Tackling The Torridon Mountains In Late Summer: A Guide

Late summer can be a lovely time to explore the wild beauty of the Highlands, with ambient temperatures, the first blooms of heather and just a hint of autumn in the air. Some of the more popular hiking routes around Glencoe can get a little busy at this time of year as the tourist season peaks and campsites are full.

If you truly want to get away from it all, consider the Torridon mountains, which are more remote and tend to be quieter. These majestic mountain ranges have enough variety to suit beginners, experienced climbers and everyone in between. 

Whether you want a guided walk in the Torridons or a solo challenge, you will be rewarded with unforgettable scenery. 

The rugged charm of the Torridons

The sandstone and quartzite ridges in the north west corner of the Highlands include some of Scotland’s most iconic Munros: Liathach, Beinn Alligin, and Beinn Eighe. The remote slopes are rich in unspoilt wildlife and vegetation, and also have a fascinating geological origin with an impressive diversity of rock types and formations. 

If you are interested in geology, ecology and native wildlife, or are a keen photographer, then you will find hiking in the Torridons a rich and rewarding experience. 

Popular Torridon Munros

Torridon Munro walks can be tailored to all experience levels, whether you’re a beginner or aiming for a full ridge traverse. Favourites include:

Beinn Alligin –  A beautiful loop that includes two Munros: Sgurr Mor (986m) and Tom na Gruagaich (922m). The dramatic Horns of Alligin provides some fairly manageable scrambling sections, so it’s a great way to gain experience. 

There are some steep and exposed sections towards the summit, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views over Loch Torridon.

Liathach –  One of Scotland’s most impressive ridges, offering thrilling walking for experienced hikers. It consists of two Munros: Spidean a’ Choire Leith (1055m) and Mullach an Rathain (1023m). The route is very steep in places with some tricky scrambling sections, and is best tackled with a guide unless you are very confident. 

Beinn Eighe  –  A blend of two rugged ridges: Ruadh-stac Mòr (1010m) and Spidean Coire nan Clach (993m), Beinn Eighe is suited to more experienced walkers who are physically fit with good stamina and strong scrambling skills. The lower slopes are covered with rare Caledonian pinewoods, while the views from the summits are unparalleled. 

Why August is special in Torridon

In August the midges might still bite, but the weather is often clear, revealing sweeping views out to the Isle of Skye and beyond. The days are still long enough for big mountain adventures, but the lower sun angle gives the peaks dramatic shadows and colour. 

Wildlife lovers may spot red deer on the hillsides, golden eagles soaring above, or otters playing along the loch shores. With quieter trails than some of the more famous Highland routes and truly breathtaking views, it’s the ideal time to explore the Torridon mountains.