Coulin Forest

The mountainous area between Glen Carron and Glen Torridon is known as Coulin Forest and three Munro peaks sit in this area waiting to be explored. Maol Chean-dearg and Beinn Liath Mhor have vast bouldery summits, whereas Sgorr Ruadh has a narrow ridge leading to the grassy top, Superb views are to be had over to Torridon, Applecross and Skye. The last day of my June 2011 Munro trip was spent in this area completing the three Munros.

The car was parked by the red phone-box on the A890 and the track taken across the railway line. Detailed descriptions of the start of the walk that are given in Steven Fallons route were followed  to ensure I did not get lost in forest tracks near the Glen but when a very characteristic circular gate in the deer fence was reached I know I was on the right track and could relax. The path eventually reached Loch Coire-Lair where a faint path lead over grass and slabby ground to a minor summit and a drop to another lochan. Bouldery steep ground then lead to Beinn Liath Mhor's summit with wonderful views of the Torridon hills.

After retracing my steps to Loch Coire-Lair the ascent of Sgorr Ruadh was a bouldery but straightforward affair. The descent from Sgorr Ruadh suggested by Steven Fallon looked brutal so I took much more gently route decision going back to the Loch  and taking the stalker path round to reach Loch Coire Fionnaraich and the path the eventually lead to the summit of Maol Chean-dearg. The last section of climbing  up Maol Chean-dearg is very bouldery but I was rewarded with stunning views onto Liathach.

On the return to Coulags, Graham and Bryan took pity on me and gave me a very welcome lift back to my car. Thanks chaps