Liathach

Routes on Liathach

The Classic Liathach Traverse

This is our most popular option, The Classic Liathach Traverse is an exhilarating ridge walk in Scotland’s Torridon Mountains. It is famous for its dramatic scenery, technical challenges, and exposed scrambling. This demanding route spans the entire massif of Liathach, covering roughly 11-12 kilometres and typically taking 7-9 hours.

Your Liathach guide will meet you at the roadside parking area midway along Glen Torridon. From here, an excellent but steep path weaves through rocky outcrops and terraces of Torridonian sandstone, gaining elevation rapidly. As we make our way on to the ridge, we will be greeted by views of Beinn Eighe to the east. With further views to come of Beinn Alligin to the west and Loch Torridon shimmering below.

From here, the traverse heads west, first tackling the subsidiary top of Stùc a’ Choire Dhuibh Bhig. Continuing west a combination of walking and easy scrambling leads us to the first of The Munros, Spidean a’Choire Leith. Spidean a’Choire Leith is Liathach’s highest point, standing at 1,055 meters. This summit provides a spectacular viewpoint, as well as acting as a gateway to the most iconic section of The Liathach Traverse.

Here the ridge narrows dramatically into the Am Fasarinen Pinnacles, a real highlight for many. This area involves thrilling grade II scrambling with exposed moves and airy drops. Your Liathach guide will handle all the ropework involved, keeping you safe as you enjoy one of the most remarkable ridges in Scotland. However, a bypass path can be used for those preferring a less technical option. Do be aware the bypass route is also narrow and eroded in places, and it is highly exposed above steep cliffs.

Next a worn track leads over our second Munro, Mullach an Rathain, at a height of 1,023 meters. With the traverse of Liathach now complete, your descent begins. Dropping steeply south we head down a slope of rocky steps and scree. The path winds through more sandstone terraces, requiring occasional and simple scrambling, before descending back into Glen Torridon.

Bespoke Routes on Liathach

Most people experience Liathach using the traditional traverse described above, however there are some fantastic alternatives as well. For example, we can access the mountain from a northerly route. This option is popular with those wishing to include the summit of Meall Dearg (mainland Scotland’s most technical Munro Top) before scrambling along The Northern Pinnacles to reach Mullach an Rathain. The route then continues along the traverse in an Easterly direction. Another alternative start can be made via a scramble along the South Ridge of Mullach an Rathain.

We have extensive knowledge of the various routes along Liathach, so if you have any particular requests for the day please do just let us know.

Liathach in Winter

In winter Liathach offers many outstanding days out. The traditional traverse being a much sought after experience. In addition, the great corries on the northern flanks of the mountain hold many famous ice and mixed winter climbing routes, including Twisting Gully (II), George (III 4) and Poachers Fall (V 5)

Liathach Facts

How do you pronounce Liathach?

Locally, Liathach is pronounced with a soft “g” instead of a “th”. Therefore, phonetically it would be “Lee-a-gac”. You may hear a few variations on the pronunciation. In fact, according to the extremely comprehensive book entitled, The Place Names of Loch Torridon, it is “one of the most problematic place-names around the loch”.

What does it mean?

Liathach means The Grey One. However, has only been spelled this way for a relatively short amount of time. The former spelling of this mountain was Liaghaich, and its meaning is unknown.

Where is Liathach Located?

It is located in the heart of The Torridon Mountains, in the North West Highlands of Scotland. The nearest villages are Torridon (approximately 3 miles) and Kinlochewe (approximately 8 miles). Many of the customers we guide on Liathach stay in either Kinlochewe, at the Kinlochewe Hotel or campsite, or in the larger village of Gairloch, which has an excellent range of accommodation. The nearest city is Inverness (approximately 60 miles away).

Can I get to Liathach on public transport?

It is not simple to get to Liathach without a car. The nearest airport is Inverness (approximately 60 miles away). The nearest train station is Achnasheen (approximately 20 miles away). There is a train between Inverness and Achnasheen and then there is a bus from Achnasheen to Kinlochewe, but the service is infrequent, currently once a day. From Kinlochewe there is no public transport, however, there is a local taxi service. Due to the infrequency of the train and bus, careful planning would be needed.

