Scottish Wilderness - Suilven

Location: Above Lochinver, Sutherland, Northern Highlands
Length: 24km / 15 miles
Ascent: 915m / 3002ft
Time: 10 hours

Difficulty: Suilven is a serious proposition whichever route you tackle it by. Firstly, the formidable nature of the mountain itself must be taken into account: it is a whaleback of sandstone, its flanks steep cliffs. The only natural breach in these defences being the Bealach Mor running north to south over the ridge. Secondly, it is extremely remote, with a considerable distance of rough terrain separating it from the road, and the length and remoteness of this walk are important considerations.        

Approaching from the distant west, our route in fact traverses the ridge of the mountain from east to west, and from this direction there are two sections of technical difficulty. The first and most trying of these is the descent from Meall Bheag to the gap below (east of) Meall Mheadhonach: although physically this is not unduly difficult, it is extremely exposed and requires careful route-finding (Scrambling Grade 2). Secondly, the descent from Meall Mheadhonach involves the negotiation of a 12m rock band (Scrambling Grade 2). Of course, in winter conditions the traverse of the mountain is a mountaineering expedition (Winter Mountaineering Grade 2).

Seasons: Summer conditions prevail from June to September; winter conditions from October to May.

Comment: Although there are easier ways to climb Suilven, this circular outing is one of the finest. It is an outstanding wilderness expedition to a legendary scottish mountain.

Suilven is one of the most beguiling and intriguing of all British mountains. It is also massively impressive, its bulk dominating the wilds of Sutherland, the great flats of interwoven heather, the myriad lochs and the grey, rumple-skinned gneiss. From the west, looking from the sea over Lochinver, the head is a massive, vertical-sided rock dome: this is the aptly named Caisteal Liath. From here a 2km spine runs east, first falling to the saddle of Bealach Mor, then rising again to the raised hump, the high conical spire of Meall Mheadhonach. Further still to the east, separated by a fearsome rift, is the bobtail of Meall Mheadhonach. Suilven is a famous landmark known to mountaineers and to all who pass this way.

Pre-requisite:
This package is designed for pre-formed groups of 4-6 people. It is a pre-requisite that you have a good level of fitness and/or summer mountain walking experience. Dates may also be available mid-week upon request.