Beinn Dearg, Ross-shire

Not to be confused with Beinn Dearg (Torridon), also in Ross-shire

Beinn Dearg
Ross-shire
Range:	Ullapool Hills
Summit:	3,556 feet NH259811

Beinn Dearg is a mountain in Ross-shire, which reaches a height of 3,556 feet at its summit, and so it qualifies as a Munro. It is one of a small group of Munros east of Loch Broom.

The name Beinn Dearg is frequent in the Highlands, and means "Red Mountain".

Ascent

Beinn Dearg is most frequently climbed by following the River Lael up Gleann na Sguaib. Starting from near the head of Loch Broom, a path follows the glen to a bealach about half a mile north of the summit. From this bealach, the neighbouring peaks of Con a' Mheall and Meall na Ceapraichean may also be climbed. Eididh nan Clach Geala, which lies about 2 miles north of Beinn Dearg is also added in to complete a round of four Munros.

During early 2005, strong winds caused much damage to trees in the Inverlael Forest, almost completely blocking the route.

Conservation

Beinn Dearg is designated as a Special Protection Area. The area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including woodland, mire, open water, dwarf-shrub heath, and cliffs. Most significantly, the summit areas support specialist montane birds such as breeding Dotterel Charadrius morinellus and Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos.

Outside links

("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Beinn Dearg, Ross-shire)

• Beinn Dearg SPA