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Ben Klibreck
In Sutherland in the far north of Scotland, mighty Ben Klibreck sprawls over a vast area above forestry and moorland to the north of Lairg.
In shape, it resembles Ben Wyvis, with its Munro summit Meall nan Con sitting high above the crests and coires with their lochans.
Main route summary
Paths access the hill from various points, however these are not well worn and tend to occasionally disappear into wet, tussocky grass or marsh.
The views from the Ben Klibreck's summit Meall nan Con are vast, though slightly disappointing, due to the lack of near features to focus on.
I've often hiked Ben Klibreck in the an afternoon, tagging it onto a jaunt up Ben Hope in the morning.
Aim up Ben Klibreck on a clear day and you'll enjoy mixed emotions - clear air over huge land expanse, but tempered with a desire to be on more pointy peaks to the north and west.
Aim up on wet or misty days and all Ben Klibreck can muster is a long tedious trudge !
| Munros |
Ben Klibreck (Meall nan Con) (962m, Munro 194)
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| Ascent |
825m (2,700 ft)
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| Distance |
14.5km (9 miles)
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| Time |
walk : 5hr*, run : 2hr
*Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent
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| Start/finish |
Bridge over River Vagastie
(grid ref : NC537289)
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Route detail & map »
Getting there
- The starting point of the main route is by a bridge over the River Vagastie, 7km south of Altnaharra and 5km north of Crask Inn on the A836.
There is parking for 3 or 4 cars by the roadside at the starting point, or where the road crosses the River Vagastie, 1.5km south of the starting point.
Ben Klibreck - Meall nan Con
- From the roadside, a short section of path leads to the wooden bridge crossing the River Vagastie.
Cross this, then follow a wet and worn path over grass and bog to meet up with the burn that flows from Loch Bad an Loch.
There's a small waterfall to view on the way
.
- The path crosses to the northern side of the burn, goes through a gate, then continues for another 500m to cross the burn again at a point where the burn turns sharply
.
Now ever fainter, the path heads east and gradually gains height over the next 1km.
- As it approaches Ben Klibreck's steep slopes, just to the south of Loch nan Uan
, the path disappears completely.
- Head directly uphill over the heather-clad ground, aiming for an obvious green grassy split dividing the heather.
This is a trudge, but persist, this is the hardest part of the hike !
Continue uphill to meet up with an obvious boot-worn path
that contours around Creag an Lochain.
- Follow this path northwards to the grassy bealach
between Creag an Lochain and Meall nan Con.
- The path becomes fainter as it heads north then turns east to attain the rocks
at the foot of the last pull up to Meall nan Con.
The scree, boulders and grass are quickly ascended via the path that twists a route uphill.
- The now demolished trig point sits on the summit and expansive views can be enjoyed on clear days.
Return
- Return by the same route.
- Navigating down from Meall nan Con can be testing in mist.
On descent from the summit, the path can be lost and it is easy to be pulled in the wrong direction.
Coming down too early from the path that contours around Creag an Lochain can lead to arriving at wet loose ground above some short cliff sections.
- To avoid these problems, make a note of the route up as you ascend, particularly timings on the contouring path and bearings on the ascent of Meall nan Con.
Photos of route »
Ben Klibreck from Ben More Assynt
The bridge over the River Mudale and Ben Klibreck
Ben Klibreck above Altnaharra
The bridge over River Vagastie at the start of the main route
Trudging up Ben Klibreck's grassy slopes
On the path below Creag an Lochain
On Ben Klibreck's summit looking to Hope and Loyal
A clear day on the summit with Ben Loyal beyond
Creag an Lochain from Meall nan Con
Heather in summer blankets the lower slopes with pink and purple
Moth in Ben Klibreck's heather
Descending, nearly back to the roadside
Ben Klibreck from Seana Bhraigh
Ben Hope from Ben Klibreck
More photos are on Flickr !
Alternative routes »
Ben Klibreck via Creag an Lochain
A variation on the 'Main route', heading over the minor summit of Creag an Lochain. Recommended on a clear day as you'll get the views in earlier !
Ben Klibreck from Crask Inn
I'd been up Ben Klibreck from Vagastie a couple of times, before deciding to try and find a different more enjoyable route.
So I tried heading east in from Crask Inn, certainly different, but longer and not more enjoyable !
Other hill routes nearby »
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Ben More Assynt, Conival and Breabag
Bouldery peaks with fine views over Coigach and Inverpolly. A visit to the nearby Bone Caves is also recommended.
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Ben Loyal
A very attractive hill south of Tongue. Approaches from the north and east are described (coming soon)
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Foinaven, Arkle and Meall Horn
Enjoy superb ridge-walking on these impressive mountains with their dramatic corries. Stunning vast views can be savoured on clear days on one of the best hill routes in Scotland.
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Merkland Corbetts
Between drab moorland and the dramatic north-west coast is a quiet transition area with several peaks
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Ben Hope
The most northerly Munro. Choice of an easy quick afternnon walk from the south-west, or a tricky scramble from the north
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Accommodation & food »
Forecasts & other useful info »
Guided days on these mountains »
Our next guided event on Ben Klibreck will be over a weekend in
July'19, where we'll also be heading to Ben Hope, Ben More Assynt and Conival.
More information on the event is
here.
Alternatively, if you would like a bespoke day or two hiking over these peaks, we would be delighted to organise something for you and your group.
Check out our
Bespoke Guiding page for more information.
Previous guided events on our blog :
