Suilven

**Suilven**
	Suilven
Sutherland
; Suilven: Meall Meadhonach and Meall Beag from north-west
Summit:	2,398 ft NC153183 ; 58°6’54"N, 5°8’13"W

Suilven is one of the most distinctive mountains in the Highlands. It is found in a remote area in the west of Sutherland, in the parish of Assynt, and rises almost vertically from a wilderness landscape of moorland, bogs and lochans known as Inverpolly National Nature Reserve.

The mountain's name is from the Old Norse language, meaning "Pillar".

Suilven forms a steep-sided ridge over a mile in length. The highest point, known as Caisteal Liath (the 'Grey Castle'), lies at the north-west end of this ridge. There are two other summits: Meall Meadhonach (Middle Round Hill) at the central point of the ridge is 2,372 feet high, whilst Meall Beag ('Little Round Hill') lies at the south-eastern end.

Geologically, Suilven is formed of Torridonian sandstone, sitting on a landscape of Lewisian Gneiss. As the softer surrounding rocks eroded, a process whose duration can be counted in hundreds of millions of years, Suilven was left as an isolated mountain, hence its prominence.

From the coast to the west Suilven looks like a large grey pillar, hence the name which it was given by sea-borne Vikings. From the inland side the mountain has more of the appearance of a steeply-sided pyramid.

In 2005 Glencanisp estate, of which Suilven forms part and the neighbouring Drumrunie estate, were bought by the local community with the help of the John Muir Trust. The Assynt Foundation aims to create local employment and safeguard the natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of the community and future generations, and for the enjoyment of the wider public.

Ascent

The most common route of ascent starts from the end of the public road that leads to Glencanisp Lodge, about a mile from Lochinver to the west of the summit. From here a path leads across undulating moorland toward the mountain, which will be seen clearly ahead. About four miles after leaving the road, and shortly after crossing the river, Abhainn na Clach Àirigh, a cairn marks the spot where one should leave the path. A boggy path leads towards Suilven, reaching Bealach Mòr (the Great Bealach) after a mile and a half. The final pull up to the bealach is steep, and the path is much eroded, but from here the summit is easily attained.

The summit itself is broad and grassy, though it is almost totally surrounded by vertical cliffs.

Another route starts from Inverkirkaig, some 2½ miles south of Lochinver: this route reaches the bealach from the south, passing Kirkaig Falls on the way. One may also start from Elphin, on the eastern side. It is possible to reach the ridge without first climbing to Bealach Mòr from this direction, though very exposed scrambling is required, particularly between Meall Meadhonach and Meall Beag.

All routes to Suilven are long days; all are around 15 miles long over rough terrain.