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Suilven
Guided hillwalking day in Assynt in the Northern Highlands
Suilven is a spectacular mountain in the North-West Highlands. The most westerly peak in Assynt, it dominates the surrounding area. From the west and above the village of Lochinver its westerly rounded summit, Caisteal Liath, is affectionately known as the 'Sugar Loaf'. But head nearer and its shape changes dramatically with a long crest stretching across a middle peak, Meall Meadhonach, and ending abruptly on Meall Bheag.
We're here in this wonderful area for some fine hiking on well defined paths and ome easy scrambling to reach the main summits on Suilven's ridge. We'll also take a circular route to vary our day.
At a glance
- A day hiking on fine paths into a remote and beautiful area.
- Reaching superb vantage points from where vast views over a landscape pitted with lochans can be savoured.
- Enjoy some easy rock-scrambling along crests and ridges, mostly at Grade 1 level, with some optional detours.
- Reach Suilven's summits, Caisteal Liath and Meall Mheadhonach
- Join a small group led by an experienced leader with a good knowledge of the wildlife, flora and geology
Dates and booking
General info
Rock-scrambling to Grade 1, moderate day.
This day event is a guided hill-walking and rock-scrambling hike with one of our experienced and qualified leaders.
Your guide will know the area well and be able to give you insight into the flora, fauna and geology.
Our maximum guide to client ratio on this event is 1:6.
Outline of event »
A spectacular mountain and one of Britain's most photographed peaks
| Summits : | Caisteal Liath, Meall Meadhonach |
| Grading : | 'demanding day', some easy rock-scrambling up to Grade 1 |
| Stats : | distance : 21km, ascent : 1250m, time : 8-10 hours |
North of Ullapool, Suilven in Assynt is one of Britain's most photographed mountains, its backbone clearly visible from north and south, but not obvious from the east and well hidden from a westerly view, lurking behind Caisteal Liath, the 'Sugar Loaf'.
We start from Glen Canisp Lodge on a fine path heading south-east for around 6km. This brings us to the foot of Suilven, with the hugh sandstone dome of Caisteal Liath at one end and a pinnacled ridge leading to Meall Meadhonach at the other. We'll get up onto crest using a steep and recently rebuilt path and aim for Caisteal Liath. Depending on conditions and group desire, we also hope to visit Meall Meadhonach, enjoying some easy rock-scrambling on the way. Instead of returning the way we came, as most people do, we'll head down the other side of the mountain and walk out following the River Kirkaig passing the lovely Falls of Kirkaig on the way.
Map of intended route
Experience & fitness needed »
Rock-scrambling to Grade 1, moderate day.
To join this guided event, we ask that you :
- have a good level of fitness
- have done several hillwalks and are comfortable walking on ridges
- are comfortable hiking for 7 hours plus
- had exposure to Briitsh mountain weather or similar
- possess a reasonably good head for heights
We've classed this day as 'demanding'. We're on good approach tracks and paths with rocky ground higher up, some of which is loose.
We hope to aim for Suilven's summits of Caisteal Liath and Meall Mheadhonach which will involve some rock-scrambling, up to Grade 1. We are not intending to head to the minor summit of Meall Bheag (which would involve a Grade 3 scramble).
Have a look at
how we grade our events or
contact us for more information.
Gear you'll need »
You'll need your general hiking and hill-walking gear appropriate to the conditions and time of year. You'll not need any climbing gear and your guide will have a rope for confidence.
More information on this gear along with a checklist to download and Pinterest board for specific suggestions can be found on our
Mountain Gear page.
Your guide »
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John King
MLS, MLW qualified and more, John is passionate about passing on his knowledge and sharing his enthusiasm for the hills !
Leading the events on 19 May'19 and 1 September'19.
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Steven Fallon
MLS, MLW qualified, Steven has been hill-walking for over 20 years in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK and Europe. He loves sharing his enthusiasm for the Scottish Mountains and their stunning scenery.
Leading the event on 5 July'19.
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More information on your guide can be found on our
About Us page.
Location & accommodation »
Our route begins from Glen Canisp Lodge, which is a couple of miles east of the village of Lochinver. There are bus services from Inverness and Ullapool to Lochinver. As the day finishes at Inverkirkaig, a few miles south-west of Lochinver, we'll shuffle cars at the start of the day to avoid a long walk back along a road.
Below is a list of accommodation that previous guests on our trips have recommended.
Other accommodation can be found at
Visit Scotland.
Around a month prior to an event taking place, we hope to set up a 'Whatsapp' chat group for the event. This will hopefully help participants find out where others are staying and organise car-share.
Please note that our expertise lies in offering you great guided days in Scotland's mountains and not providing transport or arranging your accommodation. Please see our
FAQs for more information.
Previous trips »
Below on our Blog or on Flickr are some previous trips similar to this one.
