The Traverse of Assynt                                                                                                        UK Ultras

The Assynt region is home to one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Britain and includes some of its most illustrious peaks.  Although modest in height by Scottish standards, they rise dramatically from the surrounding bleak tableland as giant monoliths of rock, both mesmerising and captivating. The object of this route is a complete traverse of all its major peaks starting at Loch Lugainn below Stac Pollaidh and finishing at the Loch Glencoul viewpoint at Unapool near Kylescu.  It involves climbing 12 peaks (3 on Quinag), covering nearly 50 miles and ascending some 21,000 feet.  It may be completed either as a continuous traverse or with an overnight stop. There is a 48 hour time limit for both options.

Route

The object is to visit the 12 peaks listed below starting from the car park overlooking Loch Lugainn (GR NC 095 107) and finishing at the viewpoint overlooking Loch Glencoul (GR NC 321 235).  Use OS Explorer Maps 439 Coigach & Summer Isles and 442 Assynt & Lochinver.

Route Guidance:

1    Stac Pollaidh has two summits, either is acceptable for this route. Non-climbers are recommended to use a rope on the 'mauvais pas' when ascending the higher western summit.

2    Between Cul Mor and Suilven it is necessary to cross the Uidh Fhearna, a broad stretch of water between Loch Veyatie and Fionn Loch.  This was readily crossed in 2010 even after a period of heavy rain but it is worth checking beforehand to ensure a crossing is still practical.  Trekking poles may assist.  

3    Between Breabag and Ben More Assynt it is recommended you follow Andy Walmsley's advice contained in his guidebook (see below). Do not attempt a direct ascent of Conival's south-west face.  Instead skirt round into Garbh Coire and ascend some 300m of scree leading up to the ridge between Conival and Ben More Assynt   

Time Limit

There is a 48 hour time limit for all over 50's age categories. This allows for the route to be completed in two ways as defined below.

Standard Class - over two days with an overnight stop.  The overnight stop may be made away from the breakpoint on the route. Transport is allowed to and from the breakpoint to the overnight stop but the time must be included within the 48 hours.  

First Class - as a continuous traverse with a maximum break of 1 hour at any point and subject to a maximum of 7 hours between any two peaks.  For those requiring something more demanding suggested informal targets are:  V50/55 - 24 hours start to finish, V60/65 - 24 hours summit to summit.

Schedule

Click on the icon to view/print a pdf of the schedule.

Registration

Click on the icon to view/print a pdf of the registration form.

Links and Further Information

□   Over the hill... and far away - a treble at 60! ,Tony Wimbush (The Fellrunner, Autumn 2010) - an article which includes a brief account of the inaugural 2010 traverse.

□   Inchnadamph Lodge - hostel type B & B accommodation, twin rooms available.

□   The Assynt Foundation  -  an overview of the region.

□   The Corbetts and other Scottish Hills (SMC Hillwalkers Guide,2002) - includes all the peaks in the Assynt region except for the two Munros - Conival and Ben More Assynt.

□   Walking in Scotland's Far North, Andy Walmsley (Cicerone, 2003) - includes a useful section on the peaks within the Assynt region.

Cul Mor, Suilven & Canisp from north-east of Stac Pollaidh (DJ Macpherson)

(© Copyright djmacpherson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence )