Circuit of Maol Chean-dearg

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Summary

This excellent circuit has fantastic views of the big mountains of Maol Chean-dearg, Ben Dàmh, and Liathach without the effort required to climb them. The route does climb to almost 600 metres with another smaller pass to ascend after the pretty Loch an Eion. Although sections of the walk are popular with Munroists and through-walkers, other parts are seldom visited and offer a get away from it all feel.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good stalkers' paths which are clear to follow although stony in places and boggy in others. The route climbs to two passes but with no difficult sections, stream crossing which can be difficult in spate conditions.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Coulags on A890. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19km / 11.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7.5 hours
Ascent: 750m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG956451

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 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 a cairn marks a path on the left. Take this path; it then rejoins a hydro track further on - bear left along this. Look out for a constructed path on the right hand side that avoids the hydro works; it continues over open moorland, crossing a small side burn and following 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. Soon a building comes into view. This is Coire Fionnaraich, a bothy maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting.

Stage 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, across a boggy stretch, a small cairn marks a stony path turning off to the left. Turn up this and follow it as it zig-zags up, with the crags of Meall nan Ceaprainean on the left, to eventually reach the bealach.

Stage 3

From here the are stunning views, especially to the rocky Corbett An Ruadh-stac ahead. The popular ascent of Maol Chean-dearg goes off to the right from here. Continue straight ahead, descending with no path for a few metres to meet a path coming up from the right. Turn right and follow the path as it descends in a north-westerly direction and passes Loch Coire an Ruadh-stac.

Stage 4

Ahead is a fine view of Beinn Dàmh. The stony path continues its gradual descend and begins to curve to the right as it traverses the lower slopes of the north face of Maol Chean-dearg. In clear weather there is a good view of Liathach to the north. The path passes the north shore of Loch an Eion which has a couple of small sandy stretches that make good picnic spots. From here the path crosses the outflow stream on stepping stones which can be difficult in spate conditions, sometimes requiring a wade. Soon afterwards a small cairn marks the point where the route turns sharp right to head around the east side of the Loch.

Stage 5

The path is clear to follow as it skirts the Loch and begins the ascent to the Bealach na Lice. Here there are good views down the glen and also up the slopes of Maol Chean-dearg. Continue on the path as it traverses the side of Meall Dearg. Avoid the temptation to cut down to the path below. After a couple of minutes the junction with the stalkers path coming up the glen is reached, turn right onto it and follow its meandering route down to Loch Coire Fionn-abhainn.

Stage 6

This small Loch is a haven for birds like dippers, stone chats and wheatears - it is also popular with midges at certain times of year so come prepared! The path follows the west shore of the Loch. Soon after crossing the lip of the shelf the Loch lies on, the path descends and reaches the point where the path to Maol Chean-dearg leaves to the right. From here retrace the outward route along the glen, passing the bothy and arriving back at the A890 at Coulags. As you approach the house at Coulags remember to take the right hand path that turns off to the right to avoid the houses.

Route Profile

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