Liathach Ridge, Torridon

The Liathach Ridge traverse is widely regarded as one of the finest and most serious mountain days in Scotland — an 8-kilometre ridge linking two Munros, Spidean a' Choire Lèith and Mullach an Rathain, across the notorious Am Fasarinen pinnacles, a landscape of ancient, tiered Torridonian sandstone battlements rising directly from the glen floor.

The route starts from a layby on the A896 close to the Allt an Doire Ghairbh, crossing the stream before climbing steeply up the far bank — there's a minor bit of scrambling here, with the path consistently steep as it climbs into the corrie of Toll a' Meitheach. A series of short, simple rocky scrambles through weaknesses in the sandstone terraces lead the path to the ridge, near Stùc a' Choire Dhuibh Bhig — the sudden view down into the wild country on the mountain's north side is genuinely breathtaking. Heading west over a series of minor tops leads to Spidean a' Choire Lèith, the highest point on the whole ridge, with sensational views in every direction, from Ben Hope in the north to Ben Nevis in the south.

Descending carefully — steering well clear of a precipitous prow to the south-south-east or crags above Coire na Caime — a route down steep boulders leads to a narrow bealach and the start of the famous Am Fasarinen pinnacles: a series of shattered sandstone towers that can either be traversed directly along the crest, involving sustained, genuinely exposed scrambling, or bypassed via a path on natural shelves below on the south side — itself sensationally exposed in places, and wet in a couple of spots. Beyond the pinnacles, the ridge broadens onto easier ground before the final ascent to Mullach an Rathain, the second Munro, with grand views down to Loch Torridon.

The long descent via Toll Ban follows steep, ankle-turning scree and grass slopes down to the Allt an Toll Bhain and a clear path back to the road, around two kilometres west of the start.

This is a serious, committing mountain day rated by many as comparable to Aonach Eagach or An Teallach in scale and challenge — full scrambling competence, a confident head for heights, and ideal weather conditions are all essential, and this route should only be attempted by experienced hillwalkers given the very limited escape options once on the ridge.

Roadside parking is available near the start on the A896; infrequent buses connect Torridon to the rail line at Achnasheen and Strathcarron.