Scotland
Maol Chinn-dearg
980M
3216FT
About Maol Chinn-dearg
Situated at the heart of the South Glen Shiel Ridge, this Munro provides a sharp physical transition from its grassy southern flanks to the steep, north-facing crags of Coire an Lochan. It serves as a central pivot for ridge-walkers, offering expansive perspectives over the remote Loch Quoich wilderness and the neighbouring peaks of Kintail.
Key Statistics
Rank
17th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Grampians
Prominence
?
137.6m
Nearest Town
Kyle of Lochalsh
Geology
You are walking over the Glenfinnan and Tarvie formations, made of hardened mudstone and sandstone that form the mountain's sturdy foundation.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NH032087
Latitude
57.1270°N
Longitude
5.2530°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Gaelic Maol Chinn-dearg, which translates as ‘the bald red head’, likely referring to the colour of the stones and grasses on the summit plateau in late-season light.
- •While many walkers bag it as part of the epic seven-Munro South Glen Shiel ridge traverse, it can be accessed directly from the A87 via a well-constructed stalker's path that rises from the shores of Loch Cluanie.
- •The summit provides an exceptional viewpoint for the jagged Forcan Ridge on the neighbouring mountain, The Saddle, which stands in stark contrast to the rounded character of this peak.
- •To the south, the view is remarkably wild, looking across the head of Loch Quoich into the remote mountains of the Knoydart peninsula, an area famous for having no road access.
- •Reaching this summit marks the approximate halfway point of the ridge traverse, the exact moment where the car waiting at the far end of the glen feels equally and dauntingly distant.