Beinn Dearg is hidden behind the three major mountains of Torridon and despite recording 914m on the map it is not classified as a Munro. Being in such close proximity to its taller neighbours it offers an impressive viewing platform - particularly of the northern side of Liathach. The mountain is made up of two ridges forming a right angle with the highest point at the corner. The usual approach is along the Coire Mhic Nobuil path between Beinn Alligin and Liathach walking towards the steep sandstone slopes that form the apex of the ridge. From this side it seems that any ascent will be virtually impossible, or at least require significant scrambling. The ridge encloses a large corrie on the far (north east) side and the slopes here are not so steep. However this is deep in the Flowerdale Forest and any approach from the north is a long one.
From all accounts the ridge is narrow but relatively straight-forward - any towers on the ridge line can be taken direct or readily by-passed. The general route of ascent is to turn north to gain the far end of the northern ridge, even then some scrambling is needed to ascend the horizontal ledges common to all three mountains at this end of Torridon. The ridge can be followed south to the highest summit, soon after which it turns east as it narrows again. Descent is achieved - carefully - from the far end of the ridge down steep slopes to regain the valley path. An intermediate descent from the east ridge, by the side of a stream, is recorded but this will obviously be even steeper.
As always not being a Munro affords the mountain a level of privacy and it is much less frequented than its higher (and nearer) neighbours. We, like many others, are guilty of focussing our attention on the more famous mountains. A traverse on a fine day should yield an excellant day with good fun along the two ridges. The views are likely to linger more as memories than photographs - getting good pictures looking south into the sun is extremely difficult in the summer months.
