The only Munros in Assynt, these two mountains are connected by a fine ridge and give a very rough but rewarding ascent combined with the amazing views characteristic of all the Assynt peaks.
Summary
The going can be fairly wet on the valley approach; higher up these mountains are rocky and largely scree-covered making for very rough going.
Terrain
NC251216
Grid ref
17km/10.5 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'
rating
Public transport
1. Park at the car park near the Inchnadamph Hotel. The walk begins a short distance further north along the road; follow the A837 over its bridge over the River Trallgill and then turn right onto a private road. This leads past the independent hostel and field centre and heads through a gate with an interpretative board. Continue on the road which crosses the Allt Poll an Droighinn on a concrete bridge with a wooden footbridge alongside; further on is the isolated white-washed holiday cottage of Glenbain.
2. Continue past Glenbain up the glen, passing to the right of a plantation after about another kilometre. Shortly after this the path forks; the right branch heads for the Traligill caves, popular with pot-holers, but to continue our route towards the mountains keep left. Keep on the north side of Gleann Dubh, which becomes narrower and steeper-sided - this section is often boggy underfoot.
3. The gradient levels off for a while before beginning a steeper ascent up the left side of the Allt a'Choinne Mhill. Much higher up a small hanging valley is reached, with the bealach between Conival and Beinn an Fhurain beyond. To reach the bealach a rocky band has to be ascended at the back of the hanging valley; this is most easily accomplished by crossing the stream and heading slightly to the right before scrambling easily up - there are one or two cairns. There is a fine view down the far side into Coire a'Mhadaidh, its lochan overshadowed by the impressive quartzite buttresses of Na Tuadhan.
4. From the bealach, head south up the quartzite scree slopes to reach a better defined section of ridge higher up. The ridge curves round to the left to reach the summit of Conival at a junction of three ridges. At 988 metres this is the first of the day's two Munros. The cairn takes the form of a wind-shelter and has grand views along Loch Assynt. The east ridge leads the eye across masses of scree slopes to Ben More Assynt.
5. Follow the narrow, bouldery crest of the east ridge. The ridge involves a slight scramble at first with crags on the right during the descent to the intervening bealach. Beyond the crest continues with more scree leading up to the summit of Ben More Assynt. At 998m this is the highest mountain over a vast area of Northern Scotland as well as being the second Munro of the day; the view is of a majestic, desolate, sweeping bare wilderness in all directions. The ridge leading south from Ben More Assynt is said to be a challenging scramble, but would lead many miles from the nearest road. Instead, the usual route of return is to retrace your steps back over Conival the way you came to return to Inchnadamph.
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