Canisp is a fine cone-shaped Corbett when seen from the west, and appears as a steep wall seen from the north. Its eastern slopes are much more open lower down and give the shortest ascent, the chief reward of which are the superb views of the surrounding Assynt peaks.
Mostly pathless ascent across fairly featureless stony terrain.
None to start.
Parking area (marked P) just north of Loch Awe on A837.
There is a parking area (marked with a P sign) on the A837 just north of Loch Awe. From the south end of the layby a rough and sometimes wet path heads directly southwest to reach a footbridge over the outflow of Loch Awe. Cross this and follow the boggy path, with ATV tyre tracks in the heather, to the WNW over a low brow before descending to cross the flat floodplain north of Loch na Gruagaich.
The path crosses the Allt Mhic Mhur chaidh Gheir burn - sometimes dry at this point in summer - and then heads northwest across the moor. The going underfoot becomes increasingly stony and the path soon runs out. Rather than continue directly up the highest ground it is better to bear slightly right to avoid climbing over point 307m (marked on OS 1:25 map). There are traces of a path once more above the burn. Cross a tributary at NC229172 and continue up the moor beside the main burn.
Cross another burn in a rocky gorge at NC227176 and continue the ascent. The view of Canisp is improving and the moorland terrain is finally left behind by ascending the stony dome of Meall Diamhain - the worst of the stones can be avoided by heading up a grassy band on the ascent and following this across the top. Cross the bealach beyond and continue heading west up the ridge, passing above a low but prominent little crag.
The wide and stony ridge curves to the right; on this section a path appears. Continue to cross a slight dip just before the final steeper pull up Canisp. At this point the tedium of the approach is quickly forgotten in good weather as there is a sudden, amazing view over the left from the bealach. Cul Mòr and Stac Pollaidh look very fine but it is Suilven that takes the breath away.
It is possible to avoid most of the stones on the remaining section of ascent to reach a flat grassy plateau. At the far side of this is the stony summit of Canisp, with two windshelter cairns a short distance apart. Suilven still dominates the view, rising steeply from Loch na Gainimh, but the steep ground falling to the west and north gives great depth and makes Canisp a superb viewpoint. Far below is a lochan-spattered moorland whilst fine, isolated mountains rise in all directions.
Little variation is possible on the descent if returning to the same point. Once back to the bealach with the first view of Suilven it is possible to save a little effort by following a faint stream between the two east facing ridges and head back to the bealach that links with Meall Diamhain. From here there is nothing to stop one taking a more direct route across the stony moorland back to the start, with views of Conival prominent along the way.
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