Map & Elevation
About this Route
This is a demanding out-and-back to Ruadh-stac Mòr, the highest summit of Beinn Eighe, from the Coire an Laoigh path in Glen Torridon. The GPX measures 13.1 km, gains 1,431 m and gives a walking-time estimate of about 5 hours 40 minutes. Allow seven to nine hours: there is a great deal of ascent, loose ground and high-level navigation, and the return repeats the full ridge.
Follow the path north from the roadside into Coire an Laoigh. The corrie path becomes rougher before climbing steeply through quartzite scree to the main ridge near Stùc Coire an Laoigh. Turn west and follow the ridge over Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe's second Munro. There are steep drops and broken ground close to the crest, so keep to the established path and take care in wind.
Continue west over the broad ridge towards Coinneach Mhòr, then turn north-west on the spur leading to Ruadh-stac Mòr. A descent and final climb bring you to the 1,010 m summit. Coire Mhic Fhearchair and the Triple Buttress lie below, but this guide does not descend into that corrie.
Return by exactly the same route, including the re-ascent over Spidean Coire nan Clach before dropping into Coire an Laoigh. This is not an easy escape route: poor visibility, snow or strong wind can make the quartzite ridge serious. Carry full mountain equipment, a map and compass, plenty of food and water, and allow a generous daylight margin. In winter this is a mountaineering route.
The distance looks manageable on paper; the repeated climbs and rough quartzite are what make this a long mountain day.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Start from the roadside parking in Glen Torridon and take the path north into Coire an Laoigh.
Follow the clear path beside the burn as it climbs away from the road.
The ground becomes steeper and rougher; keep to the worn line towards the corrie head.
Gain the ridge near Stùc Coire an Laoigh and turn west, away from the eastern tops.
Cross the 993 m Munro, keeping to the ridge path and away from steep corrie edges.
Continue west, then take the north-west spur towards Ruadh-stac Mòr rather than descending into Coire Mhic Fhearchair.
Reach Beinn Eighe's 1,010 m high point and turn back along the same spur and main ridge.
Recross Spidean Coire nan Clach and descend the scree path through the corrie to the road.
Essential Tips
The GPX estimate does not reflect rough quartzite or repeated ridge climbing. Seven to nine hours is a safer plan.
You must climb back over Spidean Coire nan Clach before descending Coire an Laoigh.
Coire Mhic Fhearchair is not the return route in this guide. Follow the recorded ridge back east.
Snow, cornices and ice make this a serious mountaineering journey requiring the right equipment and skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Ruadh-stac Mòr from Glen Torridon?
Allow seven to nine hours for the full out-and-back route. The GPX shows about 5 hours 40 minutes walking time, but that doesn't account for the rough quartzite terrain, steep ascents, and the fact you need to re-climb the entire ridge on the way back.
Is Ruadh-stac Mòr suitable for winter hillwalking?
No, in winter this becomes a serious mountaineering route requiring proper winter skills and equipment. Snow, ice, and cornices make it a completely different proposition from a summer walk.
What equipment do I need for climbing Beinn Eighe?
Carry full mountain kit including map and compass, plenty of food and water, and leave a generous daylight margin. The quartzite ridge can become serious in poor visibility, snow, or strong wind, so navigation skills are essential.