Anyone been up Suilven?

[Richard Baber]

Hi

I'm planning a walk up Suilven this summer. I'm a bit of a fair weather walker and have always had to abandon my attempts in the past as the weather closed in. Anybody been up? Any tips?



Cannot wait to get back to the Highlands...

Richard

[ChrisJB]

I've never been up, but I've been near it! There are lots of books/website that give you good walk details. Try the following website, it's brilliant. I think the most obvious ascent takes you up to the col at Bealach Mor, then it's a simple scramble to the highest point of Casteal Liath. It is the lower pinnacles that offer the most difficulties I believe, but if you are only interested in the highest point, it doesn't matter. When you get back let us know how you get on. Suilven is very high on my list too.

Suilven (Walk Highlands)

Regards, Chris

[Richard Baber]

Thanks for the link Chris. I've got a few books covering the ascent - there only appear to be two main approaches, from Glencanisp Lodge or Inverkirkaig, either of which is going to be a challenge for me. As for the pinnacles, I'll admire them from afar. I know my limits!

If I do manage it, I'll certainly post some pics.

Richard

[Endrick]

Yes I've been up a few times. I tend to do a spot of fishing on the way so come up from Inverkirkaig then leave the track at the falls of Kirkaig before heading around Fionn the up the steep grass slope going round the backvia the lochs at the North side of Suilven. There's a tricky bit of scrambling on the top if you like that sort of thing.

Here's the view towards Ullapool from the top looking over Stac Polly
https://picasaweb.google.com/chalkst...99537271600098

Then looking Northwards

https://picasaweb.google.com/chalkst...00285881234706

Then South

https://picasaweb.google.com/chalkst...99432639208786

Malcolm

[Richard Baber]

Hi Malcolm

Thank you for your reply and for letting me see the photos in your album. Some fine views and some fine fish! I haven't decided which route I'll attempt yet but as most guidebooks suggest the route from Lochinver, I'll probably go with that.

Cheers
Richard

[Richard Baber]

Well, I made it up Suilven and I don't think I've enjoyed a mountain walk as much as this one. As planned, I took the most popular route, from Glencanisp Lodge, Lochinver. If you want a challenging walk with spectacular views, I most definitely recommend tackling Suilven.

Here are a few photos taken that day.

Suilven at the beginning of the walk, looking imposing in the distance. A five mile hike to the foot of the mountain is the first challenge, along a stalkers path initially then a rough path cross-country.



Drawing near, still on the stalkers path. The path up the mountain leads straight up to the lowest part of the ridge.



At the foot of the mountain, the path up looks rather intimidating!



Four and a quarter hours after setting off, I made it to the summit, Caisteal Liath. Time to sit down, have some food and soak up the views.



The view along the ridge to the jagged peaks at the other end of Suilven is nothing less than spectacular.



Equally stunning is the drystone dyke built right across the ridge and down both sides.



The views in all directions are breath-taking. Here's Stac Pollaidh to the south.



And Canisp to the west.



Finally, well on my way back to the car, a glance back to what must be my favourite mountain.

[ChrisJB]

Oh well done! Brilliant. Tremendous photographs and it certainly looks like you got the weather for it.
When/If I ever get round to doing it I'll have to pick your brains for further details.

Regards, Chris

[PMG]

How fabulous! I've had a sneaking attraction for this mountain since I first saw it in the '70's! Every year I want to pass it by on my way to the top of the country (afraid my walking days, let alone climbing are behind me - well for this kind of distance and elevation!) I've really enjoyed looking at your pics along the way and have been with you in spirit - well done Richard

Pauline

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by PMG

How fabulous! I've had a sneaking attraction for this mountain since I first saw it in the '70's! Every year I want to pass it by on my way to the top of the country (afraid my walking days, let alone climbing are behind me - well for this kind of distance and elevation!) I've really enjoyed looking at your pics along the way and have been with you in spirit - well done Richard

Pauline

I know what you mean. When I first started hill-walking in the mid 1980's (gawd, it seems like yesterday...sigh), when I first saw pictures of it, I was bewitched by it's arresting and towering form and since then it's been right at the top of my 'to do' list. In terms of height, it may be well below Munro status, but it loses nowt for that and to me it is surely one of the finest mountains in the British Isles (though Liathach, An Teallach and Sgurr Nan Gillean might have something to say about that).
Even the late, great Ewan MacColl manages to include it in one of his songs.

Chris

[Red Squirrel]

Well done Richard. I take my hat off to you for your determination. Love the photos too.

What's next on the agenda?