Ben Klibreck

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Ben Klibreck is a huge, isolated massif rising high at the heart of the vast, empty moorlands that comprise the central part of Sutherland. This route avoids the worst of the bogs by making an enjoyable approach along the ridge, through there are still a couple of wet sections. The fabulous summit views are of a remarkably empty land.

Terrain

Rough hill path, boggy and indistinct on some sections, with a steeper final ascent.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Layby at NC532271. 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

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Currently 2.87/531

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park about 2.5km north of the Crask Inn on the hard verge built for the winfarm. The walk begins on a boggy path / ATV track off the east side of the road, which heads a little south of east towards Cnoc Sgriodain across wet ground, soon passing through a gate. Above this the ascent begins to steepen, and higher on Cnoc Sgriodain the ground becomes much drier underfoot.

Stage 2

Continue climbing ENE to reach a large cairn; the path fades out once on the drier plateau area.

Stage 3

Continue along the ridge, passing another cairn and then descending to the next broad and peaty bealach, where the going becomes very boggy once more and the path reappears.

Stage 4

Peat hags make a less welcome appearance. The path continues up towards Creag an Lochain, but before reaching the summit it swings left to make a traverses across its western flanks. Note that this route is not likely to be suitable in winter when it would usually be better to follow the ridge.

Stage 5

Pass the bealach marked as point 688m on the Ordnance Survey map. Continue along the ridge of A'Chioch to reach the foot of the summit pyramid. Here the path turns east and heads up a rocky band before continuing up the grassy slopes above.

Stage 6

The final ascent is steep, with a couple of stony sections, but no real obstacles on the way up to Meall nan Con, the highest point of Ben Klibreck. At the top is both a summit cairn and the remains of two broken trig points. The views in all directions are of the vast empty spaces and moors of the far North - perfect desolation.

Stage 7

The best return is to retrace the outward route. For a little variation, you could visit the summit of Creag an Lochain overlooking Loch an Fhuarain.

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Ben Klibreck

Click to Install our FREE APP
Download our route guides and use offline with free GPS mapping

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Hillwalking in Winter

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Summits Climbed

Mapping and GPS

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