Munro · North-West Highlands
Maol Chean-dearg
Maol Chean-dearg (933m) — "bald red head" — is a striking Torridonian sandstone Munro above the head of Strathcarron, paired with Sgòrr Ruadh further east on the long Achnashellach round. The hill's name comes from the warm reddish hue of the sandstone cap, particularly noticeable at sunset. Often climbed alone via the Coulags Glen approach — among the more direct sandstone Munro ascents in the Northern Highlands.
Gaelic: “red” · Pronunciation: maol chean jerr-ak
Quick facts
- Height
- 933m/ 3061ft
- Prominence
- 514 m
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 821 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG924499
- Parking
- NG957451
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 74km
- 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
Glen path 35% · Open hillside 40% · Sandstone summit 25%
Park at the small lay-by at Coulags on the A890 west of Achnashellach. Take the path north up the Fionn-abhainn glen past Coire Fionnaraich bothy, then climb west onto the Bealach na Lice. From the bealach climb the steep east ridge of Maol Chean-dearg directly to the summit — a sustained pull on rocky sandstone. Return reverses the line, or extend east to Sgòrr Ruadh for a long pair. Around 16km return with 920m of ascent.
Terrain
The Coulags glen path is well-built track on the firm lower section past Coire Fionnaraich bothy. The Bealach na Lice is broad and grassy. The east ridge of Maol Chean-dearg is sustained sandstone scree with one short scrambly step. The summit area is a broad rocky plateau with a very large cairn at the high point. The descent reverses the line.
In winter
A serious Northern Highlands winter day. The east ridge sandstone readily ices with verglas. Cornicing builds along the east edge of the summit ridge through the season. The Bealach na Lice gathers wind-loaded snow during westerly storms. The A890 corridor at Coulags stays gritted. SAIS Torridon is the relevant forecast during its rated season; mobile reception fades above 700m.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 46m
- Edinburgh4h 14m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: Nothing above 700m. The A890 near Strathcarron has occasional 4G. Save maps ahead of starting out.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:00
- Sunset
- 21:57
- Civil dawn
- 04:03
- Civil dusk
- 22:54
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Maol Chean-dearg.
Around Maol Chean-dearg on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Maol Chean-dearg — common questions
- How hard is Maol Chean-dearg?
- We grade Maol Chean-dearg at 3/5, which puts it in moderately challenging territory. The usual route is around 16km with 821m of climbing; allow 6-9 hours. Ground conditions: The Coulags glen path is well-built track on the firm lower section past Coire Fionnaraich bothy.
- How much drop does Maol Chean-dearg have?
- The drop is 514m: measured from the summit of Maol Chean-dearg down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for Maol Chean-dearg?
- Park at NG957451 near Ullapool. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb Maol Chean-dearg?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September on Maol Chean-dearg. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Maol Chean-dearg?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Maol Chean-dearg?
- Nothing above 700m. The A890 near Strathcarron has occasional 4G. Save maps ahead of starting out.
- Is Maol Chean-dearg safe in winter?
- A serious Northern Highlands winter day. The east ridge sandstone readily ices with verglas. Cornicing builds along the east edge of the summit ridge through the season. The Bealach na Lice gathers wind-loaded snow during westerly storms. The A890 corridor at Coulags stays gritted. SAIS Torridon is the relevant forecast during its rated season; mobile reception fades above 700m.
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