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Spidean Coire nan Clach (Beinn Eighe)

Munro
Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
993 m (3257 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
NG96635978
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
150 of 282 Munros
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
1
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Peak of the corrie of stones (File hill)
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  19   Gairloch & Ullapool, Loch Maree
  25   Glen Carron & Glen Affric
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

  Description
Beinn Eighe is a large and complex mountain with many peaks and corries, the most beautiful of which is Coire Mhic Fhearchair with its loch and towering triple buttress.

Spidean Coire nan Clach lies in the centre of the main ridge linking Coinneach Mhor to the W, Sgurr Ban to the E and Ruadh-stac Beag to the NE.

The normal route of ascent is from the Coire Mhic Fhearchair via the W ridge of Rhuadh-stac Mor. There is also a short ridge SSE to Stuc Coire an Laoigh, from which a descent SE leads to a path returning to the road in Glen Torridon.

The upper slopes are boulder strewn and the slopes have rocky outcrops. N.B. the traverse of the whole Beinn Eighe main ridge necessitates moderate scrambling.

Hazards you may encounter on Spidean Coire nan Clach include
 Stony/rocky Slopes on or near ascent routes.
 Crags on or near ascent routes.
 Crags near summit.
 Scrambling (minor), easy hand and footholds.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Picture Gallery for Spidean Coire nan Clach

beinn eighe ridge 23/7/06

© Ken Mcinnes
Image by Ken Mcinnes

Looking East along the ridge to Spidean Coire nan Clach.

© Peter Chisholm
Image by Peter Chisholm

The triple buttress of Coinneach Mhor a fitting end to a great day out ending with a scree descent of the upper col after 2 iconic munros and outstanding views down into Coire Mhic Fhearchair and the LWB to the car

© Dave Dickson
Image by Dave Dickson

Spidean Coire Nan Clach from the westerly ridge, 28 Dec 09

© Elliott Harbottle
Image by Elliott Harbottle
View All 46 Images for Spidean Coire nan Clach

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

  Weather & OS Maps
North West Highlands
by MWIS (PDF format) 		West Highlands
by Met Office 		Liathach
by Metcheck
Spidean Coire nan Clach Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

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The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include Spidean Coire nan Clach.

Click on the route title to load the full content for that route.

  Routes that include Spidean Coire nan Clach
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 1263 m 18.38 km 6 hrs Ruadh-stac Mor and Spidean Coire nan Clach  A Scottish classic with the magnificent triple buttress in Coire Mhic Fearchair. A moderate route, but the traverse of Beinn Eighe including the triple buttress (highly recommended) is more difficult as it requires scrambling.  
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Spidean Coire nan Clach

  Baggers Gallery for Spidean Coire nan Clach

An April Fool? 1/04/13, in Torridon on a fantastic day.

© Gordon Miller
Image by Gordon Miller

OPB on Spidean Coire nan Clach 20th April 2008

© Oliver Bartrum
Image by Oliver Bartrum

Karl and me on top,(5.6.10).

© Mark Thomson
Image by Mark Thomson

myself at the summit with Liathach beyond. Wonderful, hot day - 10/04/10

© Sam Marshall
Image by Sam Marshall
View All 13 Baggers Images for Spidean Coire nan Clach
The logging section stores any entries for Spidean Coire nan Clach in your own log. From here you can
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Recently Climbed By
Bob Burrell on 20 Sep 2023
Keith Chalmers on 16 Sep 2023
Fiona Reid on 10 Jun 2023
Arlene Johnston on 04 Jun 2023
George Greszczuk on 02 Jun 2023

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Post a few words about Spidean Coire nan Clach or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Roger Vander Steen
wrote on
June 22, 2009
12th June 2009. When the Coire an Laoigh path reaches a rock band at around 700 metres, a path leads to the left above the crags to the bealach at 866 metres, just north of Stuc Coire an Laoigh. This is becoming eroded and could soon be an unsightly scar. Another path heads to the right for a scree slope just east of the summit. We descended the east ridge from Sgurr nan Fhir Duibhe, choosing not to tackle the Black Carls. There is a path through the shattered scree but care is needed to keep upright on the loose stones. At the bottom of this ridge we descended a grassy gully just before the deer fence, crossed the Allt a’ Chuirn and followed a gently rising path on the other side to join the path from the Creag Dhubh ridge. This immediately led to a stream crossing which required care as there is a six foot section of steep, smooth rock on each side. Excellent path from here to Kinlochewe.
Alex Bryce
wrote on
February 3, 2009
Beinn Eighe is a magnificent mountain. Ascended via the excellent path due south of Spidean Coire nan Clach, then cut up the crest of the rocky prow that extends south from Munro summit. An easy scramble with a few airy drops to the right in places. Was surprised how narrow and rocky the summit ridge of Spidean Coire nan Clach is. No real problems though. Didnt have time to extend the traverse east along the main ridge but will definitely return to that at some point.
Roger Vander Steen
wrote on
August 6, 2006
The good path from Glen Torridon leads into Coire an Laoigh. From here we aimed to the left of a band of rock straight ahead in the corrie; a path led to the col north of Stuc Coire an Laoigh and on to the main ridge. An alternative path leads to the col on the main ridge to the east of the summit.
 
 

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