maol Chean-dearg. Though slightly lower, it is perhaps the finer of the two peaks and provides a more dramatic and challenging ascent.
Summary
Stalkers path for the approach. The ascent of An Ruadh-stac is very steep with some scree and simple scrambling on quartzite slabs which can be very slippery when wet.
Terrain
NG956451
Grid ref
15km/9.25 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 two streams on stones (one could be tricky in spate) and then open moorland as it follows the glen on the east side of the Fionn-abhainn. An Ruadh-stac is in view from here, appearing as a distant, scree-covered dome over to the left. After some ascent the river is crossed on a long wooden footbridge and the path continues on the other side. 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.
2. 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 and follow the which zig-zags steeply on the long climb to the Bealach a'Choire Ghairbh, with the crags of Meall nan Ceapairnean looming to the left.
3. The path peters out at the bealach, with a branch on the right climbing steeply towards the Munro Maol Chean-dearg. An Ruadh-stac itself is now seen to the southwest across Loch a'Mhadaidh Ruadh, looking very intimidating and seemingly barred by quartzite slabs on the lower part of its ridge. Head south from here to the Bealach an Ruadh-stac and then traverse the very rough and rocky quartzite ridge above the loch, descending carefully to reach the lower bealach right at the foot of An Ruadh-stac.
4. The first part of the ascent involves ascending the quartzite slabs. These are smooth and can be very slippery in wet weather but the angle is much easier that it appears from a distance. Once established on the ridge the easiest line goes left briefly, but as the slabs start to steepen make sure you keep right onto the ridge-line proper as the slabs over to the left could lead into difficulties. The steepening which looks a problem from below is actually very broken on the crest. Once above this there is a brief respite as the angle eases off for a short distance. The upper part of the ascent is the steepest, but is much more broken and there are traces of a worn route mostly up rocks and scree.
5. Atop such a seemingly fearsome slope is the flatter summit area, still very rough and rocky. The large, well-built cairn is a little over to the left. An Ruadh-stac is a superb viewpoint. Whilst Maol Chean-dearg blocks part of the view of Torridon, there is a wonderful glimpse of Loch Torridon, split by the peak of Beinn Damh. To the west are the Applecross mountains and the Isle of Skye, with the head of Loch Carron to the south. After enjoying the reward, retrace your steps - very carefully - the way you came back down to the bealach at the foot of the slope.
6. Cross the rough quartzite ridge once more. On the grassy ground at the far side a choice can be made. The easiest way back is to continue retracing your steps back to the stalkers path. An alternative, wetter but not involving much extra effort - and worthwhile in clear visibility - is to traverse Meall nan Ceapairean. Follow the ridge to the east, soon reaching the summit cairn. There are excellent views towards Liathach and Beinn Eighe. From here follow the ridge downhill to the southeast, and then south until the slope eases into a flat shoulder. At this point it is possible to make a steep and boggy descent easy direct to the bothy - but care is needed as there are crags further north and south. At the bottom aim just left of the bothy to pass through a gate and regain the path. Then turn right and follow the path back to the start.
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