NH0308 : Maol Chinn-dearg, west end

Maol Chinn-dearg

980m Elevation
138m Prominence
Scotland Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

Overview

Maol Chinn-dearg

Maol Chinn-dearg offers an exhilarating hike that can leave you knackered yet jubilant by the summit. At an elevation of 946 meters, this Munro promises not just a workout but also awe-inspiring views throughout the Scottish Highlands.

Geology

The mountain's rock types provide a captivating glimpse into the Earth’s history, dominated mainly by schist and granite. Whether you're a geology buff or just casually curious, the textures and formations can tell a story all their own.

Hiking Routes

One of the most popular routes starts from Feshie Bridge. This 12.5 km trek will take approximately five hours and is generally marked as moderate in difficulty. As you ascend through rich forests, watch out for wildlife and the odd fallen branch looking to trip you!

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by a sturdy cairn. Take a moment to appreciate the sweeping vistas that promise to take your breath away (and perhaps make a few post-hike friends, if you catch them gasping like you!).

Terrain

The terrain can be described as a mixed bag. Starting with lush greenery, transitioning to rocky patches, and you may find a few boggy areas along the route. Good footwear is essential, lest your socks resemble a sponge!

Views

From the top, it's hard not to be mesmerised by the vistas: The Cairngorms and Monadhliath mountains come alive, dotted with glens and lochs, truly a sight for sore eyes after the climb. Late spring and summer are recommended times for visiting when the views are at their best.

Hazards

As inviting as it looks, loose rocks and sudden weather changes can turn a delightful hike into a challenge. Be cautious on your descent, particularly on rocky paths, or you might just find yourself with a new nickname!

Access and Facilities

Parking at Feshie Bridge is your best bet, but be quick — it fills up faster than you can say ‘Scotland’s finest’! Should you be relying on public transport, Kingussie has your back, and you can treat yourself to some local cuisine before hitting the trail.

Nearby Summits

If you’ve still got your hiking boots and energy left, consider tackling neighbouring peaks like Geal Chàrn or Creag Meagaidh for a proper Highland experience.

Conclusion

With breathtaking views, engaging geology, and a dash of adventure, Maol Chinn-dearg is a must-visit for any dedicated walker or hiker. Just remember that this is not a stroll in the park, but more a thrilling rollercoaster of nature waiting for you!

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Maol Chinn-dearg

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Loch Affric full circuit from River Affric

17.5 km 4h 25m–5h 50m Moderate

View route

Glen Affric: Coire Loch Woodland Trail

4.6 km 1h 35m–2h 20m Hard

View route

Banavie to Glen Loy Aqueduct: Neptune’s Staircase Canal Towpath

13.3 km 2h 45m–3h 25m Easy

View route

Fort Augustus to Kytra Lock: Caledonian Canal Towpath

8.2 km 1h 40m–2h 5m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

Feshie Bridge Start

A popular route commencing from Feshie Bridge, leading through lush forests before ascending to the rocky slopes of Maol Chinn-dearg.

12.5 km ~5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

980m

3,216 ft

Prominence

138m

Coordinates

57.1276, -5.2527

NH032087

OS Map

33

Explorer: 414S

At the Summit

The summit features a well-built cairn along with spectacular panoramic views that will have you gasping and considering whether the climb was worth it (it absolutely is!).

Terrain & Geology

Primarily rocky with patches of grassy areas and some boggy sections near the base. A true mixed bag for the adventurous!

Primarily composed of schist and some granite, Maol Chinn-dearg offers diverse geological features that are a delight for geology enthusiasts. The rock formations provide interesting insights into the geological history of the Highlands.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the stunning expanse of the Cairngorms, Monadhliath mountains, and the lush valleys of the Highlands.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Maol Chinn-dearg roughly translates from Gaelic as 'bald red peak,' possibly referencing the rocky summit.

Historical Significance

Historically, this area has been significant for both its natural beauty and its role in traditional Scottish culture.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

The nearest parking is available at Feshie Bridge, where you’ll find space for several vehicles but arrive early in peak seasons to avoid disappointment.

Public Transport

Regular buses operate to Kingussie and then a short taxi ride to Feshie Bridge is advisable.

Nearby Facilities

There are a few cafes and shops in Kingussie, but prepare to pack your own sandwiches for the summit!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for loose rocks, especially when descending, and be sure to stick to marked paths to avoid getting lost in the heather!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Maol Chinn-dearg?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Maol Chinn-dearg through the maps

Are there other walkers around Maol Chinn-dearg?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Maol Chinn-dearg search or of course create your own walk for Maol Chinn-dearg

Can I organise a walk to Maol Chinn-dearg?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Maol Chinn-dearg.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Maol Chinn-dearg?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Maol Chinn-dearg here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Maol Chinn-dearg location map

Grid reference: NH032087

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

Gleouraich

1,035m

Sgurr a' Mhaoraich

1,027m

Sgurr Fhuaran

1,069m

Mam Sodhail

1,179m

Carn Eighe

1,183m
See 5 more nearby hills

Privacy preferences

Necessary storage supports sign-in, security and your privacy choice. It is always on. Google Analytics, Mixpanel and Simple Analytics measure site usage only with your permission. Session recording is off. Rejecting analytics does not affect access.

Your choice lasts up to 180 days. If you accept analytics, a separate receipt records acceptance, the notice version and server time and is scheduled for deletion after 180 days. The receipt contains no account, IP address or browser details. Refusal and withdrawal stay in this browser. You can change your choice here at any time.

Read our privacy policy