3,216 ft · Western Highlands, Scotland
Maol Chinn-dearg
Maol Chinn-dearg is a 3,216 ft peak in the Western Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach: 5 mi, 2,360 ft of gain, Class 1.
Maol Chinn-dearg at a glance
- Elevation3,216 ft980 m
- RouteDruim Coire nan EirecheanachClass 1
- Distance5 mi2,360 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeWestern HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach
From Invergarry, follow the A87 west past Loch Cluanie and the Cluanie Inn for about 3 km to the A87 layby at the Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach stalkers' path, marked by a notice board. The path fords two burns, normally easy, then zig-zags up the long spur to the summit cairn (Class 1). This is the quickest single ascent on the South Glen Shiel Ridge, and it is often used to start or end a traverse with Aonach air Chrith and Sgurr an Doire Leathain. The upper spur is steep and exposed to westerly wind. Midges are bad at the roadside in summer, and the burns rise fast after rain.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Low visibility
- High winds
- Stream crossing
- Insects
Quests with Maol Chinn-dearg
MunrosPeaks near Maol Chinn-dearg
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Maol Chinn-dearg?
Maol Chinn-dearg is 3,216 feet (980 m) tall. It is in the Western Highlands, Scotland.
How does Maol Chinn-dearg rank among the Munros?
At 3,216 feet, Maol Chinn-dearg is the 171st highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Maol Chinn-dearg?
The Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 5 miles with 2,360 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Maol Chinn-dearg?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach, covering 5 miles with 2,360 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Maol Chinn-dearg?
Usually, if you are fit. The Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach is a common first summit for hikers ready for 4 – 6 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Maol Chinn-dearg?
The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Maol Chinn-dearg with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list