Conquering the Torridon Giants: A Quick Guide to the Mountains of Torridon
The Torridon Hills are some of Scotland’s most iconic peaks, defined by their towering sandstone ridges, deep corries, and remote Highland beauty. While there are only three main Munro groups in Torridon, each contains two Munro summits, offering unforgettable ridge walks and rewarding scrambles.
Here’s your complete guide to the six Torridon Munros, including height, difficulty, popularity, route suggestions, and links to GPX files for your watches and mapping aps.
1. Liathach, Glen Torridon
Munros: Spidean a’ Choire Lèith (1,055m), Mullach an Rathain (1,023m)
Difficulty: 🔴 Hard (exposed scrambling)
Route Overview:
Start from the layby on the A896 near Glen Torridon. Ascend via the steep path into Coire Liath Mhor, reach the ridge, and follow it west to east. The Am Fasarinen pinnacles add a Grade 2 scramble—airy and exposed but avoidable by a lower bypass path.
Distance: ~11.5 km
Ascent: ~1,300m
Time: 8-10 hours
📍 Download Liathach Traverse GPX (Walkhighlands)
2. Beinn Eighe
Munros: Ruadh-stac Mòr (1,010m), Spidean Coire nan Clach (993m)
Difficulty: 🔴 Moderate to Hard (long day, rugged)
Route Overview:
Begin at the Coille na Glas Letire car park. Climb into Coire Mhic Fhearchair for a spectacular view of the Triple Buttress, then ascend steep scree to Ruadh-stac Mòr. Traverse the ridge to Spidean Coire nan Clach and descend via a good stalker path.
Distance: ~18 km
Ascent: ~1,100m
Time: 7–10 hours
📍 Download Beinn Eighe GPX (Walkhighlands)
3. Beinn Alligin
Munros: Tom na Gruagaich (922m), Sgùrr Mhòr (986m)
Difficulty: 🔵 Moderate (optional scrambling)
Popularity: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (most popular in Torridon)
Route Overview:
A scenic circular hike from the car park near Torridon village. Ascend via Tom na Gruagaich, then traverse the ridge to Sgùrr Mhòr. The return via the Horns of Alligin involves optional Grade 1 scrambling—fun and less technical than Liathach.
Distance: ~10.5 km
Ascent: ~1,200m
Time: 7-8 hours
📍 Download Beinn Alligin GPX (Walkhighlands)
Final Thoughts:
Torridon's Munros are as much about the journey as the summits. Whether you're scrambling over Liathach’s razorback ridge or admiring the mirrored lochs from Beinn Alligin, these peaks showcase Scotland's raw, untamed grandeur at its best.
⚠️ Essentials Before You Go:
Map & Compass: Carry OS Explorer 433 (Torridon) or equivalent.
Weather: Check forecasts at MWIS and Met Office.
Gear: Layers, waterproofs, gloves, map, GPS, headtorch, first aid kit.
Fitness: These are serious hills—don’t underestimate distances or terrain.