Munro · North-West Highlands
Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor
Ruadh-stac Mòr (1010m) — "big red stack" — is the highest summit of Beinn Eighe, the great quartzite-capped mountain ridge that walls in the north side of Glen Torridon. The Munro is unusual in that the highest point sits slightly back from the main east-west summit ridge, accessed via a side spur. The approach via Coire Mhic Fhearchair is among the most spectacular walks in Scotland, taking in the famous Triple Buttress — the three great sandstone-and-quartzite walls that rim the corrie. Beinn Eighe was Britain's first National Nature Reserve.
Gaelic: “mountain, red, big” · Pronunciation: bine eighe roo-ah stac more
Quick facts
- Height
- 1010m/ 3314ft
- Prominence
- 632 m
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 889 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG951611
- Parking
- NG958568
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 73km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
Path to corrie 35% · Steep hillside 30% · Quartzite ridge / summit 35%
Park at the Coire Dubh layby on the A896 in Glen Torridon. Take the well-built path north between Liathach and Beinn Eighe through the Coire Dubh col, then drop slightly into Coire Mhic Fhearchair to admire the Triple Buttress. Climb the steep scree gully north of the corrie up onto the main ridge, then turn east a short way before branching north onto the Ruadh-stac Mòr spur and the summit cairn. Most parties also take in Spidean Coire nan Clach (Beinn Eighe's second Munro). Around 18km with 1100m of ascent for the pair.
Terrain
The Coire Dubh path is one of the best-built approach paths in Scotland — restored stone pitching for most of its length. The descent into Coire Mhic Fhearchair is short but steep. The corrie headwall scree gully onto the main ridge is loose, unpleasant scree — wearying on the descent. The summit ridge of Beinn Eighe is white quartzite scree slabs — slippery on the wet quartzite. The Ruadh-stac Mòr summit spur is rough rocky ground.
In winter
A major Scottish winter mountaineering objective. The Triple Buttress climbs in Coire Mhic Fhearchair are world-class winter routes (Grade III-V). The summit ridge cornicing is consistent and severe; the quartzite slabs glaze quickly. The scree gully access into the corrie is a recognised avalanche slope. The A896 corridor is gritted; Kinlochewe is the closest village base. Phone signal absent above 600m. SAIS Torridon applies during the rated season.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 57m
- Edinburgh4h 23m
OS maps: OS Landranger 19
Mobile signal: Moderate signal at Kinlochewe village. Dead above 600m on Beinn Eighe. The Kinlochewe Hotel car park is a useful last-signal point.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:59
- Sunset
- 21:57
- Civil dawn
- 04:02
- Civil dusk
- 22:55
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor.
Around Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor?
- We grade Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor at 5/5, which puts it in very challenging territory. The usual route is around 17km with 889m of climbing; allow 6-9 hours. Underfoot: The Coire Dubh path is one of the best-built approach paths in Scotland — restored stone pitching for most of its length.
- What is Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor's prominence?
- 632m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor to the next higher ground.
- Where do I park for Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor?
- Most walkers start from NG958568 near Ullapool. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor?
- May, June, July, August, September give the most reliable conditions on Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor dog-friendly?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor?
- Moderate signal at Kinlochewe village. Dead above 600m on Beinn Eighe. The Kinlochewe Hotel car park is a useful last-signal point.
- Is Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor safe in winter?
- A major Scottish winter mountaineering objective. The Triple Buttress climbs in Coire Mhic Fhearchair are world-class winter routes (Grade III-V). The summit ridge cornicing is consistent and severe; the quartzite slabs glaze quickly. The scree gully access into the corrie is a recognised avalanche slope. The A896 corridor is gritted; Kinlochewe is the closest village base. Phone signal absent above 600m. SAIS Torridon applies during the rated season.
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