Lucky on Liathach
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 12:40 pmEver had a mountain that when the first time you saw it in a magazine, drive by, or a movie you had to climb it? I was back in California hiking the John Muir trail with a couple of my buddies, and one of them pulled out a book one evening. The book was called Great Mountain Days in Scotland: 50 Classic hillwalking challenges. As we thumbed through the book that night, Liathac caught my eye. As soon as I got back home I couldn't wait to go on Google and take a closer look at this "Beast of Torridon." Fast forward many years later, and after a couple of failed attempts because of terrible weather, I was looking at this beast on Saturday morning...and what a site it was!
Here's a video of my walk
http://youtu.be/HwcDRwK-aK8
First glimpse of Liathac
I won't go into a detailed description of the traverse because I planned my walk from the many reports that are on this fantastic site. I'll let the pics do the talking. The pull up to the ridge is an expedition in itself.
At one point I thought that Liathac was going to get the best of me...but eventually I made it to the ridge proper and oh what views! Spidean a' Choire was looking glorious with just a bit of snow around the edges.
Looking back to Stuc a' Choire Dhuibh Bhig.
Once I made it to the top of Spidey, I got the first views of the main event...The Am Fasarinen Pinnacles
The pinnacles, although very airy, were pretty straightforward. Plenty of hand and foot holds for getting over them.
After the last pinnacle shown below, it's just a stroll up to Mullach an Rathain.
Once you are at the summit of Mullach an Rathain you are treated to most excellent views if the weather is good.
Beinn Alligin
Beinn Dearg and Carn na Feola with Beinn an Eoinn in the background
Beinn Eighe
Looking back at the traverse
I shot down to take a look at the Northern Pinnacles and they look difficult to say the least
Descended down the scree slope which was difficult on tired legs...but it was well worth it. As I got to the roadside and began my walk back to my car, a gentleman pulled over and offered me a ride to my car. This day couldn't have gotten any better! As I drove away I could only think of how lucky I was to finally have decent weather and bag this beast. Here was the last shot of the day.
Here's a video of my walk
http://youtu.be/HwcDRwK-aK8
First glimpse of Liathac
I won't go into a detailed description of the traverse because I planned my walk from the many reports that are on this fantastic site. I'll let the pics do the talking. The pull up to the ridge is an expedition in itself.
At one point I thought that Liathac was going to get the best of me...but eventually I made it to the ridge proper and oh what views! Spidean a' Choire was looking glorious with just a bit of snow around the edges.
Looking back to Stuc a' Choire Dhuibh Bhig.
Once I made it to the top of Spidey, I got the first views of the main event...The Am Fasarinen Pinnacles
The pinnacles, although very airy, were pretty straightforward. Plenty of hand and foot holds for getting over them.
After the last pinnacle shown below, it's just a stroll up to Mullach an Rathain.
Once you are at the summit of Mullach an Rathain you are treated to most excellent views if the weather is good.
Beinn Alligin
Beinn Dearg and Carn na Feola with Beinn an Eoinn in the background
Beinn Eighe
Looking back at the traverse
I shot down to take a look at the Northern Pinnacles and they look difficult to say the least
Descended down the scree slope which was difficult on tired legs...but it was well worth it. As I got to the roadside and began my walk back to my car, a gentleman pulled over and offered me a ride to my car. This day couldn't have gotten any better! As I drove away I could only think of how lucky I was to finally have decent weather and bag this beast. Here was the last shot of the day.
