Munro · North-West Highlands
Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach
Spidean Coire nan Clach (993m) — "peak of the corrie of stones" — is the eastern Munro of Beinn Eighe, sitting near the central point of the great east-west quartzite-capped ridge. The summit gives unrivalled views across to Liathach to the south-west and the An Teallach peaks to the north. The standard ascent via Coire an Laoigh from Glen Torridon is one of the great single-Munro walks in the Northern Highlands.
Gaelic: “mountain, pinnacle, corrie, of the” · Pronunciation: bine eighe spidean kor-a nan clach
Quick facts
- Height
- 993m/ 3258ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 874 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG966597
- Parking
- NG958568
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 71km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
Path to corrie 35% · Open hillside 30% · Quartzite ridge 35%
Park at the Coire Dubh lay-by alongside the A896 in Glen Torridon — the usual shared trailhead for Beinn Eighe and Liathach. Take the path north between the two mountains, then turn east up Coire an Laoigh on a well-built stalkers' path. The path climbs the steep south-east shoulder of Spidean Coire nan Clach to the bealach, then a short scramble west to the summit. Most parties combine with Ruadh-stac Mòr for the full Beinn Eighe round. Around 14km with 950m of ascent.
Terrain
The Coire an Laoigh path is excellent stone pitching for most of the climb. Above the bealach the going turns to white quartzite scree — slippery on the wet quartzite. The summit ridge between Spidean Coire nan Clach and Ruadh-stac Mòr requires a brief out-and-back along an exposed quartzite crest. The main bealach below the summit has a small flat area with a path junction.
In winter
A major Northern Highlands winter mountain. The quartzite scree glazes readily with verglas, particularly on the descent off the summit ridge. Persistent cornicing forms along the north corrie rims through winter. The A896 corridor stays gritted; Kinlochewe is the closest village base. Mobile reception fades above 600m. SAIS Torridon applies during the rated season; the route into Coire Mhic Fhearchair is a recognised avalanche slope.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 55m
- Edinburgh4h 21m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: No signal above 600m. Moderate signal at Kinlochewe and along the A896.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:26
- Sunset
- 22:15
- Civil dawn
- 03:18
- Civil dusk
- 23:23
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach.
Around Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach?
- Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 874m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Coire an Laoigh path is excellent stone pitching for most of the climb.
- Where do I park for Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach?
- Standard parking is at NG958568 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach?
- 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 - Spidean Coire nan Clach?
- No signal above 600m. Moderate signal at Kinlochewe and along the A896.
- Is Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach safe in winter?
- A major Northern Highlands winter mountain. The quartzite scree glazes readily with verglas, particularly on the descent off the summit ridge. Persistent cornicing forms along the north corrie rims through winter. The A896 corridor stays gritted; Kinlochewe is the closest village base. Mobile reception fades above 600m. SAIS Torridon applies during the rated season; the route into Coire Mhic Fhearchair is a recognised avalanche slope.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.