Sgorr Ruadh

Mountain Red sandstone Torridon peak popular with climbers

A Munro in the Torridon hills, known for steep quartzite faces and exposed ridges. Walkers and scramblers tackle narrow routes for skyline views across lochs and the northwestern Highlands; expect rough paths, rock-hopping and variable weather.

Main image

Sgorr Ruadh is a mountain in the Torridon hills of the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, standing at about 962 metres. It is a Munro and is known for its steep sandstone crags and red-hued summit rock.

Routes to the summit include steep ridge climbs and scrambles, particularly on the east-facing ridges, and longer routes combine Sgorr Ruadh with nearby peaks for full-day traverses. The mountain is popular with experienced hillwalkers and scramblers for its dramatic scenery and technical sections.

Geologically it forms part of the Torridonian sandstone landscape that characterises the area and has long been used for pastoral grazing on surrounding lower slopes. The mountain sits within Wester Ross in the northwest Highlands, among a cluster of other rugged summits.

  • Height and status: The peak reaches just over 960 metres and is classified as a Munro, making it a common objective for hillwalkers aiming to complete Scotland's Munros.
  • Routes: The east ridge provides steep scrambling and exposed sections, while approaches from adjacent glens offer longer ridge routes and circuit options.
Sgorr Ruadh
57.4986, -5.4078

How to Get to Sgorr Ruadh #

Approaches are usually from the A832 or local glens; nearby parking and start points exist at designated lay-bys. Public transit options are limited; a car is the most practical method to reach trailheads.

Tips for Visiting Sgorr Ruadh #

  • This is a mountain-grade route; bring a proper map, compass, and mountaineering kit for winter ascents.
  • Expect rapidly changing weather - carry windproof layers and plan for limited shelter.
  • Wild camping is possible but respect both Scottish access etiquette and the environment.

Best Time to Visit Sgorr Ruadh #

A prominent mountain in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, popular with hillwalkers and climbers.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
June-August · 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Longest daylight and best conditions for hillwalking; midges can be a nuisance in lower elevations.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
September-October · 0-12°C (32-54°F)
Crisp days and autumn colours; shorter daylight and growing chance of storms.
Winter (Nov-Mar)
November-March · -10-5°C (14-41°F)
Snow and ice common; requires winter skills and care.

Weather & Climate near Sgorr Ruadh #

Climate

Sgorr Ruadh's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -2°C to 14°C. Heavy rainfall (2934 mm/year), wettest in January.

Best Time to Visit
MayJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (345 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

26 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

345 mm
Rainfall
12.5 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.1h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (235 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

26 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

235 mm
Rainfall
12.3 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (289 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

289 mm
Rainfall
11.5 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
9.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.1h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

139 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
16.4h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

148 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
17.6h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

164 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
17.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

190 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
15.0h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (274 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

274 mm
Rainfall
9.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (316 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

316 mm
Rainfall
10.9 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (338 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

338 mm
Rainfall
11.6 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.8h daylight

December

December is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (334 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

334 mm
Rainfall
11.0 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.4h daylight

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