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Walk up Beinn Alligin

By Ian Tupman   

on October 16, 2019    No ratings yet.

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Scotland, Torridon and Gairloch

Walk up Beinn Alligin

Route Essentials

Route Summary

A superb traverse of the Beinn Alligin massif with spectacular views of the Torridon mountains and beyond.

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

11.33 km

Ascent

1192 m

Time

5-7 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Parking area on the left of the road approximately 3kms to the west of Torridon village.

Difficulty

Hard Walk

Hazards

The traverse of the three Horns of Alligin is optional and should only be attempted by confident scramblers. In winter conditions it is an alpine route requiring the appropriate equipment and experience.
Between June and September, the Highland midge can really spoil your day if you are not well-protected. There are various products available but Smidge seems to be effective for most people (https://www.smidgeup.com/smidge/)

Weather Forecast:

MWIS Northwest Highlands

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

Walk up Beinn Alligin Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

Walk up Beinn Alligin

One of the Torridon ‘Big Three’, Beinn Alligin is a classic round and includes the Munros of Tom na Gruagaich and Sgurr Mhor.

Walk up Beinn Alligin Route Description

Park in the large car park approximately 3km to the west of Torridon village

Start/finish of the route

Cross the road and take the path on the west (left hand) side of the river. The path rises quickly through woodland before emerging on the open moorland. Cross the ladder stile over the deer fence and continue on the good path which passes over a couple of rock bands.

The moorland section before the rise over the rock bandsContinue to the mouth of Coire nan Laogh where the huge head wall of the corrie presents a seemingly impossible escape route.

Entering the ‘jaws’ of Coire nan Laogh

However, the pitched path soon swings north and climbs very steeply to the left of the burn, eventually passing over more gentle ground to reach the trig point on Tom na Gruagaich at 922m.

The summit of Tom na Gruagaich
The summit of Tom na Gruagaich

Drop down from the summit and descend over some rocky outcrops with easier sections between them to reach the broad saddle before rising again over a minor top.

The ridge beyond Tom na Gruagaich

Drop down slightly to a second saddle and pass the deep cleft of Eag Dubh on the right before the easy ascent to the summit cairn of Sgurr Mhor, the higher of the two Munros at 986m.

The deep cleft of Eag Dubh
Looking back along the ridge on the ascent to Sgurr Mhor
The summit cairn of Sgurr Mhor

Again, the views in all directions are outstanding but the eyes are drawn to the remainder of the ridge and the three ‘Horns of Alligin’.

The Horns of Alligin from Sgurr Mhor

A decision must now be made. In winter conditions the traverse of the Horns is an alpine route and requires the appropriate gear and experience. At other times of the year the scramble across the three tops is relatively straightforward but a head for heights is required and in misty conditions you should be confident in your route finding and navigation. If in doubt, turn back along the ridge and retrace the outbound route.

If you are continuing, drop down steeply from the summit of Sgurr Mhor to the narrow col and climb the relatively easy but steep slope to the summit at 866m. In windy conditions it is probably best to continue on the slightly lower path on the north side of the narrow ridge but otherwise enjoy the exposure as you walk across the rocky top and descend to the base of the second Horn.

The rocky top of the first Horn
The rocky top of the first Horn

More simple scrambling gains the second summit before descending briefly to the base of the third and final Horn.

It is necessary to keep to the right of the ridge where a steep section blocks progress but look for the worn rock steps which rise on the left and lead up to the summit ridge.

There now follows the long and steep descent down the south-east ridge. This takes the form of a series of steep rock bands with slightly less steep sections between them. Some down climbing may be required but there is no exposure. Reach the small cairn at the bottom of the ridge and give the knees a well-deserved rest.

The descent on the south-east ridge
The descent on the south-east ridge

There is now a good path which soon joins another coming in from the left. Cross two bridges and continue down the glen where there are several waterfalls and pools to enjoy whilst also looking back up to see the whole of the ridge on the skyline.

The path soon enters a wooded area and shortly after arrives at the road. Turn right and cross the bridge to return to the car park.

The wooded section at the end of the route

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

A superb traverse of the Beinn Alligin massif with spectacular views of the Torridon mountains and beyond.

This walk includes the 2 Munros of Beinn Alligin – Sgurr Mhor, Beinn Alligin – Tom na Gruagaich

Route Start Location: Parking area on the left of the road approximately 3kms to the west of Torridon village.

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
11.33 km 1192 m 5-7 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Hard Walk

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

Toilets and cafe at the Torridon youth hostel.

Hazards

The traverse of the three Horns of Alligin is optional and should only be attempted by confident scramblers. In winter conditions it is an alpine route requiring the appropriate equipment and experience.
Between June and September, the Highland midge can really spoil your day if you are not well-protected. There are various products available but Smidge seems to be effective for most people (https://www.smidgeup.com/smidge/)

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking : n/a

Large car park approximately 3 kms west of Torridon village

Public Transport:

Public transport: None to the start of the route. Very infrequent bus service to Torridon village. Check with https://www.travelinescotland.com

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

MWIS Northwest Highlands

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

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Ian Tupman

Ian lives In Ardrossan and being only a fifty five minutes ferry crossing to Brodick, the Isle of Arran is his ‘back yard’. He knows the mountains of the north of the island well and has walked every permutation of routes over the various summits. He is now spending more time further north exploring the Cairngorms, the far north-west and the mountains of the west of Scotland.

More Posts by Ian Tupman

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