Arkle

Click to Install our FREE APP

Download our route guides and use offline with free GPS mapping

Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation

Arkle is a magnificent mountain: a shattered, curving ridge of quartzite. Second only to Foinaven for interest amongst the peaks of this region, it gives an excellent ascent with one narrow section of ridge.

Terrain

Good approach track, then pathless ascent up heather and stones. The ridge to the final summit is rocky, and exposed at one point with a little straightforward scrambling on sometimes slippery quartzite.

Public Transport

None to start, nearest bus Achfary (bus 805/806 from Durness and Lairg) 1.5km from start.

Start

Parking area along track from A838 1.5km north of Achfary; there is space before the private road sign and bridge. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Users' reports

Read about the experiences of our users on this route.
There are 17 reports from this walk - click to read them.

Write your own walk report on Walkhighlands to share your experience. £150 of gear to be won from Highlander for the best reports each month.
Add this walk to your wishlist.

  • Currently 3.90/510

User Rating
Log in to vote
gradegradegradegrade
Grade (key)

bog factorbog factor
Bog Factor (key)