Mullach an Rathain, (Liathach)

This is one of the great Torridonian mountains, rising on the north side of Glen Torridon in tier upon tier of sandstone cliffs and terraces from the banks of the River Torridon to the shattered pinnacles of Am Fasarinen, almost a thousand metres above. The mountain as a whole is an eight-kilometre long ridge running from west to east above the head of Loch Torridon and the lower part of Glen Torridon. The most spectacular part of it is the narrow pinnacled ridge between the two highest summits. On its north side Liathach has three corries backed by dark sandstone cliffs; of these, Coire na Caime is particularly impressive.

The traverse of Liathach involves some exposed and difficult scrambling which calls for mountaineering skill and experience, particularly in winter or in bad weather. However, the two highest points can be reached by routes that are relatively straightforward. The ascent of Spidean a' Choire Leith starts from the A896 road in Glen Torridon a few hundred metres east of Glen Cottage and goes directly and steeply up the path to Toll a' Meitheach. Below the headwall of this corrie make a rising traverse rightwards to reach a col and turn left along the main ridge to the summit. The ascent of Mullach an Rathain starts from the pinewood near the foot of Glen Torridon and goes up a path near the Allt an Tuill Bhain which leads high up into the corrie below the peak. The last part of the ascent is up the ridge on the west side of the corrie.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)