Suilven. October 2016.

PLEASE NOTE: The GPX trace on this route is for use as a guide only, its accuracy may change depending on the scale of map you are using. Use in combination with judgement and a paper map. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk. Trail magazine, Copyright Bauer Media Limited.


Distance 18.9km (11¾ miles) (+6km road walk if no transport back to start)

Total ascent 1170m

Time 7-8 hours

Start parking en route to Glencanisp Lodge (NC107219);

Finish River Kirkaig car park (NC086193)

Terrain a long and demanding route: a good approach path, then boggier ground and a very steep, rocky ascent; descent is equally steep with a long walk-out on boggy paths to the good path down the River Kirkaig

NC107219 Starting from the parking area on the road to Glencanisp Lodge, continue along the road and take a left fork to pass behind the lodge. From here head right, the road becoming a gravel track with great views ahead of Suilven and Canisp.

NC147209 At Suileag, 4.5km from the start, the track splits. Here you take the right fork to pass in front of a lovely old wall of a sheiling (shepherd’s hut). This brings you alongside the Abhainn na Clach Airigh. The track crosses the river via a bridge just beyond Lochan Buidhe. From here, climb gently until you reach a cairn.

NC167196 From the cairn turn off the track onto a path to the right (this is before the second bridge marked on the map). This small path is boggy at first and ascends a series of shelves in the landscape to come to Loch a’Choire Dhuibh. The path takes you round the west side of the loch between it and some smaller lochans to reach the base of the climb to the bealach. The route up is steep and eroding in places but the zigzags in the path make it fairly straightforward and the narrow, airy bealach (at 600m) is soon reached. From here the views south over to Stac Pollaidh and the Inverpolly Estate are breathtaking.

NC157181 To gain the highest top, Caisteal Liath (the ‘Grey Castle‘), follow the path right over a couple of lumps and some exposed sections of ridge before the final climb up some step-like rocks to the summit (731m). The top itself is surprisingly large and flat with stunning 360º views to take in.

NC153183 From the summit, head back to the bealach then right, down a path on the other side. This takes you first down a steep scree gully before giving way to a slightly less steep path cutting diagonally down the hillside below crags. A final steep descent via the side of a small gully brings you onto the level by a burn. Follow the burn to meet a path at Fionn Loch.

NC142169 Go right along the path, which is very boggy in places. It runs the length of Fionn Loch, bending round the north-west end to pass between it and Loch Uidh na Ceardaich. You then double back on yourself to walk down the other side of the loch. There is a great view back to Suilven here with Fionn Loch in the foreground. 

NC118180 When the path splits, take the right fork, happily cutting a corner to come to the River Kirkaig. Follow the path down the River Kirkaig detouring, if you have the energy, to see the beautiful Falls of Kirkaig. The path ends at a small road; head left along it to reach the main singletrack road by the parking area.

NC085193 If you don’t have a lift/transport, return to Lochinver by following this singletrack road.