Behind Liathach - Coire Mhic Nobuil & Coire Dubh

Summary

This linear walk heads into the wild country immediately north of Torridon, passing round the hidden side of Liathach. This side of the mountain has great character and spectacular corries unseen from the road, making the through route a memorable one. There is no public transport linking the start and end of the walk so private arrangements need to be made.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Clear path throughout, though boggy and very rough in the central section.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Car park just west of the bridge over the Allt a Choire Dhuibh Mhòir.

Public Transport

None.

Start Grid Ref

NG958569

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 480m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

There is a car park on the A896 just west of the bridge over the Allt a'Choire Dhuibh Mhòir. A signpost for Coire Mhic Nobuil indicates the start of the well-made stalkers path, heading up into the gap between the mighty mountains on the north side of the road. On the left is Liathach - a towering battleship, whilst to the right are the towering scree slopes running down from the ridges of Beinn Eighe.

Stage 2

The path climbs well above the level of the stream and provides easy but fairly strenuous going, soon coming close below the eastern prow of Liathach - Stùc a' Choire Dhuibh Bhig, whose impregnable slopes are greatly foreshortened by their close proximity.

Stage 3

After a further kilometre some reedy lochans are passed before a path junction is reached at a large cairn. The main path heads right here, en route for Coire Mhic Fhearchair; instead take the quieter left branch. The views of Liathach are already stunning, with the great cone of Spidean a'Choire Lèith dominating, and to its right the Am Fasarinen pinnacles and finally Mullach an Rathain, all seen above a series of picturesque little reedy lochans on the left of the path.

Stage 4

The path on this section is clear but very rough, constantly climbing and descending over glacial moraines and crossing a couple of boggier patches. The northern side of the glen is taken up by the Corbett Beinn Dearg, much less impressive than Liathach from this side but becoming more dramatic as you head further west. It is still to the south that all eyes are drawn, looking up at the peaks divided by little visited but magnificent corries. Mullach an Rathain throws down a dramatic ridge to this side - the Northern Pinnacles - but its ascent is on very loose rock and best left to skilled rock-climbers. Once beyond the Mullach the going becomes much easier and the path descends gradually, mostly close to the stream; the view down the glen blocked by the great wall of Beinn Alligin.

Stage 5

Eventually the path reaches the Allt a' Bhealaich and a path descending from the Horns of Alligin comes in from the right. Turn left and follow the path across the footbridge over the Abhain Coire Mhic Nobuil. The path now continues easily along the southeast side of the latter stream, with great views of Beinn Alligin and down to Loch Torridon.

Stage 6

The stream flows through a small box-canyon in places, with some attractive waterfalls. Further down the path enters pinewoods at a gate and eventually emerges on the minor road beside a bridge overlooking a waterfall. There is a car park across the bridge, where hopefully your pre-arranged transport may be waiting.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig Hotels

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig B&B

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig cottages

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig hostels

Glamping and Camping

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