Beinn Alligin

Beinn Alligin stands in the Torridon region of the Scottish Highlands, north of Loch Torridon. It is a mountain with two Munro peaks: Tom na Gruagaich at 922 metres and Sgùrr Mòr at 986 metres. The name means ‘jewelled hill’ in Scottish Gaelic. A striking feature is the great cleft called Eag Dhubh na h-Eigheachd or Leum na Caillich, a scar from a massive rockslide around 3,750 years ago. The slide left a gash about 3.5 million cubic metres in size that runs into the corrie of Toll a' Mhadaidh Mor. Local folklore tells of shepherds hearing cries from the gash, leading to fatal falls. The mountain lies within the National Trust for Scotland’s Torridon Estate, owned by the charity since 1967. It forms part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. The usual ascent follows the Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuil river before climbing steep grassy slopes to Tom na Gruagaich. From there, the main ridge leads to Sgùrr Mòr, passing the deep gash known as Eag Dubh. The route offers wide views across the Torridon hills and the surrounding glens. From Sgùrr Mòr’s summit, the ridge continues east over a series of rocky pinnacles called the Horns of Alligin. These provide good scrambling in summer but become serious in winter. An alternative descent avoids the horns by dropping west into a neighbouring glen. The mountain’s rugged terrain and dramatic landforms make it a classic destination for experienced hillwalkers. The contrast between grassy slopes and sheer rock faces adds to its appeal.