Sgòrr Ruadh, Achnashellach

Summary

Sgòrr Ruadh is a majestically-sculpted sandstone peak which shows an impressive face above Coire Làir. Munro-baggers often climb this peak in combination with Beinn Liath Mhor, in which case the latter peak is best climbed first.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Easy approach paths are followed by a stream crossing that could be awkward in spate. Higher up the route crosses pathless, complex and rough ground requiring good navigation. The descent includes some easy scrambling.

Getting there

Start

Achnashellach Station.

Public Transport

Train or bus to Achnashellach.

Start Grid Ref

NH004483

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 16km / 10 miles
Time: 6.5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 931m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Sgòrr Ruadh

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Walk Description

User reports (18)

Stage 1

The walk as described is for Sgòrr Ruadh only; if planning to include Beinn Liath Mhor in the walk, it is best to climb that peak first as the route up Sgòrr 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 which at 907 metres just misses out on Munro status. The ascent of Fuar Tholl can easily be added to this route.

Stage 2

After a short distance take a path to the left marked with a sign. The path heads towards the River Làir, 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.

Stage 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 Sgòrr Ruadh and its majestic sandstone cliffs on the left side of the valley ahead, whilst the long scree-flanked ridge of Beinn Liath Mhòr guards the right side of the valley. Take the left fork. The path heads down to the River Làir 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 Sgòrr Ruadh.

Stage 4

There are magnificent views on the left of the great Mainnrichean Buttress of Fuar Tholl. Continue climbing to the wide bealach where the are many tiny lochans. At this point, the route to Fuar Tholl goes off to the left. The route to Sgòrr Ruadh however heads just west of north across a complex rocky moonscape of low crags and lochans requiring careful navigation. Aim to the right of the largest of the lochans, Loch a Bhealaich Mhor. Beyond here the route steepens considerably. Climb north, trending very slightly E of N, until a grassy rake is reached that leads more easily northwest.

Stage 5

The slope eases as the broad summit ridge is reached, with stunning views northwards into Coire Làir. Head up the final cone of grass and boulders to reach the summit windshelter cairn - which almost blocks the ridge. Sgòrr Ruadh, like all the peaks in the Coulin Forest, it is a magnificent viewpoint, with shapely, individual and cliff-girt mountains in all directions; the view out to Torridon is particularly impressive.

Stage 6

The easiest return is to retrace your steps, but to make a circuit it is possible to descend via the northwest ridge. Follow this from the cairn - there is a path - soon heading down a short easy scrambling section. The path then diverts to the west flank of the ridge to avoid the rocky crest before rejoining it down a slope of quartzite boulders. Continue along the ridge until a tiny cairn WSW of the bealach marked on OS maps; there are great views back to Sgòrr Ruadh from here.

Stage 7

From the cairn a narrow path descends steeply down mostly grassy slopes to the lochan at the bealach. Some hillwalkers opt to make a much longer day by continuing from here with a traverse of Beinn Liath Mhor, but our route turns right to follow the excellent stalkers path down through Coire Làir. This eventually rejoins the outward route near a prominent cairn above the ford crossed earlier; from here retrace your steps back to the start.

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