A proper high mountain day scrambling on a Torridonian sandstone ridge.
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Grade: 2
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A long day sampling the delights of
Torridon by tracing the Beinn Alligin ridge. A high mountain
day with 4000ft of ascent in true wilderness with stunning
views in a classic location
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Equipment: Rope, slings not
necessary.
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Online Map link
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Views: 4
Technicality: 2
Exposure: 2
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GIBBER FACTOR* 2
*out of
five.
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Overview A long day sampling the delights of Torridon by tracing
the Beinn Alligin ridge. With 4000ft of ascent in true wilderness
with stunning views in a classic location, this is a proper high
mountain day and a brilliant introduction to the joys of scrambling
on Torridonian sandstone.
In winter, Alligin is a classic day out and a great preliminary to
its slightly harder neighbours, Liathach and Beinn Eighe.
A
classic view of Beinn Alligin in winter by Colin Lavers
from his OM
album
Approach From the car park at Upper Loch Torridon between
Torridon and Inveralligin take the path up Coire Mhic Nobuil through
the trees for half a mile to a bridge. Turn left here and acend
towards Coir' nan Laoigh.
Route The route starts with the ridge on the left hand side of
Coir' nan Laoigh, which consists of a serious of steps and ledges on
wonderful Torridon sandstone.
As you climb the view opens up to culminate in a magnificent
position at Tom na Gruagaich where the eastern ridge of Coir' nan
Laoigh joins the main ridge.
Here the whole of Beinn Alligin opens up with views of both The
Horns of Alligin and the Black Notch ahead. To the south the whole of
Upper Loch Torridon is revealed, while off to the west the Atlantic
leads the eye to Skye.
Not a recommended descent... The cleft on Beinn Alligin
photographed by Frank Gehrich - OM
Album
From Tom na Gruaghaich the route drops steeply for 500ft along a
narrow ridge to a col. As you begin the reascent the ridge broadens
as it approaches a minor top.
The next section, leading to the summit of Sgurr Mhor is
unmistakable, with the impressive Eag Dhubh (Black Notch) slicing
through the mountain. Keep left of this on a well trodden path and
make your way to the summit. Now continue along the ridge to the
east, descending steeply at first. A short reascent brings you to
three rocky outcrops known as The Horns.
A safe path bypasses the steep sections on the right, but taking
The Horns on directly gives the best scrambling of the day. Countless
feet have worn a safe route up the rocky knolls, but the exposure
here is very noticeable. Route finding is simple, however, and the
scrambling never gets above grade 2.
Looking along the ridge - Steve Morley - OM
Album
From the top of the final outcrop turn right to head downhill in a
south-easterly direction, with interesting little crags along the
way take in if you have the time.
Eventually the path brings you out by the side of Allt a'
Bhealaich and a well worn path down to Coire Mhic Nobuil. From here
follow the stream downhill to return to your starting point.
The route may not have some of the technical difficulty of other
Scotland classics, nor the route finding problems, but what it lacks
in technicality it more than makes up for in location and
surroundings.
The seven miles of the full walk in and traverse makes a superb
mountain day with options suitable for walkers and scramblers, and
makes the ideal introduction to scrambling on the famous Torridon
sandstone.
Caution Scrambling is potentially dangerous and,
particularly at the higher grades, requires technical skills and
equipment to minimise the risk. We suggest that you take professional
instruction or climb with an experienced partner.
