Liathach

Liathach is a mountain in the Torridon Hills of the Northwest Highlands. It stands between Loch Torridon and Beinn Eighe, forming a long ridge that runs east to west. The upper half of the mountain is covered with steep rocky terraces, and two of its peaks are classified as Munros. Spidean a’ Choire Lèith is the highest at 1,055 metres, while Mullach an Rathain reaches 1,024 metres. The mountain is made of Torridonian sandstone, which creates its striking terraced appearance. These red and chocolate sandstones rest on ancient Lewisian gneiss, with some peaks capped by white quartzite. The rocks date back about 500 million years and show signs of glacial and alluvial wear. Fossilised worm burrows can be found in the quartzite, known as pipe rock. The landscape has been shaped by long periods of erosion. Climbing Liathach is a serious challenge, with routes like the Northern Pinnacles requiring rock-climbing skills. The ridge includes a series of rocky pinnacles called Am Fasarinen, or The Teeth. A narrow path on the south side offers a less technical but exposed alternative. In winter, the mountain becomes even more demanding. The first ascent of the Northern Pinnacles was made in 1894 by Hinxman, Rennie, and Douglas.