Torridon Ridge: Liathach via Coire Dubh
Highlands
Liathach, meaning the Grey One, rises nearly 1,000 metres from Glen Torridon in a series of sandstone terraces that make it one of the most visually formidable mountains in Scotland. The route via Coire Dubh traverses the mountain from east to west through the spectacular corrie beneath the northern ridgeline, linking the two main glens and taking in some of the finest mountain terrain in the country. The ascent and descent are serious undertakings with significant elevation gain on rough, rocky paths. This is a full mountain day requiring experience, proper equipment and good navigation skills.
Liathach is a dog friendly mountain in terms of access but demands honest assessment of your dog's capabilities. The terrain is rough quartzite and sandstone throughout, the ridgeline carries narrow, exposed sections, and the total ascent is considerable. Off-lead potential is low across most of the route given the technical ground. Fit, experienced hill dogs with good sure-footedness will find this an extraordinary day. Water is plentiful in the corries and burns. The Torridon Countryside Centre at the base of the mountain provides information and context for the area. The Torridon Inn in the village is dog-friendly. This is not a walk for beginners or for dogs unaccustomed to rough mountain terrain.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 13.0 km (8.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 6 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Torridon Ridge: Liathach via Coire Dubh dog friendly?
Liathach scores 7/10 for dog friendliness, and while there are no access restrictions preventing dogs from coming, the mountain demands a genuinely honest assessment of your dog's abilities. The terrain is rough quartzite and sandstone throughout, with significant elevation gain and narrow, exposed sections along the ridgeline. This is a route for fit, experienced hill dogs with good sure-footedness — not one for dogs unaccustomed to serious mountain terrain.
Can dogs be off lead at Torridon Ridge: Liathach via Coire Dubh?
Off-lead potential is described as low across most of the route, given the technical and exposed nature of the ground. The narrow ridgeline sections and rough, rocky paths make keeping your dog under close control the sensible approach for the majority of the day. Water is plentiful in the corries and burns, which is one welcome plus for dogs on what is a demanding outing.
What should I know before visiting Torridon Ridge: Liathach via Coire Dubh with my dog?
This is a full mountain day requiring experience, proper equipment and good navigation skills — for both you and your dog. The Coire Dubh route traverses Liathach from east to west, rising nearly 1,000 metres from Glen Torridon, so be prepared for a serious undertaking with significant ascent on rough, rocky paths. The Torridon Countryside Centre at the base of the mountain is worth a visit for local information, and the Torridon Inn in the village is dog-friendly if you need a well-earned stop afterwards.
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