Rich Hill. Thanks for the pictures and story Rich. Looks good and a well met partner in Shaun. Often mountain days are enhanced by chance meetings and a good partner can make all the difference.


Possibly the best weekend in the hills yet.

12 years I have driven along the Torridon road looking up at the terrifying spectacle of the 'Teeth of Liathach'. It looks completely unclimbable.
at last a fine spell, warm for the time of year so little chance of been blown from the traverse.

I left my bike at the western end of the hill near Ben Alligan and drove off to the start. 08:55. I set off actually on the wrong path if you go by my guidebook, but a path which then cuts up to the eastern end of the ridge proper. Some fantastic Torridon sandstone buttresses greet you on arrival at the crest. Big holds and not too exposed. then the first top not bad 1h55m. I met a lad from Cambridge called Shaun on his 11th Munro, we both respected the mountain and were aware of its reputation so we teamed up for the forthcoming (challenges).
arrival at the first Munro gave way to views of the Teeth. They look very intimidating in my view roped climbing is fine or scrambling Up feels secure, but walking along a narrow uneven crests with 400m drops is unforgiving if you trip. You only trip on a scramble once so anticipation and anxiety were blended to give us the nervous giggles as we climbed on.
After a while you arrive at the point of interest. A friendlier path heads off left as another faint path keeps to the crest we went for it because close up it was a boulderers dream, scrambling in comfort of grooves and broken corner cracks.
Shortly after though we were aware of the exposure and the challenge level rose beyond our comfort zones so we opted for the chicken run which itself has several airy situations, very exciting. Then you arrive at the grassy broad ridge and with the horrors gone our pulses returned to normal. We didn't have too much time to think about the exposure as we had to rescue a lassie mid way cos she became lost and cragfast somehow?? She was down a gully below us.
Superb views from the second summit, we left several others to continue on easy ground to the Loch and my bike. 8hrs 10mins van to van. Any way the Torridon mountains remain the highest quality of geology and inspiring landscapes I have ever seen. Can't wait to do Liathach again.


Rich
19th Oct 2009
Thanks to the Torridon Inn for the best burgers and pints of sheepshagger ale and drams...We slept well.