Liathach - Mullach an Rathain

About Liathach - Mullach an Rathain

Rising steeply above Torridon village, this western Munro of the Liathach massif is famed for its tiered Torridonian sandstone terraces. Reaching its summit usually follows a dramatic traverse over the Am Fasarinen pinnacles, rewarding walkers with a vertiginous perspective of the mountain’s quartzite cap and the nearby Atlantic coast.

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Did You Know?

• •The name Mullach an Rathain translates from Scottish Gaelic as the "Summit of the Pulleys" or "Summit of the Rows." This likely refers to the distinct, circular tiers of Torridonian sandstone that form the mountain's steep southern slopes, resembling the grooves of a pulley wheel or organized rows of rock.
• •While many walkers arrive here after the exposed scramble over the Am Fasarinen pinnacles to the east, the peak can also be reached via a steep, non-technical ascent up the Toll Bàn. This makes it a popular standalone objective for those wishing to experience Liathach’s scale without the airy ridge-walking.
• •The summit offers a spectacular, unhindered view to the west, where the waters of Loch Torridon meet the Inner Sound. On clear days, the jagged skyline of the Cuillin on Skye and the distant hills of South Harris are visible across the Minch.
• •Like its neighbour Beinn Eighe, the upper reaches of the mountain are topped with a capping of white Cambrian quartzite. These pale rocks provide a sharp, bright contrast to the dark, chocolate-brown Torridonian sandstone that forms the bulk of the massif below.
• •The descent down the Toll Bàn is locally famous for its ability to turn sturdy knees into jelly. It is a path consisting of nearly 800 vertical metres of unrelenting scree and stone steps, designed specifically to ensure you remember your visit for several days afterward.