Beinn Alligin
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Beinn Alligin (In Scottish Gaelic, Jewelled Hill), is one of the classic hills of the Torridon region of Scotland. It lies to the North of Loch Torridon, in the Highlands.
The hill has two peaks of Munro status: Tom na Gruagaich (922 m) to the south, and Sgurr Mhor (986 m) to the north.
The usual route of ascent starts from the minor road between Torridon village and Inveralligin, following the route of the Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuil (a river), before heading up into the corrie of Coir nan Laogh. Steep grassy slopes then lead to the summit of Tom na Gruagaich. The main ridge of Beinn Alligin is then followed round to the north, leading the hillwalker towards Sgurr Mhor. Below the summit of this peak is a deep gash in the hillside known as Eag Dubh, the black notch, one of Beinn Alligin's most recognisable features.
Horns_of_Alligin.jpg
From the summit of Tom na Gruagaich, it is possible to continue along the ridge, now heading in an easterly direction. The ridge at this point becomes much rockier, and a series of pinnacles known as the "Horns of Alligin" must be negotiated. The horns provide good summer scrambling for those with a head for heights, but in winter they are much more serious proposition.
An alternative descent, avoiding the horns, can be made by leaving the Beinn Alligin ridge at the low point between the two summits (in the Gaelic such a feature is known as a "bealach") , where grassy slopes can be followed westwards down into a neighbouring glen.