Discover Assynt - Walk & Climb

Assynt includes, and is surrounded by, spectacular mountains, most of which rise up from an undulating landscape of Lewisian Gneiss as isolated peaks of reddish-brown Torridonian sandstone, often topped with a layer of pale quartzite. (The geology of the area is, of course, famous!)

Climbers - whether experienced or not - are spoiled for choice here. There are two Munros in the area - Ben More Assynt and Conival, located on the eastern edge of Assynt. These two are generally tackled together, and are approached by a path leading up from Inchnadamph, through the Traligill river valley. The actual peaks are separated by a narrow ridge of shattered quartzite that runs for a distance of one mile.

Of the other hills - Canisp, Glas Bheinn, Breabag, and the multi-topped Quinag - all attain 'Corbett' status (over 2500ft, 762m).

The craggy-topped Stac Pollaidh and spectacular Suilven both fail to reach Corbett height by a fair margin.

Suilven is perhaps Assynt’s most famous hill and one of the most instantly recognisable mountains in the Highlands, standing alone, looking down on Lochinver and offering the best views in Scotland - if not the world!

Always ensure you are properly equipped with a good map and suitable clothing before heading for the hills as the weather can change rapidly.

Walkers too will find Assynt an absolute paradise.

The choice of routes is endless. Wherever you go, you can always be assured of stunning views and - if it is what you want - you can walk all day and not see another soul.

On the other hand, you may decide to take one of the more popular paths such as the one to the Falls of Kirkaig.

For the more adventurous, the ridges offer a delightful prospect of scrambling over ledges and pinnacles.

Or you may prefer a coastal walk to the Old Man of Stoer, and a breath-taking view of this amazing sea stack.

There are a multitude of low level walks possible such as the 19km walk from Elphin to Glencanisp passing between Canisp and Suilven. In particular there are good stalkers paths which can be followed across undulating moorland and around the foot of the mountains.

Many paths take the visitor along the jagged coastline
of high cliffs and sandy beaches, others go inland
along peat roads steeped in history.

These and other walks (31 in all) are described and graded in an excellent leaflet produced by the Assynt Footpaths Group called “Walks around Assynt”.

You can also purchase “Making more of Assynt” by the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team, or view the CD Rom in the Assynt Visitor Centre.

All the walks are covered by the OS Landranger Map 15.

Leaflets, books and maps are available from The Visitor Centre, the newsagent or from Achins Bookshop.

Most of these walks exist through the goodwill of the local crofters and landowners. We ask all visitors to take care to respect the needs of those seeking to make a living in the countryside.

Please keep dogs under tight control especially from March to May. A playful dog, even at a distance, can unwittingly cause deaths when pregnant ewes panic and run.

During the deer stalking season (20th Aug to 20th Oct for stags and hinds during the winter) we ask all visitors to proceed with caution. To check if a stalk is in progress you should phone the Estate.