Across Assynt: Elphin to Lochinver

Summary

This superb linear cross-country walk heads right through the wild heart of Assynt, passing between its remarkable mountains. The walk as described assumes transport will be arranged but there is also an infrequent bus service.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Path or track for almost whole route; indistinct and boggy at times. Outflow of Lochan Fada may be tricky to cross in spate.

Getting there

Start

Footpath sign / parking spot on A835 between Elphin and Ledmore junction.

Public Transport

Infrequent buses from Ullapool serve the start of the walk, and also Lochinver which is 2km from the end.

Start Grid Ref

NC233121

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 19km / 11.75 miles
Time: 5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 298m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk starts from a footpath sign (Lochinver 19km) by a gate and small parking area on the north side of the A835 between Elphin and Ledmore junction. Begin by passing through the gate and following a faint and very boggy path that heads over a low rise and then down to the southeastern shores of Cam Loch - a renowned trout loch. Suilven - ever-changing views of which dominate this entire walk - makes a perfect backdrop.

Stage 2

The path now improves a little, climbs just above the loch before running northwest above its shores. Eventually it passes through a gate in a deer fence before sloping back briefly down to the lochside. After a boggy stretch it climbs once more to reach a path junction. Here take the right branch, which heads northwards along a low, barren ridge towards Canisp.

Stage 3

The end-on view of Suilven - looking something like the Matterhorn from this angle - is stunning. The path - indistinct in places but cairned - turns northwest to eventually run above the southern shores of Lochan Fada. There is no bridge over the outflow of the loch, which can be crossed on stones in dry conditions, or waded; it may be difficult or dangerous to attempt in spate.

Stage 4

The path now continues down the north side of the Allt a' Ghlinne Dhorcha and eventually Loch na Gainimh, with the full ridge of Suilven now towering above. From this point the old path is shadowed or replaced by a rough ATV track. Once beyond the loch the track crosses a bridge over its outflow.

Stage 5

Further on, ignore the cairned path heading off left towards Suilven, instead staying on the track and crossing another bridge, continuing down the glen of the Abhainn na Clach Airigh.

Stage 6

After passing a walled enclosure there is a junction. A detour to the right here leads to Suileag Bothy; the bothy is an open shelter maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting. After visiting the bothy return to the track down the glen.

Stage 7

After several more kilometres Loch Druim Suardalain is reached. Continue to the complex of buildings at Glencanisp Lodge. From the lodge the track becomes a tarmac road; follow this for another kilometre or so to reaching the parking area. Suilven's outline has now changed completely, appearing as a remarkable dome. If no transport has been arranged here, Lochinver is a further 2km extension to the walk.

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