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Suilven: Climbing the lonely mountain

Arriving in Assynt in the far North West of Scotland is literally jaw-dropping, the landscape is so strange that you’d think you’d travelled to Mars. Rising above the turquoise seas and white sandy beaches are Assynt’s mountains – dramatic, otherworldly rock formations which give some of the best hillwalking days in the whole of Britain. The most famous of all the Assynt mountains is the mighty Suilven, a 731m high, 2km long rocky ridge rising straight up from sea level. Here is how to climb it.

How to climb Suilven

At 731m Suilven might be considered a wee hill in Scotland (Ben Nevis is nearly twice its height) but once seen, Suilven (pronounced Sool-ven) is a hill never to be forgotten – it is one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. Made up of two peaks – the quite unbelievable spire of Meall Meadhonach (its name ‘middle-round hill’ in English is, however, a little underwhelming) and the summit on the ‘grey castle’ or Caisteal Liath – the views from the top are simply incredible.

Suilven Mountain Scotland

Getting to Suilven takes effort and the walk in from Lochinver most of a day. At first, there is a wide track which winds its way through the through lochs, bogs and moorland of the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve and then a rocky path which is currently being restored by the Assynt Foundation.

At times the path never seems to get closer to the base of the hill, and once you do finally reach Loch a Choire Dub (loch of the black cliff is a rather apt name) at the foot of the mountain, you will start to wonder just how you are going to get up that cliff face…

Suilven Mountain Scotland

But up you go – following a small gully you climb directly up the face of the hill – although there is no scrambling required as the path zigzags sharply back and forth. As you reach the bealach and unsteadily get to your feet the view opens up all around you – it is not hyperbole to say it is simply awe-inspiring. Scramble up to the true summit to your right and the view opens up even further; on a clear day you can see all the way to Skye and the Western Isles – and all the way back to Lochinver.

How long does it take to climb Suilven?

Suilven is located in Assynt which is in the far north-west of Scotland and part of the region of Sutherland. The closest village to Suilven is Lochinver. To get to Suilven either walk in from Lochinver or if you are up early enough there is car parking just before you get to Glencansip Lodge on Cansip Road.

The climb and walk back will take around 8 hours from the car park before Glencansip Lodge. This is in summer and for generally fit walkers. I’d aim for a full 10 hours of daylight for your walk, longer if you have to walk all the way from Lochinver.  

Suilven Mountain Scotland

Best time to climb Suilven?

Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. Don’t attempt climbing Suilven in winter unless you are a specialist climber. For weather forecasts, I recommend you check out:

Suilven route maps

How hard is it to climb Suilven?

Whilst climbing Suilven is not technically hard, the hill is 6 miles from the nearest road and involves a near vertical hike to the summit and a very long walk back so bring plenty of food, water and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Thankfully there is an honesty shop at Glencansip Lodge which sells welcome cold drinks and ice creams about a mile from the car park so take some change. If you get vertigo, the climb to the summit from the bealach could be a little disorientating, I found the drop to the floor very far below swum before my eyes. My walking sticks were my steadying best friends!

Suilven Mountain Scotland

Suilven has just been the star of the Hollywood movie Edie – a film with the message is that it is never too late to challenge yourself. It might sound trite, but for me climbing Suilven marked the end of a decade that had had some incredible ups and heartbreaking and life-changing downs. Climbing Suilven was not just a challenge to see if I had the physical strength to get to the top (and the long walk back!) but a chance to say goodbye to a lot of things. Mountains are good for that and Suilven is one of the best.

Love, from Scotland x

You might also like: How to climb Stac Pollaidh 

Colin

Monday 20th of September 2021

An amazing looking mountain! I was in a group of 4 who climbed it in 1968. We actually took all our camping gear (including water) and camped the night on the grassy rounded summit. It was good weather and gave us heaps of time taking in the views. You may not be allowed to do that these days though, things change!

Annie

Wednesday 30th of June 2021

Just saw the movie, 'Edie'. Would love to hike up Mt Suilvan. On my bucket list. Great movie, great mountain. It would be a hill for those who live in the Rockies of the Southwest USA, but the incredible journey would make it worth it.

Brian Ferns

Tuesday 10th of September 2019

Visiting and staying with friends in Lochinver. From their conservatory. I was able to see that amazing dome of Suilvan towering over this small community. Never have I seen such an awesome view in all my life of 84 years.

Martin Taylor

Saturday 11th of January 2020

Hi Brian, My name is Martin Taylor; almost your age. I am 83. I had the joy of living in Sutherland for 13 years in the 60s and 70s. I climbed Suilvan from both ends and the middle. The seaward climb being the hardest but, the landward side (The pointy one!) was the longest as it is such a long walk to the base. I now live in New Zealand where we have climbs to kill for; many of which I have climbed, but not recently!! Most of the mountains in Sutherland have views to kill for. My favourite is Stac Pollaidh.

Chris

Sunday 2nd of June 2019

Going with my wife in June. Even more excited after reading your article.

Tom Eriksen

Thursday 30th of May 2019

Great article! I am visiting Scotland for the first time with my family this summer -good inspiration!