Overview
A classic pinnacled ridge with optional exposed towers, linking two Munros atop the famous summit of Liathachs sandstone tiers.
Route Length
500m
Max Ratio
1:2
Experience Grade
Moderate- Grade 2 Scramble
Approach Time (Approximate)
3.5 hrs
Total Trip Length
12km
Meeting location
Torridon
Experience Duration
1 day
Pre-requisites
Strong summer hillwalking experience. Ideally, some previous experience of scrambling at Grade 1 or above.
Is it for me?
Liathach is considered by many to be the finest mountain in the Northern Highlands and not without reason, its tiered sandstone buttress narrowing with height, eventually narrowing to for the awesome and classic ridge, the traverse of which is a superb and traditional mountaineering journey.
The route can be started from the East or the West, we advocate from the West as it gives the best opportunity to enjoy the fine scrambling the ridge has to offer. Unfortunately, there is no escaping the fact that all routes up this mountain, start right at the very bottom and the approach path is immediately steep and almost relentless right until we summit the first Munro, Mullach a Rathain. From here, undulating ridge leads easily down towards the start of the main event, the Fasarinen Pinnacles.
This row of serrated teeth leads all too obviously towards our other Munro but unfortunately can be bypassed almost entirely by the unromantic, by means of a poor exposed path on the steep slopes just below. As you will have an experienced mountaineering instructor with you throughout, you will be able to enjoy the the best rock and situations on each tower throughout the entire ridge. Keeping to the true crest throughout the 600m scrambling section with Glen Torridon hundreds of meters below your feet.
From the end of the difficulties a little more ascent allows up to include another Munro into our mountain day and from here a cunning path leads us safely down through surprising steep terrain all the way back down to the glen and shortly afterwards, our vehicles.
Mountains included in route
Mullach an Rathain 1023
Am Fasarian 903m
Spedean a' Choire Leith 1055m
Stob a' Choire Liath Mhor 983m
Additional information
You will be guided on the route by a suitably qualified, fully insured and competent Mountaineering Instructor. All mountaineering equipment required for the route and instruction on its use is included. However, clients must ensure they bring appropriate clothing as listed on our kit list page. In case of dangerous weather conditions an alternative activity or a full refund will be offered. Please read our Terms and Conditions for further information.