Across Assynt: Elphin to Lochinver

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

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.

Terrain

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

Public Transport

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

Start

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

There are no walk reports for this walk. Why not write the first?
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.

Currently 3.50/52

User Rating
Log in to vote

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Description

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.

Can you help support Walkhighlands?

Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.

Across Assynt: Elphin to Lochinver

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

Mapping and GPS

Does your firm want to sponsor this route?

Accommodation