A Guide to Torridon - Part 2
In part 1 of our guide to Torridon, we explored the castellated peak of Slioch and the sheer might of Beinn Eighe. In Part 2, we’re turning our attention to the mountains of Liathach and Benin Alligin. These two have a very different character to Beinn Eighe and Slioch - where the latter require very little hand on rock action or scrambling, Being Align and Liathach are renown as some of the greatest scrambles in Scotland; coupling epic views, unparalleled exposure and varied terrain they really make for an epic day out.
Liathach
Distance: 12.1km
Ascent: 1130m
Time: 6 Hours in good conditions
Liathach stands between Beinn Eighe and Beinn Alligin in the heart of Glen Torridon, its slopes looking impenetrable from the glen and the snaking ridgeline winding across the sky is often shrouded in cloud. The two summits of Spidean a' Choire Lèith (1055m) and Mullach an Rathain (1024m) offer exceptional views over the landscape that are sure to take your breath away, if the scrambling hasn’t already!
The route starts at a car park in the glen (NG 93593 56646) and the well trodden path heads intimidatingly straight up the side of the mountain. There’s no getting around the fast that it is a tough slog, the terrain is steep, rocky and loose but as you begin to climb a different perspective of the glen begins to reveal itself. There are no junctions on the path until it tops out some 2km later having climbed nearly 850m. The views to the north are unparalleled, on a clear day Gairloch is visible and even further if conditions allow. The bulk of the ridge lies to the west of this point but many initially head east to bag the summit of Mullach an Rathain which faces Beinn Eighe, it’s quartzite scree slopes offering a stark contrast to the surrounding landscape.
The climbing continues as you head to the second summit of Spidean a' Choire Lèith; the terrain mainly consists of huge angular boulders that require a sure foot to avoid disaster. It’s a tiring trudge and you’re constantly assessing there best line to take through the rocky maze.
Liathach might be one of the few mountains where the summit isn’t the main attraction, the real draw of the day lies beyond the highest peak of Spidean a' Choire Lèith. 1.3km or so of scrambling that is considered to be some of the best in Scotland; rock chimneys to climb up and down, narrow ledges to edge along, all set against an epic backdrop with Loch Torridon stretching away to the west.
Having navigated the somewhat treacherous ridgeline, theres a straightforward drag up to a subsidiary peak of around 850 and then the descent back to the glen begins. The upper parts of the descent are very loose scree and care needs to be taken once again. The path improves as elevation is lost until the lushness of the glen returns as the descent continues through the terraces. There is a short trudge along the road back to the start point but the views are still epic, catching glances back up to the Ridgeline you’ve just conquered.
Beinn Alligin
Distance: 10.7km
Ascent: 1030m
Time: 6 Hours in good conditions
Beinn Alligin stands at the far western end of the Torridon Hills group and is the shortest by distance of all the routes described in these guides. Don't let that fool you though, much like Liathach, there’s some exposed scrambling required and some serious elevation to cover in a short time.
The route begins at the car park (NG 86908 57659) in a rather incongruous forested area, trees aren’t a common sit tin Torriodn but this little patch brings welcome contrast to the otherwise bleak and rocky landscape. This route is described as a clockwise circuit’ it’s possible to do it anticlockwise but the terrain and views are both more favourable if competed clockwise.
As with many walks in Torridon, this one starts with a long, steep slog. The path is well maintained and easy to follow as it ascends through rocky terraces and over deer fences. As elevation is gained, the views over the back of Liathach reveal themselves with the Coire Mhic Nobuil stretching out to the foot of Beinn Eighe.
The path continues to steepen up the corrie, keeping to the western side of the stream that feeds the crashing waterfall back at the car park. The path soon emerges onto a flat plateau with the first of the days summits, Tom na Gruagaich, a short distance away to the right. The summit offers great views all around but the best of all is towards the rest of the route.
The descent from the summit is steep but straightforward, only requiring some simple scrambling to descend. The drag up to the main summit lies ahead but shortly before it is reached, there is an interesting geological feature called Eat Dubh, or Black Cleft which is a dramatic gulley offering a wonderful frame to the mountains beyond.
The crux of the route lies at the ‘Horns of Alligin’, three rocky chimneys that offer excellent scrambling with a good sense of exposure. The first ascent is the shortest and least technical but with some composure all three horns can be tackled without issue. The second horn is a little more technical with the third bing the most. There is a bypass path that skirts around the bottom of the horns but this is almost more treacherous and it’s highly recommended to take the direct route over the top.
The descent from the third horn leads directly into the path off the mountain. The path is very steep in places and certainly requires some concentration but it begins to level out as it nears the bridge over the burn. The final couple of kilometres is straightforward, hugging the burn on the right until the deer gate where the path enters a patch of forest. The water can be heard thundering through the trees where it eventually is crossed by a bridge back at the road.
More Walks
In the next instalment of the guide, we’ll take a look at some more off the beaten track walks that are excellent in their own right and explore more of the areas rugged and varied terrain.