An Ruadh-stac
27 May 2007
The walk started from the A890 Achnasheeen to Lochcarron road at
Coulags. Rough ground on the west side of the bridge over the Fionn-
abhainn had been improved for parking and should be used rather than
obstructing the gates on the east side of the bridge which is used by
the local farmer and house owner.
We left the parking area, crossed the road bridge and headed north up
the east side of the Fionn-abhainn taking the short diversionary path
avoiding the grounds of a house. Further north the path crossed the
Fionn-abhainn by a small footbridge and passed the Coire Fionnaraich
bothy where a number of residents were sitting outside in the sun
partaking of a late breakfast.
Beyond this bothy we came to the junction of paths and took the uphill
one, which was rather eroded, to the Bealach a'Choire Ghairbh. This
is the same route for the Munro, Maol Chean-dearg. We crossed to a
second bealach, climbed over a small knoll and onto a third bealach.
Here it was cold and windy so some warmer clothing was required before
commencing the ascent of An Ruadh-stac. This initially meant
scrambling up rock which fortunately was dry and higher up boulders
but eventually the summit was reached.
Although the highest point was obvious and was marked by a cairn we
wandered around the summit area taking in all the views. It was
still sunny although with a cold wind, but the views were great
especially across to the Torridon area, the Applecross hills, snow
clad Lurg Mhor and over to Skye and the Inner Isles. Eventually we
went to the actual summit were we had lunch sheltered behind the
cairn.
The return was by the upward route with a plan to pop over to
Applecross to climb another Corbett which would only take a couple of
hours.
Time taken - 6.5 hours.
Distance - 15.5 kilometres.
Height climbed - 900 metres.
Photos taken on walk can be viewed here:
http://www.caledoniahilltreks.com/gallery07/an_ruadh_stac_may07/index.htm
Lindsay
www.caledoniahilltreks.com