Munro · North-West Highlands
Maol Chean-dearg
Maol Chean-dearg (933m) is a Munro set in the country between Applecross to Achnasheen. With 514m of prominence it stands well apart from its neighbours, a genuinely isolated summit that demands a dedicated day. The summit, marked by a very large cairn, gives views of the Minch, the Outer Hebrides and the rugged Atlantic coastline. The nearest town is Ullapool in Highland.
Quick facts
- Height
- 933m/ 3061ft
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 821 m
- Time
- 4.6 hrs
- Difficulty
- 5 / 5Expert
- Grid ref
- NG924499
- Parking
- NG932508
- Nearest city
- Ullapool
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 16km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 16km with 821m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross heather moorland and rough grass, often boggy and pathless. Higher up, the terrain changes to exposed Torridonian sandstone or quartzite, increasingly rocky. Paths are often absent above the glen floor — expect rough, trackless terrain requiring confident navigation. The summit is marked by a very large cairn.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Paths are often absent above the glen floor — expect rough, trackless terrain requiring confident navigation. The hill's high prominence means the approach involves significant re-ascent — there are no easy shortcuts from neighbouring peaks.
In winter
In winter, Maol Chean-dearg is a serious proposition. Full winter conditions are common from November to April with snow, ice and fierce Atlantic winds. An ice axe and crampons are essential above 600m. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 46m
- Edinburgh4h 14m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:47
- Sunset
- 20:53
- Civil dawn
- 05:02
- Civil dusk
- 21:38
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026