Arkle
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 where track leaves A838 1.5km north of Achfary; there is space before the private road sign.
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
As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others.
There are 13 user reports for this walk - click to read them.
