Munro · North-West Highlands
Sgorr Ruadh
Sgòrr Ruadh (962m) — "red peak" — is a striking Torridonian sandstone Munro above Achnashellach, paired with Maol Chean-dearg to the west. The hill takes its name from the warm reddish hue of the upper sandstone slopes, especially noticeable at sunrise. The summit gives one of the great Northern Highlands viewpoints — Liathach, Beinn Eighe and Beinn Alligin all visible to the north and west. Often combined with Maol Chean-dearg as a long Achnashellach round.
Gaelic: “sharp peak, red” · Pronunciation: skor roo-ah
Quick facts
- Height
- 960.7m/ 3152ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 845 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG959505
- Parking
- NH004485
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 71km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Stalkers path 35% · Open hillside 35% · Sandstone summit 30%
Park at the small lay-by near Achnashellach Station on the A890. Take the well-built Achnashellach path north past the railway, climbing through the forest into Coire Lair — one of the most spectacular sandstone corries in Scotland. From the high lochans, climb the south-east ridge of Sgòrr Ruadh directly to the summit. Most parties continue west to Maol Chean-dearg via the deep Bealach Choire na Lethe. Around 19km with 1300m of ascent for the pair.
Terrain
The Coire Lair stalkers' path is in excellent condition — restored stone pitching the whole way up. Coire Lair itself is one of the most dramatic sandstone amphitheatres in Scotland with the great Mainreachan Buttress rising on the north side. The south-east ridge of Sgòrr Ruadh is sustained on rough sandstone. The summit area is rocky with a small cairn perched on the high point. The Bealach Choire na Lethe to Maol Chean-dearg is steep loose scree.
In winter
A serious Northern Highlands winter day. The Coire Lair sandstone glazes readily with verglas. Cornicing on the corrie rims is consistent through the season; the Mainreachan Buttress holds Grade II–IV winter climbing routes. The Achnashellach access is reliable; the A890 corridor stays gritted. SAIS Torridon applies during the rated season; phone signal absent 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 45m
- Edinburgh4h 12m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m in the Achnashellach area. The A890 has occasional coverage near Achnasheen. Download maps before the drive.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:27
- Sunset
- 22:14
- Civil dawn
- 03:19
- Civil dusk
- 23:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Sgorr Ruadh.
Around Sgorr Ruadh on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgorr Ruadh — common questions
- How hard is Sgorr Ruadh?
- Sgorr Ruadh is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 845m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Coire Lair stalkers' path is in excellent condition — restored stone pitching the whole way up.
- Where do I park for Sgorr Ruadh?
- Standard parking is at NH004485 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 Sgorr Ruadh?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgorr Ruadh 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 Sgorr Ruadh?
- 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 Sgorr Ruadh?
- No signal above 700m in the Achnashellach area. The A890 has occasional coverage near Achnasheen. Download maps before the drive.
- Is Sgorr Ruadh safe in winter?
- A serious Northern Highlands winter day. The Coire Lair sandstone glazes readily with verglas. Cornicing on the corrie rims is consistent through the season; the Mainreachan Buttress holds Grade II–IV winter climbing routes. The Achnashellach access is reliable; the A890 corridor stays gritted. SAIS Torridon applies during the rated season; phone signal absent above 700m.
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