Planning to hike Liathach? This detailed trail guide covers the full Torridon ridge walk, including the bypass path for avoiding the infamous Pinnacles. Route breakdown, safety tips, and gear essentials included.
If you’ve heard of Liathach, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “one of Scotland’s most dramatic mountains.”
They’re not exaggerating.
Rising steeply from Glen Torridon, Liathach (1,055m) is a serrated beast of a ridge walk — with epic views, proper Highland drama, and a fearsome reputation, thanks to the Am Fasarinen Pinnacles.
But here’s the good news: you can enjoy the full ridge traverse without tackling the Pinnacles, thanks to a handy bypass path that makes this iconic route more accessible to confident hikers who don’t fancy scrambling across a knife-edge.
This trail guide gives you both options.
Park near the foot of Liathach, on the A896 between Torridon village and Kinlochewe. The ascent begins sharply — straight up the nose of the mountain through rocky terrain and boulder fields.
Expect a brutal warm-up. The good news? You’re rewarded quickly with staggering views over Beinn Eighe, Loch Torridon, and beyond.
The climb eases briefly as you reach the broad summit of Spidean a’ Choire Lèith — the highest point on the ridge at 1,055m. On a clear day, the view from here is pure Highlands cinema. This is a brilliant place to take a breather before tackling the ridge proper.
From Spidean, follow the narrow ridge westward. This is where Am Fasarinen, the infamous Pinnacles, come into view.
Here, you have two options:
This is technical, exposed scrambling — hands and feet on rock, with real drops either side. It’s only for experienced scramblers with a head for heights.
The bypass path skirts below the south side of the Pinnacles. It’s steep, loose in places, and not entirely easy — but far safer and simpler than the scramble above.
Most confident hillwalkers opt for the bypass. It still delivers incredible views without the risk.
After the Pinnacles (or bypass), continue along the narrowing ridge to reach the second Munro: Mullach an Rathain (1,023m). It’s a majestic perch with a direct view down to Loch Torridon and back along the entire spine of Liathach.
Descend steeply from Mullach an Rathain via Toll Ban. The descent is long, rough, and a bit relentless — but worth it. You’ll end up back on the A896, not far from where you started.
A car shuttle helps, but you can also walk the road back (~4km) or arrange a lift.
Liathach is the real deal — a high-level ridge walk that feels every inch the Highland classic.
But with the bypass option, it’s more accessible than many people realise. You don’t have to scramble your way across terrifying towers to enjoy the full ridgeline.
With good weather, good fitness, and good prep, this route is achievable, unforgettable, and absolutely worth it.
Swing into Torridon village and treat yourself at the Torridon Café — soup, cake, and that first sip of tea after a big day on the hill.
Use the Peaky Baggers app to log both Munros, track your route, and mark whether you did the Pinnacles or bypass. Tag us with #PeakyBaggers for a chance to be featured.
Photo by Martin Robinson on Unsplash
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