Munro · Kintail
Maol Chinn-dearg
Maol Chinn-dearg (981m) — "bald red head" — is the central Munro of the South Glen Shiel ridge, sitting between Aonach air Chrith to the east and Sgurr an Doire Leathain to the west. It is one of the rounder, less dramatic summits on the long undulating chain, but its position at the high point of the central ridge gives commanding views in both directions along the seven-Munro line. Almost always reached as part of the full ridge traverse.
Gaelic: “red” · Pronunciation: maol chinn jerr-ak
Quick facts
- Height
- 980.3m/ 3216ft
- Prominence
- 138 m
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 863 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH032087
- Parking
- NH077117
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 36km
- 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
Steep hillside 35% · Grassy ridge 55% · Summit 10%
See Aonach air Chrith for the seven-Munro South Glen Shiel ridge traverse. Maol Chinn-dearg is the fourth summit on the round, reached over broad grassy ridges from Aonach air Chrith. The Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach south spur drops directly to the Allt Coire Sgoireadail bealach on the A87 — the most efficient direct ascent line for a single Munro day. Direct round 8km with 970m of ascent.
Terrain
The Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach south spur for direct ascent is unrelenting steep grass — among the steepest direct ascents on the South Glen Shiel ridge. On the ridge itself the going is broad mossy turf and gravel, easy walking. A small cairn sits on the broad rounded summit at the high point. The neighbouring ridges undulate with steady drops and re-ascents between Munros.
In winter
A serious South Glen Shiel ridge winter Munro. The summit drifts heavily and the connecting crests develop cornicing on the north side. Direct ascents from the A87 are steep snow climbs. The A87 corridor stays gritted but Cluanie sits in a snow trap. Phone signal absent on the ridge. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 57m
- Edinburgh4h 30m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: No signal on the South Glen Shiel Ridge. Glen Shiel layby has occasional sporadic signal. All ridge phones go dark above 600m.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:01
- Sunset
- 21:54
- Civil dawn
- 04:06
- Civil dusk
- 22:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Maol Chinn-dearg.
Around Maol Chinn-dearg on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Maol Chinn-dearg — common questions
- How difficult is Maol Chinn-dearg?
- Maol Chinn-dearg carries a 4/5 (challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 17km, 863m of ascent and a 5-8 hour day on the standard route. Terrain: The Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach south spur for direct ascent is unrelenting steep grass — among the steepest direct ascents on the South Glen Shiel ridge.
- How prominent is Maol Chinn-dearg?
- Maol Chinn-dearg has 138m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
- Where should I park to climb Maol Chinn-dearg?
- Standard parking is at NH077117. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When should I climb Maol Chinn-dearg?
- The standard good-weather months for Maol Chinn-dearg are May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Maol Chinn-dearg?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Maol Chinn-dearg?
- No signal on the South Glen Shiel Ridge. Glen Shiel layby has occasional sporadic signal. All ridge phones go dark above 600m.
- Is Maol Chinn-dearg safe in winter?
- A serious South Glen Shiel ridge winter Munro. The summit drifts heavily and the connecting crests develop cornicing on the north side. Direct ascents from the A87 are steep snow climbs. The A87 corridor stays gritted but Cluanie sits in a snow trap. Phone signal absent on the ridge. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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