Achnashellach via Coire Lair up Sgorr Ruadh: route map, distance and time
961 m · Highland
Sgorr Ruadh is a 961m Munro in the Coulin Forest, climbed from Achnashellach through Coire Lair, often with Beinn Liath Mhor.
A path climbs through forest beside the River Lair into Coire Lair, then up rocky slopes to the summit.
Achnashellach via Coire Lair at a glance
| Distance | 8.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 883 m |
| Time up | 3h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 4h 45m, down the same way |
| Grade | Hard |
| Start | Achnashellach station |
| Start grid reference | NH 002 484 |
| Summit grid reference | NG 959 505 |
Achnashellach via Coire Lair map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Achnashellach via Coire Lair takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 35m | 3h 55m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 3h 5m | 4h 45m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 50m | 5h 50m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:24, sunset 16:45. Start by 11:00 to be down before dark, allowing 4h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:27, sunset 16:43. Start by 10:58 to be down before dark, allowing 4h 45m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Sgorr Ruadh summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Sgorr Ruadh right now. The main Sgorr Ruadh page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Sgorr Ruadh forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS Northwest Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast · SAIS Torridon avalanche report.
About Sgorr Ruadh
Sgorr Ruadh is a 961m Munro in the Coulin Forest, climbed from Achnashellach through Coire Lair, often with Beinn Liath Mhor. More about Sgorr Ruadh, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Beinn Liath Mhor (926 m), 1.6 km north
- Fuar Tholl (907 m), 2.3 km south-east
- Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine (871 m), 2.8 km north
Challenges that include Sgorr Ruadh
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NH 002 484, the summit at NG 959 505), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Achnashellach via Coire Lair: questions and answers
How far is Achnashellach via Coire Lair?
Achnashellach via Coire Lair is 8.2 km one way to the summit of Sgorr Ruadh, with 883 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 16.4 km.
How long does Achnashellach via Coire Lair take?
About 3h 5m to the summit of Sgorr Ruadh and 4h 45m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 5h 50m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Achnashellach via Coire Lair?
Achnashellach via Coire Lair starts from Achnashellach station. The grid reference is NH 002 484.
Is Achnashellach via Coire Lair suitable for beginners?
Not as a first mountain. Peakify grades it Hard: steep, rough ground where a slip matters. Build up on an easier route first.
What time should I start Achnashellach via Coire Lair today?
By 11:00 at the latest. Sunset on Sgorr Ruadh today is 16:45, Achnashellach via Coire Lair takes about 4h 45m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Achnashellach via Coire Lair?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).