A stunning Munro and an even-more-impressive Corbett sit side-by-side in the high, wild tract of land known as the Coulin forest, in between Strathcarron and Glen Torridon. Both of them thrust up into the Highland sky as improbable rocky crowns. An Ruadh-stac, in particular, looks nigh-on unassailable. But, if you possess the soul of a mountaineer, assail it you must.
The contrast between the two is an object-lesson in size not being everything. An Ruadh-Stac falls short of Munro status by twenty-two metres but is the finer sight, at least from this side. Maol Chean-Dearg throws its best face northwards to Glen Torridon, but remains stupendous from any direction.
These hills are a fine alternative when the spectacular peaks of Torridon itself are thronged. If the weather is clear, you’ll get staggering views northwards to Liathach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe with none of the queuing on every rock-step.
11.81 miles, 19 km, 1,348m ascent, 6 – 7 hours. Strathcarron
Read more
