Beinn Eighe Hike
Key facts about the hike
- Difficulty
- Hard Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
- Duration
- 8h30 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
- Distance
- 19km
- Elevation gain
- 1,220m
- Type of route
- Loop
- Maximum altitude
- 1,010 m
- Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
- Moderately
- Marked
- No
- Popularity
- Moderate
- Region
- Torridon
- Start point
- 57.55529, -5.41434
- Activity
- Hiking
Hike overview
The Beinn Eighe hike takes you on a spectacular ridge crossing through the heart of the Torridon region in the northwest Highlands of Scotland. This route leads to the summits of two Munros — peaks over 3,000 feet — Ruadh-stac Mòr (1,010 m) and Spidean Coire nan Clach (993 m) — and offers exceptional views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Liathach. Unlike the surrounding mountains, Beinn Eighe is covered in quartzite, which gives its peaks a distinctive light color.
The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly discovering Coire Mhic Fhearchair, one of Scotland's most spectacular cirques. It is dominated by the imposing Triple Buttress, whose vertical cliffs are reflected in the loch's waters. This long, demanding hike is a memorable adventure in the heart of unspoiled wilderness.
Map and elevation profile of the hike
Beinn Eighe Hike
Description and difficulties of the hike
This hike requires good physical condition with more than 1,200 meters of elevation gain and a considerable distance of 19 kilometers. The trail is not marked but remains clearly visible and relatively easy to follow.
The initial ascent to the first summit is long and steep, mainly over rough terrain consisting of gravel and quartzite scree, which can be slippery. The ridge between the two Munros is rocky and uneven but does not present any major difficulties. Some sections may require scrambling, including a short section of quartzite boulders just before the Spidean Coire nan Clach summit.
The descent to Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair is the most difficult part of the route. It is a steep, slippery couloir of unstable scree that requires great caution. An excellent trail then leads back to the starting point.
What you'll love
- Exceptional panoramic views from the summits overlooking Loch Maree and the magnificent Torridon giants (notably Liathach and Beinn Alligin), as well as the vast wilderness of the northwestern Highlands.
- A long ridge crossing with spectacular views on both sides.
- Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair and its exceptional setting: This spectacular glacial cirque is dominated by the Triple Buttress and its three massive rocky spurs.
Practical information
Direction of the route
The circuit can be walked in either direction. However, I recommend walking it counterclockwise so that you walk the two kilometers along the road at the beginning rather than at the end of the hike. This is especially true because descending the very steep scree slope to Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair is slightly easier than climbing it.
Photos
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