The Liathach traverse
The great ridge of Torridon: two Munros linked by the exposed Am Fasarinen pinnacles.
- Distance
- 6.5 km
- Ascent
- 1140 m
- Time
- 3.5–5 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Linear
- High point
- 1055 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
The Liathach traverse is a hard 6.5 km linear walk with 1,140 m of ascent, taking 3.5 to 5 hours. It starts at Glen Torridon, A896 (grid reference NG 933 566). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Spidean a' Choire Leith (Liathach) at 1,055 m.
Liathach is a huge wall of Torridonian sandstone above Glen Torridon, one of the most impressive mountains in Britain. The route climbs steeply to Spidean a' Choire Lèith, the higher Munro.
The ridge west to Mullach an Rathain crosses Am Fasarinen, a crest of sandstone pinnacles: the crest is an exposed scramble, and the bypass path on the south side is narrow and loose above big drops. The descent drops south to Torridon village, so this is a one-way route. This is a scrambling route on exposed rock, not a walk: you'll need a head for heights, experience of moving on steep ground, and calm conditions. Many people hire a guide.
Route
-
1
Spidean a' Choire Lèith
Climb steeply from Glen Torridon onto the ridge and the summit.
-
2
Am Fasarinen
Cross the pinnacles of Am Fasarinen, on the crest or the bypass path.
-
3
Mullach an Rathain and down
Continue to Mullach an Rathain and descend to Torridon village.
Summits
Spidean a' Choire Leith (Liathach)
1055 m
Mullach an Rathain (Liathach)
1024 m
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does The Liathach traverse take?
- Most walkers take 3.5–5 hours for the 6.5 km route, which has 1,140 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Glen Torridon, A896 (grid reference NG 933 566). Lay-by parking in Glen Torridon. The route finishes near Torridon village.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Very steep climb; a narrow, exposed ridge with pinnacles (scramble or exposed bypass path); steep descent.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Spidean a' Choire Leith (Liathach) (1055 m, Munro); Mullach an Rathain (Liathach) (1024 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- It isn't recommended for dogs. Before you go: National Trust for Scotland's Torridon estate.
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