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This route approaches Maol Chean dearg from Coulags Bridge but follows the path almost to Bealach na Lice approaching the summit from the north east with a scramble up the east flank of the north face.
- The route.
The sun was shining as we set out from Coulags bridge at 8:10 and continued to shine all day giving us a fabulous day on the hill. It was too warm too rush, especially given the long day light hours and superb situation.
- The bridge across the Fionn-Abhain
- A look in the bothy
- Clach nan con Fion and Sgorr Ruadh
We passed the Carn where the main route to Maol Chean dearg turns off and at 9:50 reached Loch Coire Foinnaraich.
- The Loch and Meal dearg ahead
From here we could see the buttress of Creag na h-Loire and had intended to turn of left to follow the Altt Creag na h-Loire which was just past it, but missing our turn, we followed the path a bit further to turn left at cross roads in the path marked by a cairn. Maol Chean dearg was looking very impressive from this angle.
- Maol Chean dearg
and our route looked imposing
Seeing our objective we followed the path then continued across very uneven bouldery ground until we met up with the stream. A good place for an early lunch break and refill the water bottles. Then up steep grass
that gave some great views
- Sgorr Ruadh
It took about an hour to reach the stream crossing at the bottom of hidden gully. The gully was about the only place still holding snow.
- Looking out from the bottom of hidden gully
The edge of the north face was a narrow ridge consisting of a series of rocky steps and grass terraces, bounded on the left by hidden gully. The scrambling wasn't hard but there were a few tricky and exposed moves.(grade1/2)
- 13:50 at the top of north face
A stroll to the summit, and bask in the sunshine whilst enjoying the views.
- The summit cairn and individual luncheon booths
- Across Loch Torridon to Beinn Alligan
- Looking north
- Looking East
Eventually we had to tear our selves away (14:25) and although we considered extending the route to include An Ruadh Stac we were running a bit low on water so took the easy option of following the main route down across the boulder fields.
- Heading down with Meall nan Ceapairean ahead.
- Posing in front of An Ruadh Stac
- Admiring the white white quartz
- Then the scree. Now we knew why other walkers were looking for another way down
We were begining to wish we had carried more water up to the summit, we foolishly had not anticipated the scree and the degree to which it slowed our descent. The sounds of running water announcing the imminent arrival at the fords was joy to hear.
- 16:30. An ideal spot for most welcome brew. Must have stopped for about 45min.
- a leisurely stroll back to the car
stopping to chat a chap staying in the bothy and to fix a broken gaiter strap. We eventually reached the car at 18:50.
The scrambling route up proved to be a great way to go and turned what might have been a slog up scree and boulders into another great day in the hills.
