Mullach an Rathain (Liathach)

Mullach an Rathain, at 1,023 metres, is the second Munro of the mighty Liathach ridge in Torridon, reached beyond the famous Am Fasarinen Pinnacles that separate it from the mountain's higher summit, Spidean a' Choire Lèith.

Almost all walkers reach Mullach an Rathain as the second half of a full Liathach traverse, starting from the Coire Dubh Mòr car park and climbing over Spidean a' Choire Lèith first. From there, the ridge narrows dramatically into the Am Fasarinen Pinnacles — a series of shattered sandstone towers perched above the tiered cliffs of Coire na Càime. Confident scramblers stay on the crest, clambering directly over each pinnacle with sustained exposure on both sides; a well-trodden bypass path lower on the south flank avoids most of the difficulty for those preferring a walking-only option, though it remains narrow and exposed itself. Beyond the pinnacles the ridge widens and the walking becomes markedly easier, crossing a couple of minor tops before the final climb to Mullach an Rathain's summit, a superb viewpoint back along the entire Liathach ridge and west to Beinn Alligin and Loch Torridon.

The descent from Mullach an Rathain follows a stony path south-west towards a shoulder before dropping down a steep, eroded scree and earth slope into Toll Bàn, easing briefly on grassy ground before a further steep descent alongside the Allt an Toll Bhàin back to the road.

The full traverse from Coire Dubh Mòr, taking in both Munros and the pinnacles, is around 12 kilometres with 1,200 metres of ascent, typically seven to eight hours.

The Am Fasarinen crossing is the technical crux of the day and should not be underestimated even via the bypass path, which itself has exposed sections; the long descent through Toll Bàn is relentlessly steep and hard on the knees. This route is comparable in seriousness to Aonach Eagach and An Teallach, and should only be attempted in good weather with full mountain navigation skills, given how few safe escape routes exist along the ridge.

Parking at the Coire Dubh Mòr car park is free; buses between Torridon and the train line at Achnasheen or Strathcarron are infrequent.