Torridon Ridge: Liathach via Coire Dubh

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. This route climbs from Glen Torridon near the Coire Dubh car park and traverses the whole ridge from east to west, over the Munro summits of Spidean a' Choire Lèith and Mullach an Rathain with the Am Fasarinen pinnacles between them, taking in some of the finest mountain terrain in the country. The traverse is about 11.5 km with around 1,330 m of ascent and most parties take eight to ten hours; it finishes further west along the glen, so plan how you will get back to the start. 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 traverse involves scrambling on the climb to the ridge and along it, and the Am Fasarinen pinnacles are exposed grade 2 scrambling, using hands on steep rock; the bypass path on their south side is narrow and very exposed in its own right. For most dogs this route is not suitable, and a slip on the pinnacles would be very serious. 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. Only very experienced, sure-footed hill dogs, with owners confident on exposed scrambling ground, should attempt it. 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.