Raeburn's Buttress [Sgorr Ruadh East Top]

About Raeburn's Buttress [Sgorr Ruadh East Top]

Occupying a dramatic position in the Coulin Forest, this subsidiary summit of Sgorr Ruadh overlooks the wild Loch Coire Lair. Defined by impressive quartzite cliffs and sandstone terraces, it falls just short of Munro status. The rugged terrain and commanding views toward Liathach and Beinn Eighe make it a worthwhile detour.

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Did You Know?

• •The name commemorates Harold Raeburn, a legendary figure in Scottish mountaineering who pioneered many routes in this area during the early 20th century. The Gaelic 'Sgorr Ruadh' translates as 'Red Peak', referring to the Torridonian sandstone that forms the mountain's base.
• •The buttress itself is a celebrated winter climbing destination, most famous for 'Raeburn’s Route'. First climbed by its namesake in 1902, it remains a sought-after Grade IV winter test-piece today.
• •Most walkers visit this eastern top as part of a circuit from Achnashellach, usually pairing the main peak of Sgorr Ruadh with its neighbouring quartzite giant, Beinn Liath Mhòr.
• •From this vantage point, there is a particularly clear view down the length of Glen Carron and across to the distinctive, jagged silhouettes of the Mainnir Etiche (Monar) hills to the southeast.
• •Reaching this top requires navigating enough steep, shifting quartzite to convince any walker that the missing ten metres required for Munro status were a cruel topographical oversight.