Beinn Liath Mhòr

Beinn Liath Mhòr, at 924-926 metres, is a long, multiple-summited sandstone ridge in the Coulin Forest with steep flanks and a crest sprinkled with white quartzite, offering interesting views over the surrounding Torridon landscape.

The route starts from a layby on the A890 opposite the phone box and the private road to Achnashellach station. Following the same initial approach as Sgòrr Ruadh through forestry and past the Allt an Leth-chreig waterfall, the path splits at a cairn — the right branch climbs steeply towards Beinn Liath Mhòr's south-east top on the shoulder of Drochaid Coire Làir. From here, an undulating 2-kilometre ridge walk stretches ahead, with some steep ascents and descents over a series of tops sprinkled with pale quartzite, and fine views back to Beinn Alligin, Liathach, and Beinn Eighe.

From the final summit, great care is required descending to the bealach shared with Sgòrr Ruadh, especially in misty conditions, since the route down through boulders and scree, then worn sandstone, is far from obvious even in clear weather — a small lochan marks the way, followed by a further short climb to a second lochan at the crossing point.

Most walkers continue from here to climb Sgòrr Ruadh, the second Munro of a classic pairing, best tackled with Beinn Liath Mhòr first since the ascent route up Sgòrr Ruadh is considerably easier to find in this direction.

The combined round taking in both Munros from Achnashellach is typically seven to nine hours; the very fit sometimes extend the day further to include the neighbouring Corbett Fuar Tholl, making for a substantial three-peak expedition.

The descent from Beinn Liath Mhòr's ridge to the connecting bealach is genuinely tricky to navigate, particularly in poor visibility — full route-finding skills are essential, and the sandstone slabs throughout can become notably slippery when wet.

The A890 layby is free; Achnashellach has a request-stop railway station on the Inverness-Kyle line, a short walk from the start.