Beinn Dearg

Beinn Dearg rises above the Inverlael Forest in the northern Highlands, a steep-sided mountain whose slopes carry the River Lael up Gleann na Sguaib. The glen itself is a long, narrow trough of oak and birch woods that narrows toward a bealach one kilometre north of the summit. From this col walkers can look across to Cona’ Mheall and Meall na Ceapraichean, while a further Munro, Eididh nan Clach Geala, lies three kilometres to the north. The mountain is protected as a Special Protection Area because its summit ridges and crags shelter rare birds. Dotterel nest on the high plateau each summer, and golden eagles patrol the cliffs above the glen. In 2005 a storm flattened large parts of Inverlael Forest, blocking the usual path and forcing climbers to pick a new route through fallen timber. A clear day reveals the full arc of the Torridon hills to the south and the grey bulk of An Teallach to the north. The path up Gleann na Sguaib starts beside Loch Broom and climbs through mixed woodland before opening on to open moorland. At the bealach the route divides, one branch heading for the summit and the other continuing toward the neighbouring Munros.