Munros 12 and 13: Conival and Ben More Assynt

[Walk cycle]

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After my excellent day on Foinaven I enjoyed a comfortable night at the Durness Smoo SYHA. Thunder had been predicted and a really terrific storm in the early hours had awoken me. I could hear the thunder and see the lightning through the windows.

Durness after the storm

I had intended to walk that day too but the forecast wasn't great and I opted for a short stroll on Oldshoremore Bay and a nap in the car. I also visited the Balnakeil Craft Village and had a coffee at Cocoa Mountain.

Oldshoremore

I chatted to other walkers and cyclists at the hostel, had an early night and prepared myself for Ben More Assynt and Conival. Having only visited Scotland once a year to hill walk my concentration on the Far North meant my Munro tally was still quite low. So having climbed Ben Hope on the previous Sunday and Klibreck three years ago it was time to add a few more to my tally, not that munro bagging is my sole aim; I choose hills that appeal (Arkle/Suilven etc) but I am definitely developing a Munro itch!

I left Durness early and stopped a few times to take photos - near Gualin House and before Kylesku.

Cranstackie

Foinaven

I arrived at Inchnadamph at 8.30.

Inchnadamph

It was cloudy over the summits but visibility was good and the day would warm up giving me a glowing face by the time of my return.

Headed past Inchnadamph, over the foot bridge and followed the path that ran alongside the River Traligill. There was a good path, muddy on the lower slopes in places and I enjoyed some easy scrambling up to the col.

Cloudy summit of Conival

Looking back to Inchnadamph and Loch Assynt

The path that follows River Traligill

Canisp

Waterfall

Band of rock

Suilven comes into view on the Assynt skyline

Approached the summit on a clear path and was soon at the summit.

Coire a'Mhadaidh

Path and boulders below Conival

Quinag

Braebeg

River Oykel

Conival cairn

Helicopter

Loch Shin

Arkle and Foinaven visible from the ridge

Ridge

Rain cloud

Rock

A break in the clouds


Dubh Loch Mor

Braebeg from ridge


Approaching Ben More Assynt

After the quiet of Foinaven, the ridge was busy on the return.

Ben More Assynt summit

North

Folds - my favourite image of the day

Ridge from Ben More Assynt

Blue sky Quinag

The ridge continues

Great view

Looking back to Ben More Assynt

From Conival


Heading back


Quinag


Ben Stack/Arkle/Foinaven


Conival descent

Ullapool evening

A super day. My only regret was not stopping to take a photo of Suilven from just before Elphin. Suilven looked like a ship that had been moored in the middle of Assynt (its photogenic qualities obviously appreciated by the makers of Highlands - Scotland's Wild Heart, I noticed at least two panoramic shots of it).I camped at Ullapool and readied myself for the long car journey home: Ullapool to Liverpool! My Munro count had increased and I am ready for new mountain walks in Scotland, perhaps not so far North next time.

[Avocetboy]

Excellent report, as always, WC

We are up there next week and am considering these two with wife and 9 year old. How tough is the walk? is it a good path all the way? any exposure? navigation to and on the ridge between the two straight forward?

Paul

[Walk cycle]

Excellent report, as always, WC

We are up there next week and am considering these two with wife and 9 year old. How tough is the walk? is it a good path all the way? any exposure? navigation to and on the ridge between the two straight forward?

Paul

Good morning and thanks.

I didn't write much text in the report as I found it a straightforward walk - I did read guidebooks and other WH reports prior to going. The weather was good which was an advantage for my walk, so I had no problems with navigation. The route along the River Traligill was clear though a little tricky for a couple of metres where I had to hold on to the vegetation, but nothing difficult. The approach was muddy on parts up to the col and I did get very muddy gaiters - but that is nothing new for me. The crossing of the Allt a' Chine Mhill required care but there had been lot of rain - if I had gone a little higher it would have been easier - something I did on the return. There is a clear path to Conival from the col. I found the route to Ben More Assynt very rough but not difficult, it required care. There were lots of people on the hill that day and saw at least 3 /4 young people some under 10 I would guess. Perhaps walk to Conival and then decide if you want to go further - Conival has great views. If you need more information then let me know. I'm pretty much still a novice but it was fine, however the return, as always, was a lot more tiring than the ascent. Have a great time and I look forward to your reports.