This is the summed total of all the climbing within a route and is a good indicator of the strenuousness of a route.
Total Ascent
1406 m
An estimate of the time taken based on a derivation of Naismiths rules. Our calculation is based on the horizontal and ascent components of a climb, we do not make a reduction for descent.
Registered users can customise these walking times by specifying their own walking and ascending speeds. They can also add a fixed time period for stoppages.
Route Time
5.5 hrs
The horizontal distance of the route.
Route Distance
15.79 km
The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.
You can click on the map name to purchase the map for £6.29 including postage which is one of the cheapest prices we have found.
Our summary will always contain one of easy, moderate or hard to indicate the severity of the route.
Notes
Moderate route with rocky ascents and descents and unbridged stream to cross.
Here we provide the nearest town to the start of the route where you will find basic services.
We then give directions from that location to the route start. Your approach route may differ.
Travel Information
Head to: Achnashellach
At Achnashellach (A890) Commence route on path just W of the railway station.
Route Waypoint Map
The total ascent is 1,406 metres. Allow 5.5 hours to complete this 15.79 km route.
In winter months please check the local snow conditions at sais.gov.uk.
The hillphones service can inform you of stalking activities in the area.
Usually the shortest way to climb the mountain, making best use of tracks and paths to gain altitude. Route navigation requires map reading skills and an ability to navigate with a compass.
The information given here will enable you to annotate your map and plan your route. We do not give anecdotal descriptions on where to find the paths, worn by the feet of previous mountaineers.
Where the access routes are few or the ridge is narrow, paths are generally obvious. On open ground, following paths without using your compass may get you lost in poor visibility.
Route Information
Waypoint Detail
Start 150m W of Achnashellach Rail Station (off A890 road)
NH00144840
Distance
Altitude 70 m
1
Ascend NW on path thorugh trees
NG99414883
Distance 0.89 km
Altitude 120 m
2
Once clear of trees bear N by the River Lair
NG99474931
Distance 0.52 km
Altitude 225 m
3
Continue NW by path on east bank or River Lair to branch in path
NG99065015
Distance 0.96 km
Altitude 370 m
4
Head WSW on left branch path and ascend to Bealaich Mhoir
NG96634937
Distance 3.17 km
Altitude 690 m
5
Head NNW across plateau to West of Loch Bhealaich Mhor
NG96434993
Distance 0.63 km
Altitude 680 m
6
Ascend NW to summit of Sgorr Ruadh
NG95945048
Distance 0.74 km
Altitude 962 m
7
Descend NW
NG95335088
Distance 0.78 km
Altitude 775 m
8
Turn NE and descend to reach bealach
NG95525125
Distance 0.62 km
Altitude 655 m
9
Continue NE over 769m top and a second bealach to start the ascent of Beinn Liath Mhor
NG96025182
Distance 0.81 km
Altitude 785 m
10
Continue ENE to summit
NG96435197
Distance 0.47 km
Altitude 926 m
11
Start along ridge heading ENE
NG96725200
Distance 0.30 km
Altitude 860 m
12
Follow summit ridge ESE to east top (876m)
NG98325152
Distance 1.66 km
Altitude 876 m
13
Descend SE towards Drochaid Coire Lair
NG98955106
Distance 0.86 km
Altitude 505 m
14
Descend SSE to join path
NG99085048
Distance 0.64 km
Altitude 360 m
15
Head SW on path to rejoin approach route
NH00144840
Distance 2.76 km
Altitude 70 m
A selection of weather forecasts local to this route.
Looking West up Coire Lair with the 3 tops of Beinn Liath Mhor on the right (the farthest is the summit). The river crossing point for the deerstalkers track down from Sgorr Ruadh is seen on the left.
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Rating & Reviews
Rating & Reviews
Rated:
from 8 votes
Click Stars to Vote
Your Rating
Written by
David Harbottle
on 04 Nov 2009:
The route between the two peaks requires careful navigation in misty conditions as it's relatively pathless, a bit complex, with a fair smattering of crags around.
Written by
Scott Strathdee
on 08 Jun 2009:
stunning views 6.5 hrs seems a bit fast
Written by
Mike Watson
on 05 Dec 2007:
Great route, esp on a blue sky day in winter with cracking views to Torridon.
Anyway, we did the route in the opposite direction and easily avoided the burn crossing by retracing our steps on Sgorr Ruadh and then taking the path through Coire Lair.
Written by
Julian Stark
on 03 Jun 2006:
Has everything - lovely ridge walk - slight scramble - views to the 2nd best mountain area in the country - path pretty clear all the way.
Save for a clear day - I know thats easier said than done - but do Moruisg/S nan C rather than waste these 2.
Written by
George Morton
on 03 Sep 2004:
Crossing the River Lair at 989502 could be very tricky after rain. Though the river was fairly low, I walked a fair distance upstream in a vain attempt to find stepping stones, before wading. An alternative might be to walk out via the west side of Loch Coire Lair, even if the terrain is tedious. A further sting in the tail comes just above Achnashellach Station for those inattentive enough to miss the narrow path leading off the forest track down to it. The track does not lead down to the main road and you have to retrace your steps.
Disclaimer. The details provided above are an aid to planning an expedition, but all distances, altitudes and bearings must be considered approximate. You must navigate with the appropriate map,
a compass, your navigation skills and common sense, MunroMagic.com accept no responsibility for your interpretation of our route information.
