NG9358 : Liathach, Torridon.

Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith

1,055m Elevation
957m Prominence
Scotland Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NG9358 : Liathach, Torridon.

djmacpherson Photo source

Explore routes near Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Beinn Eighe Lancaster Wreckage at Coire Mhic Fhearchair

16 km ~6h Hard

View route

Fairy Lochs Liberator Wreckage Circuit

4.9 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Liathach Traverse (East to West)

This classic route traverses the entire Liathach ridge starting from the eastern end at the car park near Glen Cottage (grid ref NG929576). The ascent begins with a steep climb through Coire Liath, leading to the first Munro, Spidean a' Choire Leith. The route then continues along the ridge, offering breathtaking views and some scrambling sections before descending via the western ridge to the car park near Torridon village.

11 km ~8 hours Challenging

Spidean a' Choire Leith Direct Ascent

This route focuses solely on summiting Spidean a' Choire Leith. Start near the car park at grid ref NG929576 and ascend directly into Coire Liath. The climb is steep but avoids the more technical scrambling sections of the full ridge traverse, making it a more straightforward hike for those looking to summit just one Munro.

6 km ~5 hours Moderate

Liathach Traverse (West to East)

A reverse traverse of the Liathach ridge starting from the western end at the car park near Torridon village. The route ascends via the western ridge, passing over the second Munro, Mullach an Rathain, before continuing to Spidean a' Choire Leith. Descend to the eastern car park near Glen Cottage. This direction is often considered slightly easier for navigation.

11 km ~8 hours Challenging

Northern Pinnacles Approach to Spidean a' Choire Leith

This exciting and technical route involves ascending the Northern Pinnacles to reach Spidean a' Choire Leith. Starting from the car park near Glen Cottage, head into Coire na Caime and climb the Northern Pinnacles. This route requires climbing and scrambling skills and is best suited for experienced mountaineers.

8 km ~6 hours Very Challenging

Coire na Caime Circuit

This route offers a less exposed alternative, exploring the base of Liathach and circling around Coire na Caime. It does not reach the summit but provides excellent views of the Liathach ridge. Starting and ending at the car park near Glen Cottage, this is a great option for walkers who want to experience the grandeur of Liathach without tackling the ridge.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

1,055m

3,461 ft

Prominence

957m

Coordinates

57.5642, -5.4636

NG929579

OS Map

25

Explorer: 433

At the Summit

The summit boasts a stunning stone cairn marking the highest point, offering a perfect spot for a coffee break—and maybe a selfie if the winds are cooperating.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with steep sections and exposed ridges interspersed with rocky grass.

Liathach is predominantly composed of Schist and Gneiss, which give it its distinctive rugged appearance. Notably, the mountain's grandeur is derived from the dramatic geology shaped during the Caledonian orogeny.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of the Torridon mountains, Loch Torridon, and several valleys, including glimpses of the Isle of Skye on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Liathach translates from Gaelic as 'the grey one', a nod to its characteristic grey rock face.

Historical Significance

Liathach has long been a prominent feature of the landscape, not just for its outstanding beauty, but also as part of local folklore and traditional routes.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at the end of the minor road leading into the valley, near the start of the Coire na Caime route.

Public Transport

Buses from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Torridon are available, with the nearest bus stop at Tornapress, approximately 3 km from the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Torridon village offers a hostel and a pub; however, be sure to check opening times, as they can vary by season.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep and rocky terrain can be treacherous, especially in wet weather. Some scrambling is required, and conditions can change rapidly, so prepare accordingly.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith through the maps

Are there other walkers around Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith search or of course create your own walk for Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith

Can I organise a walk to Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Liathach - Spidean a' Choire Leith location map

Grid reference: NG929579

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Liathach - Mullach an Rathain

1,024m

Beinn Eighe - Ruadh-stac Mor

1,010m

Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire nan Clach

993m

Beinn Alligin - Sgurr Mor

986m

Beinn Alligin - Tom na Gruagaich

922m
See 5 more nearby hills