Munro · North-West Highlands
Liathach - Mullach an Rathain
Mullach an Rathain (1023m) — "summit of the row of pinnacles" — is the western Munro of Liathach, the magnificent quartzite-capped Torridonian sandstone ridge above Glen Torridon. The peak sits at the western end of the famous Am Fasarinen pinnacles, the technical crux of the full ridge traverse. Mullach an Rathain can be climbed by itself via the steep north-west ridge from Torridon village, avoiding the pinnacles — a route that gives access to one of the most scenic summits in Scotland without the technical scrambling.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1023.9m/ 3359ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 901 m
- Time
- 6–10 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG911576
- Parking
- NG902560
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 76km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Steep ascent from glen 25% · Rocky ridge 40% · Pinnacles / scramble 35%
For Mullach an Rathain alone, park in Torridon village. Take the path north from the village onto the steep north-west ridge — the so-called "Northern Pinnacles" line — and climb directly to the summit. For the full Liathach traverse, see Spidean a' Choire Lèith; the western pinnacles section can be bypassed on the north side. Mullach an Rathain direct is 9km with 1100m of ascent; the full traverse is 13km with 1300m of ascent.
Terrain
The Torridon village approach is rough heathery hillside without much path until the north-west ridge proper. The ridge itself is steep but mostly walkable; the Northern Pinnacles section directly below the summit is loose scrambly ground that needs care. The summit area is rocky sandstone slabs with the cairn perched at the edge of the south face. The Am Fasarinen pinnacles to the east are bare Torridonian sandstone scrambling at Grade 2/3.
In winter
A serious Scottish winter mountaineering objective. Mullach an Rathain in full winter conditions is a Grade I/II climb. The Am Fasarinen pinnacles become a sustained Grade II/III winter scramble; the bypass path north of the pinnacles is itself steep loose snow above big drops. The Torridon village access is reliable; the A896 corridor is gritted. Phone signal absent above 400m. SAIS Torridon applies during the rated season.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 55m
- Edinburgh4h 22m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: No signal above 400m on Liathach. Moderate signal at Torridon. Part of the dramatic Liathach traverse.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:27
- Sunset
- 22:15
- Civil dawn
- 03:19
- Civil dusk
- 23:23
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Liathach - Mullach an Rathain.
Around Liathach - Mullach an Rathain on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Liathach - Mullach an Rathain — common questions
- How hard is Liathach - Mullach an Rathain?
- Liathach - Mullach an Rathain is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 901m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-10 hours. Terrain: The Torridon village approach is rough heathery hillside without much path until the north-west ridge proper.
- Where do I park for Liathach - Mullach an Rathain?
- Standard parking is at NG902560 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Liathach - Mullach an Rathain?
- The standard good-weather months for Liathach - Mullach an Rathain are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Liathach - Mullach an Rathain?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Liathach - Mullach an Rathain?
- No signal above 400m on Liathach. Moderate signal at Torridon. Part of the dramatic Liathach traverse.
- Is Liathach - Mullach an Rathain safe in winter?
- A serious Scottish winter mountaineering objective. Mullach an Rathain in full winter conditions is a Grade I/II climb. The Am Fasarinen pinnacles become a sustained Grade II/III winter scramble; the bypass path north of the pinnacles is itself steep loose snow above big drops. The Torridon village access is reliable; the A896 corridor is gritted. Phone signal absent above 400m. SAIS Torridon applies during the rated season.
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