A popular and straightforward Corbett with lovely views over Assynt and Coigach including Stac Pollaidh and Suilven with Loch Veyatie in between.
Summary
Good path to start with then a wetter path rising up the first section leading to a pathless section with stony boulders near the summit.
Terrain
NC189095
Grid ref
11km/6.75 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Layby on A835 just north of the Knockan Crag visitor centre.
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1. From the layby go through the gate and follow the well made stalker's path. It soon reaches a metal gate and continues for another two kilometres. There are good views back of the Knockan Crag. In front, Suilven looms into view just before the large cairn which marks the spot where the path turns up the south-east shoulder of Cul Mor is reached. This is a broad slope, heathery and very wet in places underfoot. There is a faint path which deteriorates in the boggy sections.
2. After two kilometres of gentle climbing the ground levels out to form a plateau before the final steep flank of Cul Mor. The least steep approach is to skirt round to the right and ascend the north-east ridge, however it is possible to also take a route half way between the north-east ridge and the steepest part of the slope as shown on the map for this walk. Whichever route is taken there is a short section of boulders to be crossed before the summit is reached.
3. The summit of Cul Mor is marked by a cairn and a trig point with a stone shelter. On a fine day there are spectacular views out to sea and across the surrounding landscape of Assynt and Coigach. The summit plateau is made up of large sandstone flat rocks which make a good change from the heathery and rocky ascent. It is worth exploring the plateau to take in all the different views.
4. From the col between the two summits there is a particularly fine view of Stac Pollaidh and Loch Veyatie which can be seen by walking to the far west side of the shoulder and then ascending a small nobble which extends out over the west flank of Cul Mor. It is also worth climbing to the top of the second summit, Creag nan Calman at 828 metres.
5. Whilst it is possible to descend from Creag nan Calman, the less steep route from the col is described here. Descend east from the centre of the col, keeping to the north of the stream. There is no path but the walking on a heathery slope is straightforward although it gets steeper and wetter nearer to the bottom. Skirt around to the left once the bottom of the first steep section of Cul Mor is reached and then climb back across to the plateau of Meallan Diomhain to rejoin the outward path.
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