Ben Klibreck is a huge, isolated massif rising high above the vast, empty moorlands that comprise the central part of Sutherland. The usual ascent route is rough, boggy and steep but this route makes a longer but more enjoyable approach along the ridge. The fabulous summit views are of a remarkably empty land.
Summary
Track and moorland ridges, boggy in places, with a steeper final ascent.
Terrain
NC532271
Grid ref
14km/8.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Users'
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Public transport
1. There is a parking layby about 2.5km north of the Crask Inn - or 150m or so south from Vagastie Bridge. From here an all terrain vehicle track heads a little south of east towards Cnoc Sgriodain - 'The Kronk' to locals, soon passing through a steel gate. As the ascent begins to steepen at about 450m the track bears off right to curve around Cnoc Sgriodain; leave it here and continue climbing ENE to reach the cairn.
Photo: Black Panther
2. Continue along the ridge, passing a second cairn and then down to the next bealach. The all terrain vehicle tracks reappear at times along the ridge, fading in out and of view as you climb to the east. Peat hags make a less welcome appearance. Rather than continue all the way up to Creag an Lochain, it is possible to pick up a clear path which traverses its western flanks.
Photo: Black Panther
3. These lead to the bealach marked as point 688 metres on the Ordnance Survey map. At this point the well-trodden trade route to the mountain climbs up to the ridge from the west - however its final slope is very steep and lower down the bogs are unrelenting - the ridge route described here is preferable. Continue along the ridge of A'Chioch, giving much easier going.
Photo: Black Panther
4. From A'Chioch the route turns east for the final ascent to Meall nan Con, the highest point of Ben Klibreck. Although this is another couple of hundred metres higher the climb is very straightforward compared to that up to the bealach. At the top is both a summit cairn and a trig point.
Photo: Black Panther
5. The best return is to retrace the outward route. For a little variation, you could visit the summit of Creag an Lochain overlooking Loch an Fhuarain.
Photo: Black Panther
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