In reply to Bungle:
Hi Stuart
Not sure if this is still relevant given the weather changes however I was in Torridon last Monday and Tuesday (11th and 12th).
Did Beinn Eighe - definitely needed an axe. Liathach was in Winter garb too.
However, the hills around Strathcarron had no snow on at all. I did Maol Chean-Dearg on the Tuesday and was snow free.