How long does The Classic Liathach Traverse take to complete?

We generally find that when we are guiding Liathach most customers take between 7-9 hours to complete the traverse. This, of course, varies depending on customer speed, fitness and weather conditions.

How many Munros are on Liathach?

There are two Munros on Liathach, Spidean a’ Choire Leith (1055m) and Mullach an Rathain (1023m).

How many Munro Tops are there?

There are four Munro Tops on Liathach (please note, these are different from Munros). They are Stuc a’Choire Dhuibh Bhig, Stob a’Choire Liath Mhor, Am Fasarinen and Meall Dearg.

How high is it?

The highest point is the summit of Spidean a’ Choire Leith at 1055m.

How long is it?

According to our mapping app, Outdoor Active, the total distance of our guided Classic Liathach Traverse route is 8.2km.

What is the total ascent?

According to our mapping app, Outdoor Active, the total amount of height gain on our guided Classic Liathach Traverse is 1238 metres.

Do you need a rope for Liathach?

Yes, your Liathach guide will be using a rope to keep you safe during the scrambling section. This will be used in conjunction with helmets and harnesses. Although, a minority of mountaineers who undertake the scramble independently may choose not to use a rope. Many people who complete the classic traverse, whether guided or independent, will use a rope for safety purposes.

What grade is Liathach?

Liathach is a grade two scramble. A grade two scramble is generally considered to be a medium level of difficulty of scrambling. Grade two scrambles have the following characteristics:

• Climbing movements, whereby the use of hands is required for short sections.
• Sustained scrambling, whereby hands are needed for balance for longer sections.
• Significant exposure.

How difficult is Liathach?

There is no simple answer to this question. As with all mountaineering, the difficulty is very subjective and everyone will find different mountains more or less challenging. However, to give you a general idea, Liathach would be considered one of the most challenging mountains in Scotland. This is due to a mixture of the technicality of scrambling and the overall physicality (length and total ascent) of the day. We are often asked how it compares to other scrambles and mountains. Some comparisons are below, however please do keep in mind that everyone is different with regards to what they find easy and challenging.

• The Aonach Eagach Ridge is a similar level of difficulty to Liathach overall. However, Liathach has a bypass path around much of the scrambling unlike the Aonach Eagach Ridge. Therefore, some of the difficulty can be skipped. It should be noted that the bypass itself is not straightforward and has a very reasonable degree of exposure.
• Crib Goch is often considered easier than Liathach. The difficulty of the scrambling on Crib Goch is a full grade lower.
• Striding Edge is considered substantially easier than Liathach. In fact, it would be a similar level of difficulty to the bypass path.
• The CMD Arete would be considered easier than Liathach. While the CMD Arete is a physically demanding day, the scrambling is a full grade lower.
• In comparison to the surrounding local mountains, Liathach can be considered one of the most challenging. It is harder than Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe, however An Teallach would be considered harder.
• The Cuillin Ridge – A full Cuillin Ridge traverse is certainly more challenging. However, for those familiar with the Cuillin Munros, Liathach would be considered a similar level of difficulty to Sgurr Dubh Mor.

Is there a bypass path around the scrambling section on Liathach?

Yes, there is a bypass path. However, it is worth being aware that the bypass path is exposed. It is slippery and eroded with large drops. We have customers who are understandably nervous of the scrambling on Liathach and ask if we can guide them along the bypass to reduce the difficulty. Whilst this is something we can certainly do, please keep in mind this is still an airy and awkward path. If you are nervous of scrambling but wish to complete the Liathach Traverse, just let us know. Our guides are very understanding and will explain the differences in the two approaches in detail, in order to help you decide on the best route for you.

How can I find out the answers to other questions I have?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have at all. Whether you are looking to use us as a Liathach guide or you are planning on attempting the mountain independently. We are happy to do our best to answer any questions. We also update this page regularly with any questions we do get, in order to make this resource as comprehensive as possible.

Ratios and Pricing for Liathach

In order to provide the highest level of experience and safety we maintain low ratios for guided ascents. Below you can see the details. All our Liathach trips are privately guided, therefore you will not have to worry about the pace of others and will get a trip tailored to your individual needs.