Torridon

Spidean a' Choire Lèith (Liathach)

1,055 metres · 1 detailed route

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Spidean a' Choire Lèith (Liathach) · Mullach an Rathain (Liathach)

Liathach Traverse

Scramble variants · up to Grade 2Grade details

The grade refers to the named ridge. The saved route's precise ridge or bypass line is unresolved. Grades describe the named technical sections, not every metre of the route.

Am Fasarinen Traverse [Main Ridge Traverse (summer)]: Grade 2 ridge; shelf line unresolved
This grades the named ridge. The precise saved line or bypass is not verified. Grade reference

Route overview

Liathach is one of the most celebrated mountain ridges in Scotland, rising steeply above Glen Torridon. This classic traverse links two superb Munros along a dramatic, high-altitude crest. It offers a challenging day of steep ascents, rugged walking, and scrambling, set against the wild, ancient mountain landscapes of the Northwest Highlands.

Terrain and underfoot

The terrain is exceptionally steep and rugged. Well-worn but rough paths lead up and down the mountain, with sustained, very steep climbs on sandstone terraces and a trying descent on loose scree and earth. The ridge features extensive boulder fields of quartzite and sandstone. Traversing the crest requires scrambling over exposed pinnacles, while the alternative bypass path is narrow, eroded, and highly exposed.

Distance
11.1 km
Ascent
1,388 m
Typical time
5 - 6 hoursStandard moving time
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Munros
2

Getting there and parking

Driving and parking

Glen Cottage small parking for Liathach

The Liathach route starts east of Glen Cottage, grid NG935566, beside the path west of Allt an Doire Ghairbh. Space is limited; keep access clear.

A small surfaced pull-off south of the A896 near Glen Cottage. Keep the carriageway and access clear.

Approximately 6 to 10 cars

Sources checked 2 October 2026

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On foot

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On the road

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Guidebook & paper maps

The Munros

Scottish Mountaineering Club · 4th edition (2021)

  • M75 · p. 295
View on Amazon (paid link)

Walking the Munros · Volume 2

Cicerone

Northern Highlands and the Cairngorms

  • Guide route 56 · p. 236

Latest edition: 4th (2022). Edition of page references unconfirmed.

View on Amazon (paid link)

The Munro Almanac

Cameron McNeish · 2011

The Achnashellach and Torridon Hills

  • Munro description · p. 109

100 Best Routes on Scottish Mountains

Ralph Storer · 1997

LiathachGuide route 59 · p. 124

Page numbers vary by edition.

OS Explorer · 1:25,000
  • 433Torridon – Beinn Eighe & Liathach
OS Landranger · 1:50,000
  • 25Glen Carron & Glen Affric

Summit locations only, not the approach or return route.

Check sheets with Ordnance Survey

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Mountain planning note

Route times and descriptions are planning estimates. Recheck mountain weather, access, daylight, river levels and your own experience before setting out.