Northwest Highlands
Torridon Hills (Liathach, Beinn Alligin) — Parking
Torridon Car Park · Grid ref NG 869 567 · IV22 2EZ · Free
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NG 869 567
- Postcode (satnav)
- IV22 2EZ
- Spaces
- ~40
- Cost
- Free
- Surface
- gravel
From the car park
The car park sits at the junction of the A896 and the Torridon village road, at the foot of Liathach's massive southern face. For Liathach, a path leaves from approximately 500m east of the car park on the A896, ascending steeply into the corrie. For Beinn Alligin, drive 3km west to the dedicated car park at NG 869 578 on the A896. The NTS visitor centre has detailed route information and current conditions advice.
The walk
Torridon's two major Munros — Liathach and Beinn Alligin — rank among Scotland's finest and most demanding ridge walks. Liathach's main ridge (8km, 1,050m ascent) involves unavoidable scrambling on the Pinnacles traverse. Beinn Alligin's Horns of Alligin ridge (12km, 1,100m) is slightly more moderate but equally spectacular. Both routes offer Torridonian sandstone architecture that feels uniquely ancient. Allow a full day for either.
Facilities
- NTS visitor centre (seasonal)
- Toilets (seasonal)
- Information
Busy times
Torridon never reaches the crowds of Ben Nevis or Ben Lomond but is very popular with experienced hillwalkers in summer. July and August weekends see the car park fill by 9–10am. Winter is very quiet but the routes are serious mountaineering terrain in full winter conditions.
Getting here without a car
Torridon has very limited public transport. Scottish Citylink runs to Inverness; from Inverness a local service covers the A832 to Kinlochewe. Beyond Kinlochewe to Torridon (12km on the A896) there is no regular bus. A dial-a-bus service (Westerbus) operates in the area — call ahead. Hiring a car at Inverness is strongly recommended.
Winter access
The A896 approach can be snowbound or icy in severe winter weather. The single-track sections between Kinlochewe and Torridon are particularly susceptible. Liathach's Pinnacles are Grade II/III in winter, requiring full mountaineering equipment. Check sais.gov.uk for the Northern Highlands avalanche forecast.
Overflow parking
A896 roadside in designated lay-bys. Diabaig area for alternative start to Beinn Alligin.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:23
- Sunset
- 21:15
- Civil dawn
- 04:34
- Civil dusk
- 22:04
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Is Liathach suitable for beginners?
- No — Liathach is one of Scotland's most challenging Munro ridges. The main ridge involves unavoidable Grade 2–3 scrambling on the Pinnacles section with significant exposure. It should only be attempted by experienced hillwalkers with scrambling ability.
- How long is the drive from Inverness to Torridon?
- From Inverness to Torridon car park is approximately 90km, taking around 1h30–2h depending on traffic on the A832 through Kinlochewe and the single-track A896.
- Is parking at Torridon free?
- Yes — the NTS car park at Torridon and the dedicated Beinn Alligin car park on the A896 are both currently free. The NTS visitor centre is also free to enter.
- What is the best Torridon hill for a first visit?
- Beinn Alligin is generally considered more approachable than Liathach, with the Horns of Alligin traverse providing exciting scrambling that can be bypassed if desired. Tom na Gruagaich (the westernmost top at 922m) can be climbed and returned without committing to the full horseshoe.