Ruadh-stac Beag

Summary

The great domed Corbett of Ruadh-stac Beag is separated from the main Beinn Eighe ridge; it has considerable defences on most sides and access is usually via the screes of its southern flank. It makes a fine walk through stunning scenery - and could be combined with the ascent of Meall a' Ghiubhais.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good stalkers path for initial approach, then pathless terrain. Final climb to plateau over steep scree and boulders.

Deer Stalking information

Scottish Natural Heritage. No stalking issues.

Getting there

Start

Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre car park off the A832.

Public Transport

The Inverness - Gairloch bus passes along the A832; there is also a path from Kinlochewe to the start point.

Start Grid Ref

NH019629

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time: 6.5 - 7.5 hours
Ascent: 931m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Ruadh-stac Beag

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Walk Description

User reports (9)

Stage 1

Park at the Beinn Eighe visitor centre. The first part of the walk uses the short marked trails from here; you can go either way round, but the quickest is to head up the left side of the visitor centre building, past the toilets, and then the stone cone sculpture. Keep left at junctions to follow the 'Pollinator Trail'. This eventually crosses a bridge over the Allt Sguabaidh. Turn right at the next junction to cross back to the north bank, then follow the path as it climbs up through the pines. When the main waymarked path turns right, keep straight ahead, continuing uphill parallel to the burn.

Stage 2

As height is gained there are terrific views back across the strath as well as ahead to gree-girt Creag Dhubh - the final termination of the Beinn Eighe ridge. Eventually, after crossing round the back of a small burn, the path forks. A rough branch heads left uphill to the deer fence for Beinn Eighe, but our route continues on the main old stalkers' path, now contouring the slopes towards Meall a' Ghiubhais. Eventually, it swings left to cross two burns in turn (one of which once had a bridge).

Stage 3

Leave the path near its highest point. The objective - Ruadh-stac Beag - looks very impressive from here, its bands of crags and steep slopes looking quite unassailable. Aim SSW across pathless ground, eventually coming alongside the Allt Toll a' Ghiubhais.

Stage 4

Head upstream beside the burn, which flows over a series of minor falls, rocky slabs and waterslides. It is best to stay on the east side where there is a rough path for some time, before crossing over only when the ground on the far bank becomes easier as the impressive corries below Beinn Eighe are entered.

Stage 5

Head up grassy ground towards the bealach south of Ruadh-stac Beag, before turning to make the ascent up the south ridge. There are traces of a path in the screes lower down, whilst higher up there are some rockier sections involving clambering up larger boulders.

Stage 6

The summit plateau is reached with relief, an eerie, undulating moonscape of boulders and rock slabs. Head across it to reach the summit cairn - a good viewpoint despite the level ground around it.

Stage 7

The north side of Ruadh-stac Beag is barred by crags, so it is best to return by the same route. Those intending to include Meall a' Ghiubhais can do so by diverting once the high point of the stalkers' path is regained.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig Hotels

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig B&B

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig cottages

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig hostels

Glamping and Camping

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