Suilven

Infobox Mountain
Name = Suilven/Sula Bheinn
Photo = Suilven looking east.jpg
Caption = Suilven: Meall Meadhonach seen from Caisteal Liath
Elevation = 731 m (2398 ft)
Location = Inverpolly, Scotland
Prominence = "c." 496 m
Topographic
OS "Landranger" 15
Grid_ref_UK = NC153183
Listing = Graham, Marilyn
Translation = The pillar
Language = Old Norse + Scottish Gaelic
Pronunciation = Soolven/Soolaven

Suilven (Scottish Gaelic: Sula Bheinn) is one of the most distinctive mountains in Scotland. Lying in a remote area in the far northwest of Sutherland, it rises almost vertically from a wilderness landscape of moorland, bogs and lochans known as Inverpolly.

The mountain forms a steep-sided ridge some 2 km in length. The highest point, known as "Caisteal Liath" (the "Grey Castle" in Scottish Gaelic), lies at the northwest end of this ridge. There are two other summits: "Meall Meadhonach" ("Round Middle Hill") at the central point of the ridge is 723 m high, whilst "Meall Beag" ("Round Little Hill") lies at the southeastern end.

Geologically, Suilven is formed of Torridonian sandstone, sitting on a landscape of Lewisian Gneiss. As the softer rocks eroded Suilven was left as an Inselberg, an "island-mountain", hence the prominence of the peak.

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 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 1.5 km 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 6 km after leaving the road, and shortly after crossing Abhainn na Clach Àirigh (a river), 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 little over 2 km. 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 4 km 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.

By Scottish standards all routes to Suilven are long days; all are around 25 km in length over rough terrain.

External links

*Computer generated summit panoramas [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/HLD/Suilven-N.gifNorth] [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/HLD/Suilven-S.gifSouth] [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas.html index]
* [http://www.assyntfoundation.org/ Assynt Foundation]