Fuar Tholl, Sgorr Ruadh and Beinn Liath Mhor
A moderate walk (mountain (above 600m)) in Highland, Scotland, about 16.00km (9.94 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 8:00h (1 overnight stay). It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
1160m (3805ft)
Descent
1158m (3799ft)
Max. Elevation
930m (3051ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
2318m (7604ft)
Start & End
Achnashellach
Distance
16.00km
(9.94mi)
(9.94mi)
Duration
~8:00h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
The stations along the Inverness-Lochalsh line offer car-free access to some fantastically remote walking in the heart of northern Scotland. This route, from Achnashellach Station, is a challenging day out, with three big hills - Fuar Tholl, Sgorr Ruadh and Beinn Liath Mhor (the latter two are both Munros). There are few facilities out here, so either plan for an overnight stay or make sure you catch the last train to Strathcarron or Achnasheen.
Walk Functions
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid NH003484
Alight at Achnashellach Station, deep in the highlands. Take the track heading northwest from the station, along the River Lair.
OS Grid NG991502
The first major challenge of the day is crossing the River Lair. There is no bridge, and the waters can rise very rapidly, so take good care.
About 2.13 km (~1.32 miles) from 
OS Grid NG967494
The walk now displays the true character of these hills - nothing more so than the mighty Mainreachan Buttress. Head up the corry slope on a bearing to the bealach - the path is very indistinct. Here, you should find a small cairn and a more distinctive path running along the ridge.
About 2.47 km (~1.53 miles) from 
OS Grid NG976488
After stopping at the small outcrop overlooking the buttress - great views for those who dare look over the edge - continue to the summit of Fuar Tholl. Once sated with views/flapjacks, retrace your steps along the ridge to the cairn.
About 1.02 km (~0.63 miles) from 
OS Grid NG965496
Continue past the bealach and start climbing the southeastern slope of Sgurr Ruadh.
About 1.31 km (~0.81 miles) from 
OS Grid NG959504
This is the highest point of the day at 962m. The summit views across to Torridon are wonderful. Descend via the steep and tricky northwest ridge, towards a small lochan in Bealach Coire Lair.
About 1.01 km (~0.63 miles) from 
OS Grid NG959516
This section is perhaps the trickiest part of the route. The route up onto the Beinn Liath Mhor ridge crosses large sandstone blocks, so needs a lot of care (and there is no clear path). From the lochan, head around the right-hand side of the small peak (marked as 768m on the OS map).
About 1.14 km (~0.71 miles) from 
OS Grid NG962519
Once the climb is completed, the going gets easier, as you head towards the second Munro summit (926m). From here, the route follows the ridge line of Beinn Liath Mhor.
About 0.41 km (~0.25 miles) from 
OS Grid NG983516
After enjoying the magnificent ridge, with its views across to Torridon, descend from the eastern end to Drochaid Coire Lair. From here, rejoin the path you came in on.
About 2.11 km (~1.31 miles) from 
OS Grid NG991500
Pass the turnoff to Fuar Tholl and keep heading back.
About 1.78 km (~1.11 miles) from 
Achnashellach StationOS Grid NH004485
Return to the station for the train home. If you have missed it, follow the road heading northeast to Lair and Craig and keep your fingers crossed. Try Gerry's Hostel: www.gerryshostel-achnashellach.co.uk
About 2.00 km (~1.24 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
Mary Wakeling
So far we have used the train to reach each of these two Munros on separate outings, with perfect weather each time! Think you would have to be seriously fit to do both (let alone the Corbett as well) in the gap between the morning train from Inverness and the one back in the early evening! After going up and then down Beinn Liath Mhor in October last year, we just made it to the train - sadly no time to sample what other walkers told us was excellent tea and cakes in the cottage right by the level crossing!