Described by some as the best mountain in Scotland. Suilven, although only 741metres (2389feet) high rises from the wilderness landscape of moor, bogs and small lochs. It is a very distinctive mountain with a steep-sided ridge of almost 2kms, once seen it is definitely never forgotten. Suilven featured in the 2017 film Edie starring Sheila Hancock and Kevin Guthrie
In life there are always ambitions that you wish to achieve. Dave had wanted to climb Suilven, a mountain in Northern Scotland after seeing pictures of it in a book about ten years ago. It has been described by some as the best mountain in Scotland. Suilven, although only 741metres (2389feet) high rises from the wilderness landscape of moor, bogs and small lochs. It is a very distinctive mountain with a steep-sided ridge of almost 2kms, once seen it is definitely never forgotten.
In life there are always ambitions that you wish to achieve. Dave had wanted to climb Suilven, a mountain in Northern Scotland after seeing pictures of it in a book about ten years ago. It has been described by some as the best mountain in Scotland. Suilven, although only 741metres (2389feet) high rises from the wilderness landscape of moor, bogs and small lochs. It is a very distinctive mountain with a steep-sided ridge of almost 2kms, once seen it is definitely never forgotten.
The path heads straight towards the middle of the mountain, arriving at a beautiful tarn about thirty minutes later. We followed the path to the right of the tarn, stopping to have a snack and take in the views
The path then begins its very steep ascent of the mountain. Parts of this path have new steps, other parts are quite slippery with bits of rock. Care needs to be taken especially when you are going down. The views get better with every passing step, you are surrounded by views of mountains, lochs and the sea. We continued upwards for 45 minutes until the ridge was reached. Here the view is just exquisite with mountains in all directions.
The top to the right is easier to access than the one to the left. So we turned right along the ridge, passing through a gap in the wall and headed for the top. After a further 50 minutes from reaching the ridge we attained the summit (12.50pm) with stupendous views in every direction. This truly is one of the best views we have ever had whilst walking, the cloud level just hovering above the highest mountains adding to the atmosphere.
After lunch, chats and taking many photos we left the top at 1.45pm, we could see rain on the top of a couple of nearby mountains. There are steep drops to each side of the path on the ridge and care does need to be taken. We took our time, as going down seemed to be harder than going up due to the path's terrain and us being distracted by looking at the views. At 3pm we arrived back at the tarn, re-joining the main path at 3.30pm, arriving back at the car at 5pm ahead of the rain.
Comments
This walk even though it is a long 8 hour day does not involve that much altitude Suilven being only 741 meters high. We saw about 30 people all of whom were exhilarated by the sublime views. Some walkers were obviously experienced in walking in the local area (unlike us), and recommended other walks in the vicinity.
We cannot recommend this walk highly enough, even though it is a long way off the beaten track, (for us anyway). It is well worth the drive but ensure that you have a good weather forecast otherwise it would not be worthwhile.
We stayed the following night at a Port A Bhaig Campsite, which has a small shop, shower block, and lovely pub serving food. We intended to summit another iconic mountain Stac Pollaidh the next day. However, the weather had altered overnight with heavy rain, wind and low cloud. We did stop in the car park of Stac Pollaidh, but did not think it would be worthwhile with such bad weather, so we drove south instead sorry to have missed another great walk. Oh well, next time!!
Advice
As always we checked the weather forecast the day before, using BBC weather forecast and Mountain Information Weather Service. www.mwis.org.uk/ and www.bbc.co.uk/...
We found the route of the walk and description on www.walkhighla...
We also used a map borrowed from the local Library. Ordnance Survey Map Landranger 15 Loch Assynt, Lochinver & Kylesku Map
As always we advise wearing walking boots, taking food, water, wet weather clothes, hats, sun hats, map, compass and first aid kit etc.
To read the rest of Barbara's blog please use the web link
www.hikingwithd...
7 сен 2024
