Maol Chean-dearg ascent, Coulags

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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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

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 a path up steep quartzite scree and a final climb up over sandstone boulders.

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: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 932m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG956451

Summits Climbed

Munro: Maol Chean-Dearg

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Walk Description

User reports (43)

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 sign 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 signed 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 passing a memorial on a stone a little further on.

Stage 2

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. 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.

Stage 3

400 metres further on, a small cairn marks a path junction; turn left here to begin a zig-zag climb up a stalkers path, with Maol Chean-dearg visible ahead. The path is clear all the way up to the bealach, with the looming crags of Meall nan Ceapairnean on the left.

Stage 4

Once at the bealach a Choire Garbh there is an impressive view of the Corbett An Ruadh-stac. Turn right up an indistinct path heading north west, initally over quartzite scree.

Stage 5

The path splits into a number of worn trods up the steep scree. The scree section is short and followed by a grassy plateau with only a faint path. There is then a rocky section with a few ledges running across the ridge which could confuse in poor visibility; beyond these the final ascent is up smallish sandstone boulders until the large summit cairn comes into view.

Stage 6

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.

Stage 7

The descent is via the same outward route back to the bealach. From here the easiest route is to retrace your steps back down the stalkers path. Other alternatives include making a long circular walk all the way round Maol Chean-dearg (description here), or returning over Meall nan Ceapairnean as described in the An Ruadh Stac route.