Sgorr Ruadh, Sguman Coinntich & Glen Affric, 12 Oct 2025
Sgòrr Ruadh (961 m), Achnashellach
17.8 km; 1,048 m ascent; 6h 40min
The team met at the carpark near Achnashellach train station at 09:00. The weather was a little damp and cloudy. None of the team were aware of how special it was going to be.
The route led through forest and as the trees opened up the magic that we were going to see all day started to unfold.
This was going to be one of those days in the mountains which will never be forgotten. Through the mist a bow emerged, not a rainbow but one formed from the mist that was shrouding the lower slopes. The mist or fog bows were going to be with us until we climbed above the inversion. The views of the tops around us shrouded in mist was spectacular. The mountains had put their Sunday best on for us.
After reaching Bealach Mòr and having a quick stop for some snacks the team climbed the final slopes to the top of Sgòrr Ruadh (Red Peak). On reaching the summit the view that greeted us was superb. Peaks showing themselves through the inversion, it was like looking out of an aircraft window at a blanket of cloud. A well-timed long lunch break gave us a chance to soak it all in and cool down because for October it was very warm without a breath of wind.
The descent brought a fun surprise: Stella discovered some ancient fossils in the quartzite pipe rock– a reminder some 500 million years ago, this whole place lay beneath the sea. Hard to believe when you’re standing on a Munro summit!
Our team – Lucas, May, Stella, Martyn, and Katy – handled the rough terrain like pros… mostly. Everyone took at least one tumble on the way down, but Stella turned it into a competitive sport and decided to fall every few minutes 🤪 – extra points for consistency!
All in all, a brilliant day out in the Highlands with great weather, fascinating geology, and plenty of fun and wonder. 🌄
Words: Lucas, Martyn; Pictures: Lucas, Katy and May
Sguman Coinntich, Killilan
Group B also got to see a cloud inversion from the Corbett summit of Sguman Coinntich above Glen Elchaig and had a smashing day out. (gallery below)
Taking part: Mel, Sherine, Emma S, Jan, John, Richard; with Orla & Corrie the dogs.
Photos: Sherine & Emma.
Glen Elchaig
Summit plateau
Coastal view
The group
Focal point
Cloud inversion
Dog Falls & River Affric Walk
A fine day out for a stravaig through parts of Glen Affric.
Armin, Eric, Ewen, Carol, Merion and Michael convened at Dog Falls Car Park to stroll through old Scots pine and birch trees now tinged with the golden colours of autumn on an unseasonal warm and sunny mid-October day. The autumn colours were at their best, with bright foliage and clear water creating a stunning backdrop for the walk. A few short scrambles over rocky sections added to the sense of adventure. We didn’t meet anyone else for the first hour of our circular walk until the return along part of the Kintail Way. Mushrooms were collected, apparently edible for those in the know, and we identified small red berries as lingon berry also threaded alongside the woodland path.
We took some time to look at the falls and breath-taking views and were back at the car park just before midday. It was suggested we take a wee drive further up the loch road to the car park at the end of the road, where we followed well made rock paths to a spot facing the oncoming swirling river with perfectly positioned flat rocks for a bit of waterside sunbathing. A few of us headed up the opposite hill on a short but steeper path which led to a spectacular view of the hills to the North. The back in time for one carful to stop and enjoy a good coffee in the sun at Cannich on the way back.
A fine day out in good company.
Words & Photos: Carol & Armin
