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Sgòrr Ruadh with snow on its upper slopes, above a bare glen.
Torridon

Sgorr Ruadh

A Munro of 961 metres, number 195 of the 282.

Photograph by summonedbyfells (CC BY 2.0)

On the hill todayI was up today
The hill

Sgorr Ruadh stands above Coire Lair on the north side of Glen Carron.

Forestry and Land Scotland, which keeps the Achnashellach forest at its foot, calls it the red peak.

Beinn Liath Mhor, the big grey hill in the same body's words, is its close neighbour, about a kilometre and a half to the north. Maol Chean-dearg is to the west.

Coire Lair has a fine lochan and a view of Sgorr Ruadh's cliffs, and the peaks around Achnashellach are as popular for winter climbing as they are for walking.

From the Achnashellach car park a short walk through the forest leads to Beinn Liath Mhor and this hill. There is no marked trail, and for the route itself Forestry and Land Scotland sends walkers to Walkhighlands.

Starts from
Forestry and Land Scotland's Achnashellach car park, on the south side of the A890, across from the station.
Waymarks
There is no marked trail, and beyond the forest edge there are no waymarkers or signposts.
With its neighbour
Mountaineering Scotland's car-free walks include Beinn Liath Mhor from Achnashellach station, with Sgorr Ruadh as an extra summit for a longer day.
Under snow
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service has a Torridon forecast area, but its description of it does not name Sgorr Ruadh. Full forecasting begins on 17 December 2026.
Stalking
Above the forest, stalking can take place even where no notice is posted, so follow any signs.
Summit
Grid reference NG 959 505
Car park
Forestry and Land Scotland's Achnashellach car park is free, and IV54 8YU is the nearest postcode. For toilets and places to eat, go to Achnasheen or Lochcarron.
Train and bus
Achnashellach station is across the road. Achnashellach station is a request stop: tell the conductor in good time if you want to get off, and give the driver a clear hand signal to board. There is a limited bus service, and Traveline Scotland has the times.
On the hill today
0° to 3°Rain on the summit, 961 m. Feels like −4° in the wind.

West wind to 15 mph, gusting 30
Rain, about 8 mm
Light from 7.57am to 6.17pm, ten hours

Sat 17Cloudy−2° to 4° on top · 7 mph, gusts 13
Sun 18Cloudy−4° to 4° on top · 13 mph, gusts 24
Mon 19Cloudy−5° to 6° on top · 3 mph, gusts 5

A weather model's forecast for the height of the summit, not a report from the hill. Read the mountain forecast the evening before: The Northwest Highlands forecast, Sgorr Ruadh, Northwest Highlands mountain forecast, Torridon avalanche forecast.

October2026

MTWTFSS

Going another day?

Choose the day you mean to climb.Near or far: the light you will have, and what the summit is likely to be doing.

Photographs by summonedbyfells (CC BY 2.0) and Nick Bramhall (CC BY-SA 2.0)

This is remote, rugged country and you'll need the right equipment and clothing whichever route you choose.Forestry and Land Scotland, which keeps the forest and the car park at Achnashellach
Before you go

Carry

  • A paper map and a compass, and the skill to use them
  • Waterproofs, warm layers, hat and gloves
  • Food and drink
  • A head torch, a whistle and a first aid kit
  • A survival bag
  • Boots with a good grip

Under snow and ice this is a different day, with short light and the risk of avalanche. It needs an ice axe, crampons, winter boots and the skill to use them.

If something goes wrong

  • Dial 999, ask for the police, then mountain rescue
  • Give a six-figure grid reference: the summit is NG 959 505
  • Say how many are hurt, how many are with you, and your number
  • Register to text 999 before the day: text the word register to 999

The summit is optional. Turning back is the right decision whenever the cloud, the wind or the light say so.

How to call for help in the hills · Safety and skills for the hills · ThinkWINTER

From our readers

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From the magazine
Read more elsewhere

For the route itself, take the map and read these.

Sleep and eat at its foot

Next along: Beinn Liath Mhor, Maol Chean-dearg, Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith, Liathach - Mullach an Rathain. Checked on 10 October 2026. The facts on this page are Forestry and Land Scotland's, National Rail's, Mountaineering Scotland's and the Scottish Avalanche Information Service's; the forecasts are the Mountain Weather Information Service's and the Met Office's. Height and position from The Database of British and Irish Hills, v18.3, adapted, CC BY 4.0. This page is not a route description and does not replace a map.