Maol chinn-dearg

Maol Chinn-dearg, at 981 metres, is the fourth Munro of the South Glen Shiel Ridge, and the decision point for those wanting a shorter day — an excellent, well-graded descent path leads straight down the ridge's spine from here back to Glen Shiel for those content with four summits.

Reached from Aonach air Chrith via a section requiring some basic downhill scrambling, the summit offers views towards the remaining three Munros of the ridge to the west. Walkers pressing on continue towards Sgùrr an Doire Leathain, the fifth Munro, via a slower, more gradual ascent.

Those choosing to end their day here descend the north-east ridge on a nicely graded path that reverts to zig-zags lower down to reach the valley and the A87 — though this finishes around three kilometres from the Cluanie Inn starting point, so a car left in a layby near the descent point or a short road walk is needed to complete the return.

The full South Glen Shiel Ridge, taking in all seven Munros, is around 25 kilometres with roughly 1,900 metres of ascent, typically ten to eleven hours; the shorter four-Munro option finishing at Maol Chinn-dearg is a popular and considerably more manageable alternative for those not wanting the full traverse.

The scrambling section on the approach from Aonach air Chrith demands care, particularly on tired legs later in the day — full navigation and fitness remain essential whether continuing the full ridge or taking the earlier descent option.

Parking in the layby east of the Cluanie Inn is free; Citylink buses between Glasgow and Inverness run along the A87, stopping at Cluanie Inn on request.