LIATHACH, TORRIDON

Looking East from Spidean a' Choire Leith to Beinn Eighe

The Northwest Highlands were once again bathed in the best of the Autumn sunshine over the last couple of days. The big 'blocking high' over Scandinavia keeping the Atlantic weather fronts at bay. So it was to the finest mountain area in the UK I headed. Torridon is a fantastic place to be if you are a lover of narrow ridges, enjoy scrambling and you want stunning views out to sea. With plenty of Munros within a short journey from the village. You could quite easily spend a week here for the finest ridge walking on the mainland.

Liathachs Northern Pinnicles

If you have just one day in Torridon then Liathach must be the mountain to climb. A long ridge walk with plenty of narrow sections. There are two Munros at either end of the ridge, linked by Am Fasarinen, a section of pinnacles that require some scrambling. It is a memorable day out and I have traversed this magnificent mountain so many times, every occasion has been a cracker.

Scrambling on the Am Fasarinen Pinnacles

Flowerdale Forest and Beinn Dearg

The fine view of Liathach from the glen

To make the traverse even more special I caught the train to Achnasheen and cycled from there to the foot of the mountain. 20 miles of the finest Highland scenery you could ever wish for. Just the bike ride alone is a terrific couple of hours! So it was well after mid day before setting foot on the hill, well intended as I wanted that special late Autumn light at the end of the day. I wasn't to be disappointed.

Northern Pinnacles, Beinn Dearg and Beinn Alligin

Glen Torridon

Apart from a family of four folk, there wasn't anyone else along the entire 5km ridge. Savouring all the wonderful scrambling and views in this magic time of year. All too quick the scrambling section is over but with those wonderful views still dominating the walk to the second Munro summit of Mullach an Rathain.

Nearing the end of the scrambling

Am Fasarinen, Munro Top

The final stroll up to Mullach an Rathain

Loch Torridon and Beinn Alligin

Scrambling down

Northern Pinnicles and Flowerdale Forest

The Golden Hour on Beinn Eighe

The final scramble down on beautiful Torridonian sandstone

So I had to tear myself away from those stunning mountain and loch views from Mullach an Rathain, descending to the glen with a beautiful sunset over Loch Torridon. Another classic day out and another memorable time on the 2nd finest mountain, after An Teallach :)

Upper Loch Torridon

Sunset over Loch Torridon